I’m about to get REAL up in here. And I’m definitely a little uncomfortable talking about it, but I feel like more people should be talking about this…so here we go – I recently got off of birth control completely. You know why? No, it’s not because I’m trying to get pregnant. Definitely, definitely not. But because this past year I completely lost my sex drive (if any of my family members are reading this right now, please leave. thank you.). This is all pretty personal so it feels a little weird to share it all on the internet for anyone to read, but I digress.
For quite a while I just thought it had to do with my husband and I going through some tough times in our marriage while his job was eating him alive. But once he quit and we became the happiest we’ve ever been in our relationship, I had to face the fact that there was something else at play. Or not at play, if you will. But it didn’t make sense to me since I’m super healthy, I work out regularly, get enough sleep, and eat dense, nutritious foods. Then one day while I was out for coffee, I mentioned it to a friend and she brought up birth control and how it may have to do with it. This surprised me. Like, really surprised me. I had never heard of that, my doctor had never mentioned it, and none of my friends have ever talked about experiencing it. So then and there, I decided to get off birth control for good.
Then I went on my merry way hoping things would get back to normal in no time. Well, turns out the body often needs more help than just hope. A couple weeks back, my girlfriend Christina Rice (if you don’t already follow her, do it, she’s the best!) was in town and I told her about getting off of birth control and she quickly asked what I was doing to help my body with the transition. I said, “Uhhhhh…nothing.” She rolled her eyes and started spouting all her knowledge bombs at me, explaining how birth control depletes vitamins and minerals in the body, especially B vitamins, selenium, zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. But there are also a ton of other things that can happen once you come off of birth control – loss of periods, depression, anxiety, hair loss, headaches, bowel issues, and WAY more. It’s bananas. Not only did I never know that being on birth control can cause these issues, but I definitely didn’t know coming off it could be just as crappy.
Christina was nice enough to send me a list of all the different vitamins I needed to get into my daily routine. And right away I went straight to Thrive Market to grab my vitamins. I’ve talked about Thrive Market about a million times because it’s truly one of my favorite places to shop, for almost anything! Dog treats, paleo snacks, non-toxic cleaning products and makeup, and a ton of other must-haves. Plus they have a HUGE selection of vitamins and supplements, all marked down below MSRP! I was able to pick up a Magnesium & Zinc, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, and Selenium, all between 20-36% below MSRP, and have it shipped to my doorstep in just a couple days.
In case you were like me and completely in the dark about birth control can deplete so many important vitamins and minerals in the body, here’s why some of these supplements can be beneficial when coming out of birth control –
- Magnesium & Zinc
- Magnesium – We all know magnesium is good for us. I feel like it’s talked about more than any other mineral. It’s involved in energy creation, protein formation, gene maintenance, muscle movements, nervous system regulation, and more. And it plays a role in brain function and mood which can help with depression while coming off birth control
- Zinc – This can be helpful with loss of menstruation since many birth controls can cause zinc deficiency or copper overload.
- B Complex – When your body is detoxing from the excess hormones, it needs adequate B vitamins such as B6 and B12, both of which can be depleted while on birth control. B Vitamins help with energy levels, cell health, and a crap ton of other things.
- Vitamin C – Surprise surprise, birth control also depletes Vitamin C in our bodies which is sucks since it helps protect our cells and fight against free radicals.
- Selenium – When you’re detoxing from the excess amount of hormones coming off of birth control, your liver is responsible for processing them. Selenium supports the liver, as well as the thyroid, to help process and eliminate heavy metals.
Sure, I complained for quite a long time about the size of the vitamins. I mean COME ON. Pills suck, especially ones the size of small boats. But I quickly learned that taking the vitamins with some carbonated water washes them down real quick like. It’s a game changer. Try it!
I’ve been off of birth control for over a month now and I’m happy to say things have been going very well. I’ve had some definite mood swings and cramps were a little worse than before, but I was quite happy to get my period on the same day as I thought I would. Sadly my sex drive isn’t fully back to normal (again, so awkward to talk about on here), but it’s improving. I’m a person who definitely understands that everything takes time and I don’t expect my body to be back to normal after 16 or 17 years of birth control.
I don’t know personally know many people who have had the same experience as me when it comes to birth control, but I’m hoping that sharing this story helps at least a few people out there. And I have Christina to thank for talking me into supplementation post birth control. And I can thank Thrive Market for having everything I would need to make the transition a little easier. Thrive Market makes healthy living easier and more affordable. And the more we can support Thrive Market, the more they will be able to change even more households in the US, for the better. And don’t forget, you can get 25% off your first order + free 30 day trial + free shipping when you click here! Thrive Market will help you save on groceries, beauty products, and yes vitamins and supplements!
Remember, I’m not a doctor. This is my own personal experience. Don’t forget to talk to a medical professional you TRUST. And if you have your own birth control or post-birth control experience you’d like to share, I’d love to hear it. I know it can be a little strange sharing it over the internet, but those stories can impact people in such positive ways! I’d especially love to hear any vitamins and minerals that you’ve added into your own daily life to help you thrive. I’m really excited to feel like I have my body back. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on the progress!
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This post is brought to you by Thrive Market. It contains some affiliate links and I may be compensated for this post, but all opinions are my own. This compensation helps with expenses to keep this blog up and running! Thank you for all your support!
Thank you SO MUCH for talking about this!!!! I was on hormonal birth control for over 10 years, and these last 6 months have been a roller coaster coming off. Thanks for always keeping it real and being so relatable.
When I went from hormonal birth control to a copper IUD, my sex drive changed and it’s cyclical. The 5 days around ovulation gives me the sex drive of a 19 year old boy. The 3 days before my period have me wanting to kill all men and be a crazy cat lady. The rest of the time is just more regular- I have more sex drive than when I was on BC pills.
Basically, you are now freeing up your hormones to do what they need to do to help you reproduce, so I feel different throughout my cycle in a lot of ways- mood, energy, strength. The best way to handle it is to know that in a couple days, you’ll feel better- so you’ll have more “low” days. but the “high days” more than make up for it.
Haha, this is me exactly when I went totally off BC. It definitely helped my drive overall but it’s still cyclical depending on my hormones. It took about 6 months for me to see a regular pattern.
I’ve experienced zero sex drive as well since I removed my copper IUD. I had so many painful cramping issues that I couldnt do it anymore. It’s been 4 years and my sex drive hasn’t returned. I’ve had all my hormone levels checked and tried EVERYTHING but nothing works! I’m 35 and still newly married at 2 years. Before the IUD our sex life was amazing. Anyone else that has any suggestions, I’ll try it! Thanks for talking about this. It’s hard to find people who relate.
I’m 31 and, like you, have spent more than a decade on birth control. I started in high school to control acne. Once I became *active*, the pill was magnificently, gloriously multipurpose. I love not having to worry about creating a human on accident, but I often wonder how it’s affecting the rest of my body. Unfortunately, I don’t trust myself enough to rely on condoms or other forms of contraception. Non-hormonal IUDs scare the crap out of me. I almost feel like my only choices are to use hormonal birth control or take the risk of getting pregnant. This may be waaayyy too of a question, but I know you’re on the fence about having children (as am I)-are you at all worried about an oopsy baby?
Thank you for sharing. Although it is uncomfortable, it helps so many women! 🙂
Wow thanks for opening up about this, despite how awkward it might feel. But remember, your community LOVES you and when you get raw/honest, we connect even more. Makes me think that my birth control implant may have something to do with my low sex drive… eek. Definitely seems like there is a correlation from when I put it in…ye gods. Something to think about. Need to start working on those vitamins though regardless of having bc or not, right?
Thanks again Juli – I love this blog for posts like this. And instant pot recipes … and bachelorette recaps (miss those!)
Have a great day!
Hillary
I went off in July 2018. My mood improved, I was happier and got my sex drive back! Sex didn’t hurt anymore either. It took 6 months to get my period back, so if you don’t see improvements in a month, maybe wait a little more time. And I haven’t gotten pregnant yet (I am currently avoiding it). We use the “pull out and pray” method (and condoms sometimes). Maybe it’s because I’m going to have a hard time getting pregnant. Not sure. But all those years on birth control were a waste because I didn’t even need it.
I remember when I transitioned….it was so strange to actually go through the real hormonal changes on a monthly basis and not experience the fabricated ones from the pill. It was about 4 – 5 months of being all over the place for me. Since coming off the pill I am much more stable emotionally, but I go through a bit of a lovey phase for a couple days and do experience one day of real PMS a month. BUT totally worth it now that I actually know when to expect my period each month and feel normal. It’s nice being in tune with your body!
THANK YOU!!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I have been on Birth Control for about eight years and have been thinking about going off it recently. This is like another sign from the universe that it is time to go off the pill. Thank you for sharing this with us and for giving us tips to help us once we go off the pill.
Did you meet with your doctor before you went off the pill or did you just stop cold turkey?
Thank you again so much for sharing this with us. <3
I was on birth control for over 12 years and it screwed me over. I went to a traditional Chinese medicine doctor and took herbals for a few months to feel better. Big believer in them. Make sure your vitamin D levels are up there as well as low vitamin D can contribute to hormone issues as well. There’s some liposomal forms out there that are easily absorbed. Also there are some awesome magnesium sprays and lotions that absorb really well by Ancient Minerals.
I’ve been off birth control for quite some time but had a hysterectomy. They left my ovaries but now at 38, I’m going through perimenopause. Fan-fucking- tastic. Hello sleeplessness, mood swings that make a 13 year old look normal, and weight gain….bleh. For me, magnesium and ketones have helped!