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!
I had a very similar experience – low sex drive, acne came back, cramping, etc. I went to an Acupuncture Physician who put me on a supplement protocol to support my body post birth-control. That, with the acupuncture, was life changing! He had me on magnesium, plus some adaptogenic herbs to help support my adrenals. So glad to hear you found some great supplements! They truly made a difference for me, and after about 6 months I felt like myself again!
Girl, first off congratulations! Talk about courage all around. I stopped taking birth control after 14 years (22 years ago) simply because I thought how could that be good for my body? Putting something in to my body to make it think it’s pregnant when it’s not, cannot be good for long term use. I’m so happy I did. Now that I am pre menopausal, the dr suggested low dose, but I’m trying to figure out what’s best naturally. Another great topic I wish women would discuss more! Thank you!!
Hi Juli. I too experienced the low sex drive. My friend introduced me to Isagenix and it has been a game changer for me. The isagenisis and shakes along with magnesium have helped me tremendously. I use it and provide it for all my friends and family. . If you want some samples or have any questions please feel free to ask me. Please don’t take this as a marketing spam. I am just letting you know what helped me. Just here to serve?
I experienced very low sex drive on the pill like you did, as well as a host of other unpleasant symptoms like digestive issues, dizziness, anxiety, mood swings, and just generally not feeling like myself. It was terrible. I almost instantly felt better within days of going off it. However, despite my sex drive and mood being a million times better, my body still struggled with the transition, for almost a year and a half. I had no idea it was actually not uncommon for it to take that long! My cycle was irregular – two months long at one point – and I experienced hormonal acne for the first time in my life. Luckily this has mostly cleared up now after 8 months or so. Zinc and B vitamins helped me, as well as a good probiotic and fermented foods! Birth control pills can also throw off the microbiome in your gut, which can cause all kinds of issues. Good luck and I hope your transition goes smoothly!
It took me about 1.5 years to get my period back after being on BC for almost 15 years. It’s been an emotional roller coaster full of acne, depression, weight gain, adrenal problems, etc. I highly recommend women educate themselves on both what BC does to your body when you go on it AND when you come off it.
I learned there is such a thing as Post Birth Control Syndrome , and I’ve done a ton of research the past 2 years on this and recommend following and reading Drs Jolene Brighten, Lara Biden, and Sara Gottfried. Their books are science-based but written for us common folk to understand 🙂 and they also give you quizzes to take based on symptoms, protocols to follow, supplements, etc.
The Period Repair Manual (Biden) and Beyond the Pill (Brighten) have been extremely helpful to me as I thought I was a crazy person for a while and not understanding what was happening to my body, emotions, etc. I hope this post and resources help at least one other woman out there!
I’ve been off for a year and a half – have always recommended that my married friends ditch it because if/when you ever do decide to have kids it can be ridiculous how long it takes. If your body even decides to ovulate again on its own, it can be very frustrating! It’s like they told us all these years how easy it is to get pregnant when in fact the pull and pray method is actually very effective! If you’re a type A person like me you think you can will yourself to get pregnant. Trying for a baby is no fun after the first few months of disappointment. I’ve vowed to never get on it again, especially due to the side effects. Several years back I was on the Depo shot which can cause lower bone density. Women already have enough issues with this, since your bone density only declines after 30. And osteoporosis meds are no joke! No thank you there!
Heyyy!!! I love that you posted about this. In February, I went off the birth control pill after 16 years. After a little math, i also realized i had been ON birth control for more years of my life than off. I took myself off of it for numerous reasons, some in which we share. My sex drive was low, I’ve had acne since I can remember, and I felt that my body deserved a break from artificial hormones. I also wanted to get to know and understand my body when I just let it do it’s own thing. No, I’m not trying to get pregnant.
And another thing. After speaking with an OBGYN that i work with, studies show benefits of being on birth control for 10 years to help prevent certain cancers. But there’s no studies beyond. Soooo why be on it if you’re practice sexy time responsibly?!
Anywho, I leaned a few things:
1) my cramps and period aren’t as bad as i remember. It lasts about 3 days and then done.
2) my face went BERSERK! It is finally healing thanks to my Glow Weekly Pads. ?
3) my overall anxiety is better, but the PMS moodiness definitely comes around a little.
After reading this, I will be ordering myself some supplements. I didn’t realize that vitamin depletion was a thing when in birth control. Thanks again!
Kayla
Currently going though this! I just stopped birth control after 15 years, I am only right at 2 months. The first month, I had a VERY light period. I am right at the 2nd month “time” (should be occurring soon? TMI on the deets, I know!). I have noticed my sex drive increase, but no major mood fluctuations. I am not sure how long it will take my body/hormones to “normalize.” Just wait and see! Even though the transition isn’t seamless, I have to think being off hormones (for birth control only) has to be a good for my body. I have been skimming the book Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighton, You should check it out—some points are pretty interesting. Good luck!
Hi Juli! Props to you for sharing this with your readers, because there aren’t enough people talking about it!
I started following a few people on social media who go in great detail about transitioning off the pill and they’ve said that for each year you were on it, you can expect a month per year before returning to normal (so for you 16-17 months). I’ve found that seed cycling helped tremendously and I now have a 100% symptom free cycle (no mood swings, no cramps, and small improvements in hormone related acne- though I’ve heard that can take the longest to clear up). Dr Jolene Brighten, and Lara Briden, ND are the top go-to experts on the matter as far as I know.
I’ve been off the pill for 9 months now and was on it for 12 years and I don’t regret coming off! The pill was starting to give me insomnia and anxiety- no bueno! Glad to say those are gone. Hope you get some fabulous results as well!
Dr Jolene Brighton is amazing and everyone should follow her.
A month per year? I was on hormonal birth control (all of them – pill, ring, IUD) for almost 24 years, been off for a year now… looks like I better batten down the hatches for another year. Yikes! Wish I had been as smart as you to seek out the advice of others, would’ve made this last year way easier! Thanks to Juli, and you, and all the other commenters recommending resources for us “meh, what’s the worst that could happen” peeps 🙂
After taking the birth control pill for 20+ years at the age of 38, I started experiencing constant dizziness, which led to depression because it was challenging to function and I felt horrible. I was irritable with my husband and children. So much so that my husband started talking to his friends about it. Two of them told him their wives went through something similar and it was due to the birth control pill. One of them changed their pill to a lower hormonal dose and the other went off completely. I was surprised when he told me. I asked my doctor about it and she dismissed me. But she did change my pill. It did nothing, so I decided to stop taking it. It took 6 months for the dizziness to subside, but I was so relieved when it did! I suffered with the dizziness for a year and a half. I have been off the pill for two years and feel so much better! I was not aware of the vitamin depletion caused by the pill. Thank you for raising this issue and discussing the hard stuff!