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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Check out the Daysy (sp? Not spelled Daisy) fertility tracker to help with not becoming pregnant. I have never been on BC and never been pregnant or really even had to worry about it. It tells you when you’re fertile (extra precautions needed!) and when you’re not (have at it!)
*Note: Not a doctor.
Because of health issues I had in my youth, birth control was never an option for me. It’s going to be a process finding birth control options that work. Spontaneity is going to go out the window, but it’s a small price to pay. I think your sex drive will start to come back with practice, so jump on your man and get to it!
Hello. I was on the pill for ten years and it took 5 years for my body to sort itself out. One thing I firmly believe helped was a probiotic – the pill also has an antibiotic effect on the body and destroys gut bacteria which is key in hormone regulation. I would look into one of these as well
I was on BC pill for over 20 years until I became to old to take it.. I didn’t realize how it changed by body until I went off it, the only way I can describe it is that it held my body in a stasis it shouldn’t have been in. I didn’t have many of the symptoms others described, but after a year I noticed I felt more natural and balanced. My sex drive is more naturally cyclical and not repressed. My husband got a vasectomy which was not a big deal. Because I’m in my late 40s I use a period app to track my cycle and symptoms so I can report to my OBGYN and monitor possible issues.
I had the same experience and this weird pain in my side for 6years? No Dr could figure it out. I tried different pills, but if there was a side effect I’d get it. Went off when I was 28 (husband had the snip-we do not want “failed birth control” walking around?) Took my body 2years to get back to normal. Vit D supplement helped me with the tender breasts & cramps. A good probiotic for all the GI issues. I was/still am so angry that Dr’s do not tell you everything
Hi Juli,
I got off the pill a year and a half ago and it was the best decision I’ve made. The pill gave me anxiety, crazy mood swings (I would randomly cry over a song on the radio), lack of libido, zero energy and relied on caffeine to get through the day, the WORST digestion and was having problems losing weight and gaining muscle. When I quit I wish I knew about supplements because my first 3 cycles were so terrible! I gained about 10 lbs as well. Also with quitting I uncovered some hormonal issues and was finally diagnosed with a suspected hypothyroid problem I’ve been having for years. Currently, I’m finally getting treated for my thyroid, feeling so much better in the gym, my periods are getting better and i have so much more energy (except during ovulation and PMS week but this is normal!).
If you are thinking about practicing FAM for your birth control I can tell you I’ve successfully used it and haven’t gotten pregnant. Taking charge of your fertility is a great book. I use Tempdrop which is an arm band that you wear at night to take my temperature and track my other signs in an app. You can only get pregnant one day a month and need to be careful 5ish days leading up to it (pullout method works for us during this time). I wish our doctors would have explained this to us before we started ruining our hormones. Good luck and take care!!
Another issue with birth control that is nearly never spoken of is blood clots. I was on birth control for 25 years which resulted in multiple blood clots and nearly losing my life. I’m great now, been off of all hormones for 3 years and feel better than ever. Let’s keep talking about women’s health and discussing the uncomfortable topics. We’re worth it, ladies.
I was on it for 16 years; I wish doctors shared more info on the side effects. When I learned of them and how they were impacting me, I went off five years ago and am still trying to get my period back consistently 🙁
Dr Brighten’s course was super helpful. Also taking a lot of thyroid support, vitamin D and probiotics. Working with a functional Med and Chinese Med Doctors too.
Good luck!!
Hey Juli! So happy you are talking about this today. I’d been thinking of transitioning off my birth control this year. I’ve been struggling with a low sex drive (which sucks because my husband is a hottie haha) and was just ready to get off. I actually ended up quitting it last week. My pharmacy had changed the brand of birth control it was giving me and this new kind (previfim) totally messed me up. I’d had the brand changed on me in the past a handful of times, but they always worked the same. I started the new pill towards the end of June and became super irritable, got canker sores, and have had breakthrough bleeding since (so almost 5 weeks). About a week ago I decided to just quit it because my doctor was telling me to give it 3 months and I can’t be seen there until mid-Sept. Like I mentioned I was already thinking of getting off and my nutrition coach recommended the following books to me: The Period Repair Manual, Beyond The Pill, and Taking Charge of Your Fertility. I’ve been reading them and they all have been really enlightening and educational for sure! I started supplementing zinc, magnesium, and Bvitamins too, but will look into adding vitamin c and selenium too! Please keep updating us on your journey! I think this is a topic that more of us are getting interested in and starting our journeys of transitioning off bc.
This is amazing – thanks so much for sharing. I had the EXACT same experience after going off of birth control for the exact same reasons, plus the increased risk of breast cancer associated with hormonal birth control. Dr. Jolene Brighten is a goddess & I love every word that comes out of her mouth – especially the info she shares about food as medicine. Her books is excellent – I listened to the Audible version. Her supplements are amazing & have improved my health & life in amazing ways! Before I made this choice, I had no idea that birth control pills were so hard on my body & health. I didn’t know a single person who was willing to discuss this so thank you! I’m honored to be on this journey with you!!