Today, we’re diving into the wild and wonderful world of hormones and birth control and getting in touch with our natural cycles.
I’ll be covering the lowdown on the many benefits that come with getting off the pill (or patch, or IUD) and embracing your body’s natural rhythm.
So, let’s get into it!
Blog Disclaimer: This is a reflection of my personal own study, knowledge and experience. It is not meant to invalidate yours, and is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician.
I get it; the thought of getting off birth control can make you nervous. I mean, who wouldn’t be?
But let me tell you; it has awesome benefits for your health and well-being.
By embracing your natural cycle, it’ll help you get in tune with your body, you could even find a sense of balance and peace that you didn’t even know was possible.
But before we dive into all the juicy details, Let’s look into the different types of hormonal birth control and how they can affect our bodies:
- Pills (like the combo pill or the mini-pill)
- Vaginal rings (hello, NuvaRing!)
- Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Skyla, or Kyleena, anyone?)
- Patches (Ortho Evra, you’ve had your moment)
- Injections (like Depo-Provera)
All of these methods work by releasing synthetic hormones, such as estrogen and/or progestin, to prevent pregnancy.
The truth is while they can be super effective, they can also wreak havoc on our natural hormone balance, leading to some not-so-fun side effects.
The Side Effects of Hormonal Birth Control
I do believe as women we have the right to be informed about how synthetic hormones (like in birth control) alter our natural cycle, our fertility, and potentially our wellbeing. I’ve shared about my struggles with birth control side effects before — it’s what led me on my fertility awareness journey and a huge reason why I started this blog in the hope of helping other women.
I always knew my experience wasn’t a singular occurance.
Here are some of the common side effects of hormonal birth control:
- Moodiness
- Weight changes (gaining, losing, or just feeling bloated)
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Low libido
- Breast tenderness
And let’s not forget the potential long-term effects, like an increased risk of blood clots, certain types of cancer, and cardiovascular issues.
On top of that, being on hormonal birth control can mask underlying hormonal imbalances that need addressing. It’s like putting a band-aid on a problem instead of getting to the root cause.
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Embracing Your Natural Cycle
So, what happens when we decide to say “bye” to hormonal birth control and embrace our natural cycles?
Here are just a few of the incredible benefits of getting off birth control:
Hormone Harmony
No more artificial hormones messing with your body. Your mood and energy levels become more stable, and you feel like you are finally in sync with your own hormonal rhythm.
Body Awareness
I’ve become super in tune with my body’s subtle signals throughout my cycle. It’s like I’ve unlocked a secret language that helps me understand my body’s needs and make better choices for my health.
Fertility Awareness
The thing is, once you are off hormonal birth control, you get more in tune with your body. You can learn much about your body’s fertile and infertile days by using an app to track your cycle and fertility!
Empowerment
I can’t even begin to tell you how freeing it’s been to understand my body and take control of my reproductive health. Going off hormonal birth control has given me a newfound sense of autonomy and confidence, and it’s just plain awesome.
Improved Mood and Mental Health
Hormonal birth control can sometimes mess with our emotions and mental health. Going off it often improves mood, reduces anxiety, and increases emotional stability. It’s like a breath of fresh air for your mind! 🌬️
Increased Libido
Hormonal birth control is known to dampen libido for some people. Ditching it often brings back that spark in the bedroom, making your intimate moments even more enjoyable!
A better Understanding of Your Body’s Signals
When you embrace your natural cycle, you become more in tune with your body’s rhythms and signals. This helps you make informed decisions about your health, exercise, and self-care routine, leading to a more balanced lifestyle.
Weight Loss and More Stable Energy Levels
For some people, hormonal birth control may cause weight gain or fluctuations in energy levels. By going off it, you might find it easier to maintain a healthy weight and experience more consistent energy throughout the day.
Clearer Skin
Hormonal birth control can sometimes trigger acne or skin issues. Embracing your natural cycle might lead to clearer skin and a more radiant complexion. Talk about a confidence boost!
Reduced Risk of Certain Health Issues
Long-term use of hormonal birth control has been associated with an increased risk of certain health issues, like blood clots and nutrient deficiencies. Going off it can reduce these risks and improve overall health.
Enhanced Fertility Awareness
When you understand your natural cycle, you become more aware of your fertile window, which is super helpful if you’re trying to conceive or practice natural birth control methods.
Greater Connection to Your Femininity
Embracing your natural cycle allows you to connect with your body’s natural ebb and flow, helping you feel more grounded and in harmony with your femininity. It’s like getting back in touch with your inner goddess!
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Getting off hormonal birth control and embracing your natural cycle can be an absolutely transformative experience. It helps you get in touch with your body and its rhythms and opens up a whole new world of health and wellbeing.
Now, I want to be super clear that every woman’s journey is unique, and what works for me might not work for everyone. The most important thing is to listen to your body and make choices that feel right for you. But just know, you do not have to sacrifice wellbeing in favour of pregnancy prevention.You can have both.
I hope this article was informative and educational about some of the benefits of getting off birth control. Here’s to learning we have more available options than we previously knew of (birth control, or otherwise) and exploring the best options for us.
Jess is a designer, writer and womens wellness advocate. She believes that each of us have our own unique experiences and stories to share to educate and uplift one another.
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