The invention and advancement of birth control was a significant breakthrough for both men and women, medically and socially. Thanks to modern medicine, women now have several safe options for hormonal birth control to find one that works best for them. There can be a few drawbacks and symptoms when women decide to get off of hormonal birth control. Here is all you need to know about birth control, its side effects, and how to get off of it safely.

How Birth Control Works

Hormonal birth control produces artificial hormones that go into the bloodstream and regulates menstruation. The artificial hormones stop or reduce ovulation and thin the uterus lining so that a fertilized egg is less likely to attach. There are different types of hormonal contraceptives:

• Implant
• Intrauterine device (IUD)
• Injections
• Pills
• Vaginal rings
• Skin patches

Each type of contraceptive contains different levels of hormones, estrogen, and progesterone. Most hormonal contraceptives are at least 98% effective. Women determine with their doctor which form is best for them. However, women can experience many side effects, ranging from hair loss and nausea to weight gain and depression. 

What Happens When You Get Off Birth Control?

Stopping hormonal birth control can cause different side effects in people. The symptoms and side effects usually disappear gradually. The side effects result from your body regulating your hormones after the artificial hormones are no longer being introduced into the bloodstream. The artificial hormones are only active as long as they are in the bloodstream. The liver is responsible for cleaning the blood, breaking down any medications, and removing toxins from the body. 

When women suddenly stop taking hormonal contraceptives, their hormones are imbalanced, and it can take a few weeks to a few months to regulate again. The longest part of the recovery from getting off of birth control is getting the body back to regular period cycles. The series of symptoms experienced after getting off of birth control is usually referred to as post-birth control syndrome. Some of the most common side effects are:

• Mood swings
• Trouble getting pregnant
• Lack of period or irregular period
• Headaches and migraines
• Acne
• Changes in sex drive
• Hair loss
• Spotting
• Digestive problems

The Detox Process After Birth Control

Your body naturally detoxes itself through the liver, so there isn’t a medical necessity to detox. However, many women seek a detox to help rid their bloodstream of the artificial hormones and to help regulate their cycles quicker. Everybody is different, and women can experience post-birth control syndrome in different ways; detoxing can help reduce some of those symptoms. Most detox programs focus on filtering organs, including the digestive, endocrine, and reproductive systems. 

There are different kinds of cleanses and detoxes, but they typically contain a mix of vitamins, herbs, and minerals. Some are injections, pills, or powders. Seeing a medical professional can help you decide what form is best for your health. Some of the known vitamins that are in the detoxes are folic acid, vitamins C, E, & B, and zinc. 

Here are some ways to help balance hormones when getting off of birth control:

• Getting enough sleep. About 7-8 hours a night. 
• Eating a balanced diet with nutrient-dense and probiotic-rich foods. Incorporating more fiber and healthy fats into everyday meals. 
• Regular exercise. It’s recommended to get about 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise.
• Ingest clay or activated charcoal. Clay and charcoal aid in removing toxins from the body. 
• Getting adequate Vitamin D. This can be through supplements or going outdoors more. 
• Maintaining a moderate body weight. Fluctuating weight can further imbalance the hormones. 
• Avoiding caffeine, smoking, and limiting alcohol. 
• Spring or filtered water with high-quality salt. Adding a pinch of salt helps absorb water. 
• Embrace nature. Going outside more often helps with vitamin D and gives your body a chance to heal. 

Everyone’s past and current lifestyle contributes to their hormone imbalance while coming off of contraceptives. A medical professional will ask about your eating, sleeping, and lifestyle habits in order to recommend healthy options to help your body balance your hormones and return to a regular period cycle.

Detox Your Body With Biocure

Making the decision to get off of hormonal contraceptives can be a big one, and many women tend to wait to stop their contraceptives because they don’t want to experience post-birth control syndrome. At Biocure, we understand the importance of women’s health and want to make the transition off birth control to be as smooth and painless as can be. For more information, schedule an appointment today.