Women choose to stop taking birth control for various reasons, such as trying to conceive, wanting a break from daily pills, or personal preferences. Whatever the reason, we aim to provide you with information that may help you understand what to expect.
This article will discuss changes and symptoms you might experience after stopping the pill, lab tests that could be beneficial for monitoring hormones, and ways to support your body as it adjusts.
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Things to Know When Stopping Birth Control
After discontinuing birth control, the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which was previously influenced by hormonal contraceptives, may begin to send signals again. As your hormones adjust, you might notice changes in your cycle, hormones, and mood.
Cycle Length
Many women report having a period within 30 days of stopping birth control. In some cases, it could take up to 3 months for your cycle to find a regular pattern. This also depends on your body's usual rhythm before birth control.
Delayed or absent periods can occur due to delayed ovulation and hormonal adjustments. Delayed ovulation may happen after using combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives (COCs), which affect ovulation by influencing certain hormones. As these pathways are no longer influenced, normal production and communication between hormonal signals might take time to resume. Hormonal adjustments often occur due to the withdrawal of oral contraceptive hormones.
Estrogen and Progesterone balance are important in re-establishing pathway function. Removing birth control may mean your body needs time to return to its usual flow.
Your Periods Could Become Heavier and More Painful
Heavy periods affect one-third of women. After stopping birth control, some women may return to previous cycle patterns, including menorrhagia, due to the time it takes for estrogen and progesterone to self-regulate.
Your Libido May Increase
Some women may notice an increase in their sex drive. While on birth control, you might have experienced discomfort during sexual activities, leading to less interest in intimacy. Stopping birth control may help with discomforts such as vaginal dryness and may support libido. Birth control pills can also influence your sex drive by affecting testosterone levels. Testosterone is associated with sexual desire, so you might notice changes in libido as hormone levels adjust.
Your Mood May Change
Mood changes such as feeling down, anxious, or irritable are possible when stopping birth control. Women who experienced mood swings while on birth control or before may notice these changes.
A prospective cohort study in Denmark looked at one million women ages 15 to 34 over 14 years and assessed the relationship between hormonal birth control and subsequent mood changes. The study results suggest that mood changes are a potential effect of hormonal birth control.
*Note: If you experience mood changes while taking birth control, it is best to consult with your doctor to address this before discontinuing contraceptives.
You Can Get Pregnant Rather Quickly
Increased libido combined with the return of ovulation can lead to pregnancy. If getting pregnant is your goal, then you may be on the right track. One study found that at 12 months post oral contraceptive use, women had a quick return to fertility. Another study following 21 women of childbearing age showed that 18 of the 21 women were pregnant within 13 months of stopping birth control.
Functional Medicine Labs to Consider Post Birth Control
Although it is not required to have labs when discontinuing birth control, it could be a proactive way to support your health. Assessing hormones, nutrient status, and liver function are tests that might be helpful for those experiencing hormone-related symptoms, changes in periods, or PMS.
Hormone Testing
There are three methods of testing sex hormones- urine, blood, and salivary. Blood testing, such as the Female Hormone Panel by Precision Point, can provide a snapshot of sex hormones. It's a good baseline test for women who have been off birth control for three months and their cycles are becoming regular. If symptoms arise after stopping birth control, this test can be used to see if more extensive hormone testing is needed.
The Comprehensive Hormone Profile by Doctor's Data is a salivary test that provides information on active and bioavailable sex hormones and cortisol patterns throughout the day.
The DUTCH Complete urine test by Precision Analytical (DUTCH) is a comprehensive test for sex hormones and their metabolites. If your cycles do not self-regulate after stopping birth control, or you have a previous diagnosis such as PCOS, this test might provide helpful insights!
Nutrient Testing
Obtaining a CBC can be helpful to check for any pre-existing anemia or other nutrient deficiencies. The Micronutrient Test by SpectraCell Laboratories can also be valuable, as hormonal birth control is known to affect levels of certain vitamins and minerals, particularly B2, B12, B6, Folate, Zinc, Magnesium, and Selenium.
Liver Function Evaluation
Long-term use of birth control can influence liver enzymes and cholesterol markers. Obtaining a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel and Lipid Panel can provide insights into liver function. A 100-participant study evaluated the lipid profiles of women ages 21 to 40. The results showed that total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglycerides were higher among women taking oral contraceptives compared to those who were not.
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6 Natural Ways to Support Hormone Balance Post Birth Control
Below are 6 natural ways that may help support hormone balance after birth control:
1. Nutrition
Maintaining a diet rich in whole foods, fresh produce, macronutrients, and fiber can support hormone production, stress response, and the return of ovulation.
Protein, carbohydrates, and fats are all important for hormone production and regulating ovulation. Healthy options include wild-caught fish, legumes, sweet potatoes, and oils such as avocado, coconut oil, or olive oil.
Including foods such as flaxseed, broccoli, and cashews may help support hormone balance after birth control. Flaxseed has properties that can help support ovulatory processes by influencing sex hormone action. Phytoestrogens are also important, as they are antioxidants that help support the natural function of estrogen.
2. Herbs
Vitex Agnus (Chaste tree berry) may help adjust hormones by influencing prolactin levels, which can support the development of the corpus luteum and progesterone levels. One randomized-controlled double-blind placebo study found that Vitex may help relieve mild to moderate symptoms of PMS. If you started birth control to help balance hormones, Vitex might be an option to consider if hormone balance is a concern post-birth control.
Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (JWXYS) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula often used for PMS and stress relief. Studies suggest that JWXYS may play a role in mood support by influencing neurotransmitters and other biological pathways.
The adaptogen, Ashwagandha, is a botanical used in traditional medicine that may help manage stress. This plant is thought to support cortisol levels as your body responds to stress, potentially making it easier to adapt to internal changes.
3. Supplements
A 2003 cross-sectional study looked at the status of homocysteine, folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 in 219 healthy women. Results indicated that those who routinely took oral contraceptives had lower levels of vitamins B6 and B12. Other nutrients that may be affected include Magnesium and Zinc. Taking a high-quality Vitamin B complex, along with Magnesium and Zinc, might support nutrient restoration.
Essential fatty acids are important for cellular communication, and Omega-3 Fatty acids supplementation may provide anti-inflammatory benefits that support overall well-being.
4. Stress Reduction
Managing stress by using relaxation techniques, organizing your life, and enjoying hobbies can be helpful for cortisol regulation. The stress hormone cortisol interacts with sex hormones. If cortisol is chronically elevated, it can lead to further imbalances. Finding a balance between work and play can support hormone health!
5. Sleep
Our bodies follow a circadian rhythm, meaning the daily cycle of 24 hours affects how our body functions. Aiming for 7-9 hours of restorative sleep per night is generally recommended for optimal health. Some women may experience sleep disturbances due to hormonal shifts, and in those cases, consulting a doctor for guidance is advisable.
6. Exercise
A meta-analysis on physical activity and sex hormones suggested that movement may help regulate hormone levels. Regular physical activity, such as walking, weight training, yoga, or HITT, has shown positive effects on hormone regulation. Finding a routine that works for you and can be maintained at least three times a week is beneficial.
*Note: Always consult with a doctor before stopping hormonal birth control. They can provide guidance on how to do it safely and what to expect.
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Summary
While hormone adjustments after stopping birth control can affect many women, there are ways to support your body through this process. Transitioning off birth control can be smoother with a well-thought-out plan. Considering your body's needs in terms of nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes can help as you move away from the pill.
Some women may adjust quickly, while others might benefit from consulting a healthcare provider. Obtaining labs and gaining an individualized understanding of your body's needs may be a helpful path to supporting hormone health!
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