Synergistic Wellness

Effects of Synthetic/Hormonal Birth Control and How to Get Off of it

Effects of Synthetic/Hormonal Birth Control and How to Get Off of It

Women opt for birth control for a myriad of reasons – the obvious being in its name. Yet, for myself and countless others, it's not just about preventing pregnancy. It's a remedy for lightening periods, alleviating cramps, or even halting menstruation altogether. Some follow doctor's orders to address acne, while others simply adhere to it because tradition dictates so. It's part of the societal norm right? Even in my experience, not being on birth control had led to unwarranted shame, with warnings that I'm playing with fire.

But, oh, the things they didn't disclose. Firstly, the pill disrupts your gut microbiome, creating an environment ripe for overgrowth and yeast infections. If you're on a health journey, you're well aware that synthetic disruptions in your gut are a big no-no.

Then there are the physical side effects. Not only does the pill shrink the clitoris, but it also reduces the uterus to the size of a postmenopausal woman. It's evident that constriction of our reproductive space is unhealthy – tightness does not equate to better. In fact, this tightness can lead to womb issues and manifest as jaw problems like popping, clicking, or clenching. Weight Gain is another common side effect along with tender breasts, elevated blood pressure, potential of blood clots, migraines, and a decrease in sex drive. This doesn’t happen to everyone but it happens for many (every female I know) including myself. 

A prevalent misconception surrounds the pill's supposed hormone-balancing benefits. In reality, it suppresses natural hormone function by disrupting communication pathways between endocrine glands and pelvic organs like the ovaries and uterus. While acne may clear, mood may improve, and cysts may shrink temporarily, it's merely a band-aid solution to a deeper problem. When women cease taking the pill, old symptoms often resurface with a vengeance. Attempting to mask issues through birth control can further harm the body.

Some pills actually prevent ovulation and menstruation but here’s the thing, you WANT and NEED to ovulate. Ovulation provides a beautiful cocktail of natural hormones that support breast health, bone health, cardiovascular health, and brain health. No wonder so many women experience brain fog and all of the other side effects when on this kind of birth control.  

On a somber note, hormonal contraceptives interfere with our body's natural compatibility indicators. Our released pheromones convey messages to potential mates, signaling whether our DNA aligns well. Unfortunately, the pill not only disrupts but alters pheromone production, disorienting our internal compass for identifying ideal potential mates.

One significant challenge of being on the pill lies in disrupting our natural cycle and infradian rhythm. When thrown off our natural phases, navigating our inner and outer worlds becomes more challenging. To truly harness the power of womanhood, it's crucial to understand the inner workings of our biology and energetics. This mastery is impeded when our cycle is scattered, disrupted, and discombobulated.

I’d like to briefly touch base on IUDs and may even create an article to fully encompass this topic as well. If you have to choose between an IUD and the Pill, I'd say IUD all the way, but it still isn’t something I would willingly choose either. They are better at not disrupting your hormones (unless you have a hormonal IUD) so you are still able to ovulate and even menstruate sometimes but often they still have reports of similar side effects to the pill including hair loss, weight gain, breast pain, and anxiety or depression. One of the biggest notes here though is, your body knows there is a foreign object in it and often will do everything in its power to dispel it, kind of like a sliver. Which can also create major imbalances in your vaginal PH which leads to increased risk of infections. 

So, how do you transition off birth control while still safely preventing pregnancy?

Firstly, the most helpful way would be to embrace the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) on all required levels with dedicated discipline. Here is an article breaking down this method. Expect your cycle to undergo significant fluctuations for a couple of months as hormones strive to return to a normal rhythm.

The next step involves detoxing from the synthetic hormones introduced into your body, with a primary focus on cleansing your liver. Consider incorporating the following plant aids:

  • Dandelion root
  • Milk thistle
  • Red clover blossoms (a natural phytoestrogen to build up natural estrogen and flush out synthetic estrogen)
  • Potassium-rich foods
  • Juicing
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Adding lemon to your water (be cautious of citrus corrosion on teeth, so do this heavily for a short period or drink through a straw)

Subsequently, increase your movement, get your blood flowing, and engage your body in various activities. Long walks, swimming, practicing Yoga, playing tennis – find what motivates you to move and stimulate the removal of toxins within your body.

Restoring gut health is vital after synthetic hormones alter it. As the gut and womb are interconnected, some women coming off birth control may experience vaginal infections while the gut is rejuvenating. Here are a few food suggestions to rebalance your gut health:

  • Kimchi
  • Kefir
  • Sauerkraut
  • Miso
  • Any natural probiotic food (be cautious about dairy sources if included in your diet)

To fortify this, start eating helpful foods for your cycle! We have another article focused directly on this topic as well here with a bonus attachment of a grocery list.

Consistency is key in maintaining your newfound health. Depending on the duration and sensitivity to birth control, your body may take some time to recalibrate. However, with steadfast commitment to health through movement and mindful consumption, the body will flush out and move through the transition. Taking back your life by getting off synthetic birth control doesn't have to be a pain. The more dedicated you are to your health, the faster your body will return to it's natural rhythm which allows life to be more fruitful in so many ways. A clear mind, happy gut, greater focus, better attitude, a deeper connection with cyclical rhythms to name a few all seem pretty worth it at least to me

Sources:

https://drbrighten.com/birth-control-what-your-doctor-didnt-tell-you/?gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsp6pBhCfARIsAD3GZuZwMK4mF7u_OgdWyX8MJr-IMlKfPpuJe83BPkX5Y5Fx646tSFDanw0aApI6EALw_wcB 

Wombenwellness.com 

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