Coming Off the Pill: A Naturopath’s Guide to Smooth Transition
Deciding to stop taking hormonal birth control, "the pill," is a significant step in many women's lives. Whether you're planning to conceive, manage your health naturally, or simply want to listen to your body's natural rhythms, here are some things that may be helpful to know as you navigate this journey.
How the pill works
Coming off the pill and post-pill symptoms commonly seen
Restoring your nutrients - supplement recommendations, nutrition and lifestyle support while your body is returning to balance
How the pill works
There are two types of oral contraceptive pills (OCP): the combined pill, which contains synthetic forms of both oestrogen and progesterone, and the mini-pill, which contains only a synthetic form of progesterone.
The pill can often serve as a predictable band-aid solution. It can be prescribed to “fix period issues”, suppresses skin oils, clear up pimples, and overrides your natural hormones. However, a pill bleed is not a real period.
A true menstrual period is the result of a series of hormonal events, including ovulation and the production of progesterone. This natural cycle typically occurs every 28 days, reflecting the healthy functioning of your ovaries.
In contrast, a pill bleed does not result from ovulation. Instead, it's a withdrawal bleed triggered by the drugs in the pill that stimulate your uterine lining while shutting down your ovaries. A pill bleed is simply about the dosing of a drug, not the natural rhythm of your body. The pill doesn't actually regulate your hormones; it switches them off completely.
Our hormones have so many ‘other’ benefits and roles within the body not just for reproduction, but also:
Mood
Bones
Thyroid
Muscles
Metabolism
Hair Growth
Blood Clotting
In addition, the pill can have a variety of side effects:
Nutrient depletion
Altered gut flora
Disrupted natural hormone production
Blood clots
Depression
Cancer
Hair loss
Loss of Libido/sex drive
Weight gain
With all of this being said, this is why when you decide to stop taking the pill, your body will need time to readjust and find its natural balance again.
Coming off the pill
When you stop taking the pill, your body is likely to return to its pre-pill state, bringing back the same symptoms that led you to start taking it, along with some unexpected ones. Here are some common post-pill symptoms you might experience during this transition. But please know that herbal and nutritional medicine can effectively balance and restore your natural hormonal rhythm, supporting you as you transition off the pill.
Post-Pill Acne: The pill often clears up acne by suppressing sebum (oil) production. When you stop taking the pill, sebum is no longer suppressed, and the rise of androgens can cause an overproduction of sebum, leading to the return or onset of acne, often more intense than before. This typically peaks around 3 to 6 months post-pill. Zinc can be incredibly helpful in settling post-pill acne, so be sure to seek advice on the right supplements for you.
Post-Pill PMS: You may experience PMS for the first time when you stop the pill because you're experiencing real cycles again. Your natural cycles come with hormonal fluctuations that can cause PMS, unlike the even dose of synthetic hormones from the pill. But the benefits of your own hormones, estradiol and progesterone, make it worth it, and thankfully, PMS responds well to natural treatments.
Post-Pill Amenorrhoea (absence of period): Your body has had a hiatus from producing its own hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. When you stop the pill, the synthetic hormones no longer prompt a withdrawal bleed, so it may take some time for your body to resume its natural hormone production. For some it can be a few months before their period returns as your body adjusts. There is a beautiful herb Vitex agnus-castus that can be supportive for this.
A question, I would like to also pose is, if you don’t get your period after stopping the pill, what were your periods like before you started the pill? If they were irregular, something was already off, and coming off the pill has just revealed it, listen and trust that.
Post-Pill Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): As your natural hormones find their rhythm again, you may experience an increase in androgens (like testosterone), which can lead to symptoms commonly associated with PCOS, such as irregular cycles, anovulation, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and acne. If you've recently stopped taking the pill and have been diagnosed with PCOS, please reach out for guidance and support.
Post-Pill Infertility: The synthetic hormones in the pill disrupt the communication between the brain and ovaries to prevent pregnancy. Like post-pill amenorrhea, your natural hormones may need time to recalibrate and find their rhythm again. It will take a while for your body to resume its natural oestrogen production, ovulation, and progesterone synthesis—be patient and gentle with yourself and consider seeking support.
If you experienced severe hormonal imbalance before starting the pill and aim to prevent a recurrence of these symptoms, I recommend scheduling a consultation.
Restoring your Nutrients
Supplements for coming off the pill (this is not an exhaustive list, just a few top favourites)
Zinc: harmonises sebum production, can reduce androgens and provides anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin
B Vitamins: the pill reduces your body's levels of B vitamins, which play crucial roles in numerous processes, especially energy and mood.
Magnesium: the pill reduces your body's levels of magnesium, which play crucial roles in numerous processes, especially energy and mood.
Personalised Herbal Formulas: there are a variety of herbal medicine combinations that can support post-pill depletion and different ways in which your hormones are reacting. Your symptoms will determine what herbs may be supportive for you - I always like to create bespoke formulas addressing your specific needs and focusing on the root cause of the symptoms you personally are presenting with. If this is something you are interested in please book a 1:1 consultation with me.
The Gut, Food and Nutrition
The pill can increase gut lining permeability and hinder nutrient absorption. Focus on improving gut health by reducing processed foods, alcohol, and refined sugars. If acne-prone, consider removing dairy. Opt for a diet rich in high-quality proteins (both animal and vegetarian sources), two servings of fresh fruits daily, a variety of raw and cooked vegetables (aim for eight servings), and healthy fats like fish, eggs, avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Incorporate gut-healing foods such as bone broths, gelatin, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and miso.
In addition depending on your gut/digestive symptoms - such as bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, intolerances etc you may need individualised gut support with additional supplements and nutrients.
Additional support for coming off the pill
Hydration: keeping your body hydrated is essential, good quality filtered and/or hydrogen rich, antioxidant water.
Movement: moving in a way that supports you and you enjoy.
Sunshine: let the sun touch your skin first thing in the morning, get a beautiful dose of vitamin D.
Stress support/management: Stress plays a major role in hormonal balance. Integrate stress-reducing practices into your daily routine, like stretching, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature. Adaptogenic herbs such as Withania somnifera can also help support your body's response to stress.
Track your cycle: Use a cycle-tracking app (I use spinning wheels) or a traditional journal or cycle awareness chart/tracker to record your cycle length, symptoms, and ovulation signs. This information can help you and your practitioner monitor your symptoms and make necessary adjustments.
Be patient and kind to yourself: Transitioning off the pill is a process that takes time. Be patient with your body as it adjusts, and practice self-compassion. Seek support from friends, family and the right practitioner for you.
Coming off the pill is a journey towards reconnecting with your natural hormonal rhythms and reclaiming your health. By supporting your body with the right nutrients, herbs, and lifestyle practices, you can make this transition smoother and more empowering. Remember, every woman's experience is unique, so it's essential to tailor your approach to your specific needs and listen to your body along the way. Don't hesitate to reach out, I am here to provide extra support and guide you through this transformative journey with care and expertise. Use the code “pill” to get $10 off your first 1:1 Naturopathic Consult with me Aleisha as a thank you for prioritising your health and reading this blog!
Aleisha xx
Disclaimer: Always consult with a qualified practitioner before making changes to medications, using supplements, or incorporating herbal medicine.