Coming Off Hormonal Birth Control: What I Would Do Differently

After six years on the pill, I made the decision to stop taking it cold turkey—but looking back I wish I had prepared myself better before taking that leap!

Alright, girlfriend, let's get into all the juicy stuff. I've been through the wringer when it comes to hormonal birth control (HBC).

So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, feeling a bit lost and unsure of where to start, don't worry - I've got you!

Understand Your Menstrual Cycle

First things first, educate yourself on the menstrual cycle. Understanding the four phases and how they affect your body is key. Learn how to align your activities, movement practices, and lifestyle with each phase. Knowledge is power.

Menstrual Cycle Charting

Learn how to track your menstrual cycle. This practice will help you establish a connection with your cycle before you stop using hormonal birth control. It can be incredibly empowering to understand the rhythm of your body in this way. Check out my menstrual cycle tracker here!

Get Your Bloods Tested

HBC can deplete your nutrients. Consider getting your bloods tested to identify any current nutrient deficiencies. This step can give you a head start in addressing any issues that might arise after stopping birth control.

Supplements

Consider including a multivitamin, fish oil, and a combination of magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D in your routine. These supplements can support overall health. Include any other supplements identified as nutrient deficiencies in your blood tests.

Re-evaluate Lifestyle Factors

Take a hard look at your lifestyle choices and consider making adjustments that support your cycle. Are you drinking too much? Not getting enough sleep? Consuming too much caffeine? Cleaning up your habits now can help to promote hormonal balance in the future.

Support Your Gut Health

Finally, don't forget about your gut health. Stopping hormonal birth control can impact your gut, so make sure you're taking steps to support it. Consider incorporating foods and supplements that support a healthy gut microbiome, such as probiotics and fermented foods.

Every body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Trust yourself, listen to your body, and give yourself grace throughout this journey.

You've got this, sister! Be sure to reach out if in need of more support!

With love,

Kim xx