The Pill, a.k.a Hormone Imbalance Tablets
Before my research frenzy that turned into Quit PMS, I struggled for years with really horrific menstrual cycles. In 9th grade, my mom, wholly sympathetic because she experienced the same symptoms when she was younger, took me to the doctor and inquired about putting me on The Pill. Why? Because this was the solution that provided her relief in the past.
This was years before I plowed into the world of alternative medicine, so it was my habit to take any medications the doctors doled out to me – even though the pharmacy-worth of meds for my ulcerative colitis were doing zip-zero-nada for my health. Fortunately, something inside me deeply and violently opposed this suggestion and I staunchly refused the prescription.
Hormonal birth control is often used as a way to dampen painful period symptoms. It’s even given to women as a way to control acne, a skin disorder properly treated by diet and a holistic skin care regimen. Due to the permanent health-robbing effects of The Pill, which is passed on through generations, women must thoroughly educate themselves before using birth control pills as a contraceptive method or a way to reduce period symptoms.
Use the following steps to help recover your health after using any type of hormonal birth control.
The Devastating Damages of The Pill
Birth control pills (BCPs) literally rob the body of nutrients required for vitality:
- BCPs deplete folate and this can cause serious health problems because lack of folate disrupts DNA metabolism
- BCPs deplete vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12, which may lead to irritability, depression, insomnia and fatigue.
- BCPs deplete zinc and this in turn lowers the immune system and encourages insulin resistance
- BCPs deplete magnesium, leading to a chain reaction of mineral imbalances in the body (Source)
- BCPs permanently disrupts the balance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. This means reduced nutrient assimilation, lowered immunity, and the overgrowth of pathogens like Candida. Since gut flora is passed on from mother to baby, the mother’s imbalanced gut health is passed on to her children, and likely even her grandchildren (Source – Dr. Natasha Campbell McBride).
Those serious deficiencies and imbalances that result from taking birth control pills translate into these more visible symptoms:
- Weight gain
- Water retention
- Hair loss
- Reduced libido
- Depression
How to fix Hormone Imbalance from The Pill
The following steps are a priority for any woman who has taken birth control pills (or any other form of hormonal birth control). Whether you took The Pill years ago or if you have just decided to transition off it, these steps will support healing and balance after the severe hormonal disruption resulting hormonal birth control.
1. Ditch all sources of excess estrogen
To achieve hormone balance, we must identify and eliminate sources of excess estrogen. The Pill contributes to a condition called Estrogen Dominance, where too much circulating estrogen throws all hormones out of whack and creates a hot mess of symptoms. Even women (and men) who have not taken the pill can suffer from estrogen dominance, due to the high levels of estrogen in our diet and body care products.
Xenoestrogens are chemicals that look like estrogen. They attached to estrogen receptors, overburdening the body with estrogenic effects. Yes, it’s scary but true: the products we use on our body can significantly disrupt our hormones. Common sources of xenoestrogens include:
- Plastics that leach chemicals into food
- Conventional body care products
- Conventional cosmetics
Steps to reduce exposure to xenoestrogens include switching to non-toxic cosmetics, hair care and skincare (click those linked words for my specific recommendations).
Phytoestrogens, found in plant sources, also attach to estrogen receptors. Again, they do not act exactly like our own estrogen. Research is highly variable on the health detriments and benefits of phytoestrogen intake. I do not recommend consuming foods high in phytoestrogens, particularly when struggling with acne. Men, boys, and young girls should use more care to avoid phytoestrogens. Common sources of phytoestrogens include:
- Flaxseeds
- Soy products
- Sesame seeds
2. Support your hormonal negative-feedback loop
Most of the hormones in the body are governed by negative feedback, which works like your household thermostat. Say you set your thermostat to 72 degrees and the room temperature is 69 degrees. The heater kicks in to warm the room up. When the temperature reaches 72 degrees, the heat shuts off until the temperature drops again.
Hormonal birth control wreaks havoc on this system and actually shut off our body’s hormonal negative-feedback loop. It’s like adding a space heater and the furnace shuts off because it isn’t needed. Supporting the negative-feedback loop through supplementation provides support during a period of hormonal catastrophe. Going back to the heating example, the right supplement can help wake the furnace up again so things function as normal.
Biotics Cytozyme PT/HPT is a unique supplement containing lamb pituitary and hypothalamus tissue. Glandular treatment – the ingestion of small amounts of animal glands – is a traditional treatment practiced by ancient healers from across the globe. The pituitary and hypothalamus tissue (from lamb) in this supplement directly affects the performance of your own pituitary and hypothalamus, the key players in the negative feedback loop. Most women benefit by taking 2-5 tablets per day, taken in divided doses with breakfast and lunch, for the duration of 1 – 2 bottles.
2. Use the moon to support your cycles
Women’s menstrual cycles are wired to be in sync with the moon. In all early societies, before industrialism and processed foods disrupted traditional cultures, all women ovulated at the full moon and menstruated at the new moon. This is our default setting, but The Pill (as well as poor diet and stress) disrupt this pattern.
Fortunately, because the female reproductive hormones are so sensitive to light, we can naturally re-train and regulate our menstrual cycle simple night lighting technique that mimics the pattern of the moon. I avidly practice this simple routine, called Lunaception, and I explain how to do it here.
3. Replenish your nutrient deficiencies
Unless you want to read a whole book here, I can’t discuss entire dietary protocol for repairing the nutritional deficiencies caused by hormonal birth control. Replenishing nutrient deficiencies are key to regaining hormone balance. Besides focusing on a real food diet and reading the details in Quit PMS, these three time-honored foods provide potent nutrient-building properties:
- Homemade bone broth, rich in minerals Drink 12-16 oz. per day.
- Himalayan salt helps your body balance hormone production and use the vitamins and minerals from your food. Take as much as is pleasant – salt all your food to taste and add a pinch to your drinking water.
- Liver from pastured animals – although viewed as gross or old-fashioned, properly sourced liver is perhaps the most powerful food for rebuilding nutrient deficiencies. Chicken liver boasts the mildest flavor. Sauté in butter or enjoy in homemade paté and enjoy a 2-3 oz. serving twice per week. Alternatively, you can opt for dessicated liver capsules.
4. Support your gut flora
If you’ve taken The Pill, some permanent damage to healthy gut bacteria has taken place. Fortunately, numerous resources allow you to repair and rebuild some of the flora disruption. A healthy balance of gut flora provides a foundation for hormonal equilibrium.
First, ensure a steady income of probiotics by consuming naturally-fermented foods or beverages daily. Yogurt, pickles, sour cream, and sauerkraut are traditionally made through fermentation, which preserves the food and increases its nutritive value. Now, most commercial versions of the foods are quickly processed or processed with heat, so they don’t provide significant probiotics. You can learn how to make your own fermented veggies and beverages at home, or find brands like Bubbies and Firefly Kitchens that create naturally-fermented, raw veggies.
You’ll also want to take a clinical-strength probiotic supplement to help repair the damage. Good probiotics are few and far between, however! After much research and after talking to my mentors, I recommend this one and this one. Take one capsule, of each or both, in the morning and evening.
Have you used birth control pills or other forms of hormonal birth control? Did you notice the hormone imbalances and are you working to address the problems?
Hello,
I have been dealing with hormonal acne on my chin and jawline, I have never experienced this before. What suppliments/skin care remedies do you recommend to treat this?!
Thank you.
I had started getting this too at 29 when I never had it before. It went away when I went on a Keto diet, so I’m not sure what I removed specifically that helped, but I’m guessing the sugar
I addressed it with Karen Hurds bean protocol and it worked, eat as many beans and legumes as possible and healthy fat like olive oil, nuts and avocado.
I am 41 and due a condom break on my ovulation day I had to take the after morning pill 3 months ago. Since then Im experiencing high blood pressure , head aches, nausea , very low energy and very heavy painful periods. With this Im not saying to anyone out there to take them or not. Simply sharing my experience … I noticed that taking hormones get worst with the age as when I was on my 20s not much seem to change and now in my 40s highly affect my health .
I appreciate this article as I found info very useful. I will add maca root and turmeric to the list .
thanks
Hey Ushma,
Did your side effects get any better? I took the plan b three weeks ago and I was sick on my stomach for 5days and couldn’t eat anything. I experience every side effect it said I possibly could get. My appetite has came back, but I am still experiencing nausea, headaches, and fatigue. I have never taken any type of birth control pill before, for this exact reason.
I know this comment was posted several months ago, but I have to say that I really appreciate it. I took plan b roughly 18 months ago and it WILDLY threw everything off. I had three full “periods” in the first 35 days and then have only had 4 periods since, separated by several months each time and they last at least 8 days, though sometimes as long as 12, every time. This NEVER happened before plan b. I only ever skipped a month at a time at the most and my periods were consistently 4-6 days long. Until now, I haven’t actually seen another person online say that she’s had lasting effects, so thanks for speaking up.
Plan b messed me up too. It’s been 6 months. My hormones were completely all over the place. My period used to come like clock work before I took It, it took Me 2 months to get my period and I kept getting this brown smelly discharge. I got 2 chin hairs my face breaks out a lot more. My period never comes at a steady time but it comes Within the 25-35 period. I think I’m still experiencing hormonal imbalance from taking it honestly i don’t know how to explain it but i just know my body doesn’t feel the way that it did before taking it. Im never taking it again.
I took plan b 6 months ago… I didn’t really have any side effects at the time. But ever since then I have had brown discharge starting from 3 days after my period ends until I ovulate. I’ve gone to see two gynecologists several times and no one seems to know what is causing it. I had an ultra sound done and Pap smear test done and everything came back normal. My primary doctor thinks it could potentially be from the plan B and that at some point it’ll fix itself. Waiting until hospitals resume regular procedures so I can get a hysterosonogram. I just wish I knew it was from that so I could stop freaking myself out that it’s something else. This is the only post I’ve seen about lasting effects from plan B so that brings me a bit of comfort.
I didnt take pills ever and i didnt wanna take anything but after i gave birth i was 33 y old and i didnt wanna get pregnant again as i feel to be too old for more kids and we cant afford it anyway so i took that 3 month injection and 8 months after it started to be really bad.My hormones got all messed up ,i gained 50 pounds,started to have anxiety,fast heart beats,hot flashes,also breathing problems,doctor said is anxiety but i can’t take the pills he gave me because i hate taking anything which makes me not myself.He gave me some heavy stuff.I don’t know what to do and how to fix this,i cant eat liver or any of the things named.
Hi, I took plan b in April 13 2021. After 4 days, I had acne on my jaw and forehead. And acne keep coming after it recover until now. It has been five months. How to stop this acne side effect.
This article doesn’t mention alternative bc options that still use horomones; I have concerns about a Nexplanon implant and the artificial estrogen it leeches. My naturopath said my body might be able to balance out, but I have concerns.
I was on Nexplanon for eight years and im pretty sure it’s the reason why I have a beard on my chin . I suffered with acne for years now, and I’m starting to wonder if the birth-control is why I had so much joint pain and panic attacks. I didn’t have panic attacks growing up and never had a beard when I hit puberty so I tend to blame these symptoms on this poison.
I was on Nexplanon for eight years and im pretty sure it’s the reason why I have a beard on my chin . I suffered with acne for years now, and I’m starting to wonder if the birth-control is why I had so much joint pain and panic attacks. I didn’t have panic attacks growing up and never had a beard when I hit puberty so I tend to blame these symptoms on this poison.
I took the contraceptive pill (marvelon) for painful periods and acne for a year. I gained 24lbs, when I stopped I gained another 14 very quickly so I have loads of stretch marks and am very bloated. It is now 4 months since I stopped and I have lost about 5lbs but no matter how much I diet or exercise I cannot loose anymore.
You should try the ketogenic diet!!
I started the menopause last year 2019 I’m peri menopause I’m 50 but my hormonal imbalance is all over the place So the beginning in June 2020 I started on HRT been on it for 3 weeks now don’t no if it’s that’s what’s made me gained weight are my
Hormonal imbalance but I’ve put weight on but eating the same food I’ve always eat I was 10.4 3weeks ago now I’m 11 stone now
I went on the pill when I was 13 because of very painful periods and endometriosis. Was on it for 15+ years (seemingly without negative side effects) but quit when I realized how the pill actually works (it’s the last “phase” of “protection” I couldn’t bear on my conscience). With that being said, I’ve been off it for about 15 years now, with doctors still trying to push it on me for every ache at almost every visit. So frustrating! Trying to learn how to treat imbalances/aches more naturally, especially since I’m now struggling with an Autoimmune disease that’s really kicking my tush big time. How do you treat painful/heavy periods/endometriosis naturally?
hii im gurlovleen and i am suffering from PCOS from last 2 years and im taking birth control pills. When i am stop taking those i got my pimples back. pimples and weight loss is my major problem but i am not geting completely rid of pimples while taking pills. What i need to do ?
Hope my reply isnt too late to reach you but, You need to eat a lot of vegetables to off set whatever is going on in your body. Try juicing to get more veggies in on top of a couple of salads. Try 60-70% vegetables and 30-40% meat. Try not to have much sugar except maybe two fruits a day. Cut dairy totally out and try to reduce coffee. Drink at least 2 liters a day and sleep 7-9 hours. If you arent eating healthy like this already, it wouldnt hurt to transition to this diet. By transitioning slowly you will lessen the detox symptoms and junk food cravings. Just see you where this advice gets you. Its the best starting place for most. If you are still having symptoms after this, either go to a functional medicine doctor or a naturopath. If you are like me and cant afford either of those, unfortunately its trial and error for us. I pay attention to my body and keep track of symptoms and google what they could be and how to counteract them. What say for example that I suspect I have a thyroid problem but im not sure and can’t afford a holistically inclined doctor and dont want to go to a conventional one since they don’t know how to properly test for thyroid and they will just put me on medications (poisons) anyways. Im not telling you what to do, just giving advice. You go to a doctor if you feel its right. Anyway, then I google natural remedies for thyroid and try a few to see if I feel better. Research everything and double check information. Be careful introducing new foods and supplements. Pay close attention to Every aspect of your body to watch for reactions or in tolerances to things. A lot of people will disagree with this approach but some of you are like me and dont have acess to decent health care. Personally conventional doctors have just made my health decline over the years and that’s why I am in the situation I am in now because they prescribed me medications that messed up my body and failed to tell me how bad they would be . I’m way healthier now off of birth control and I have to say that the healing journey is also about learning your own body and how bodies work in general. It’s really in your best interest to experiment and constantly learn about these things. It’s fascinating once you get to understanding it and seeing how things work . I wish you and everyone here luck.
Hi there !
I was diagnosed with a mild case of PCOS and was recommended to go onto the pill. I maintained a healthy/lean weight for 3 years being on the pill whilst following a keto diet. Things started to changed up when I decided to quit the pill & well my body has just been out of sorts since then. Not only was my period delayed by a whole month and a half, I gained about 8kgs, felt bloated all the time and suffered extreme hunger & sugar cravings. With long hours of research, many tearful nights & the elimination of certain foods, I discovered that low carb, lots of veggies, exercise, the elimination of crappy foods & a few herbal tinctures/teas have been doing the trick to get my hormones back into check. And just to show me that I’m on the right path, my period decided to jump right back onto the bandwagon. It’s amazing what a healthy lifestyle can do for you & your body.
Ps. Loved this article, thanks so much !