Coming Off Of Birth Control Is Easier With These Tips
People start birth control for many different reasons. Whether you're hoping to take control of your reproductive health or balance out unpredictable hormones, there are myriad options available to you. In a similar vein, different life circumstances and plans can make someone want to change birth control methods or come off it altogether.
You wouldn't be alone in your desire to stop birth control. The Cut reported on an emerging trend of ditching the Pill, with some users reporting drastic changes to their mental health and libido. No matter your reasoning, stopping birth control is your choice to make. You have a right to decide what you put in your body.
Of course, disrupting a daily routine or a device that you've long grown used to can be intimidating. Fortunately, there are many different steps you can take to improve your comfort and reduce the possible side effects. Here's what to prepare for as you consider stopping your birth control.
Consult with your doctor
If you use an implanted method of birth control, you'll definitely want your doctor's assistance in stopping it. However, even if you're using oral contraceptives, it's good to approach the process with your doctor on your side. Though Planned Parenthood notes that you can stop taking your pills at any time, a healthcare professional can help prepare you for the side effects and can also lead discussions on alternative plans for your reproductive health.
If you're stopping birth control in hopes of conceiving, your doctor can give you a better idea of when your fertility will return. In most cases, however, you will be able to conceive within a few days of restarting your period, per Cleveland Clinic.
For those who aren't ready to become a parent but do plan on remaining sexually active, your doctor is a great resource for finding alternative contraceptive methods. Remember, the financial and physical burden of "birth control" should not fall solely on the partner who can get pregnant.
Be kind to yourself and have a support system
It's amazing what a large effect a small pill or implant can have on your body. As you come off birth control, be prepared for physical and mental changes. Go easy on yourself and be gentle on your body as it comes to terms with its new hormonal state.
Confide in friends who may have gone through a similar experience. They can serve as a strong support system and offer advice based on their own birth control stories.
If you have a long-term partner, you'll also want to rope them into the conversation. Some people who stop birth control experience an increase in libido, which they'll want to be prepared for. And, though your partner shouldn't dictate whether or not you're on birth control, they do have a right to know about the steps you are or are not taking to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
Be ready for physical changes
Each form of birth control comes with different levels of dosage and different predicted side effects. Because of this, it's impossible to perfectly predict the exact changes you'll see when stopping it. However, WebMD notes that many of the side effects birth control is known to cause may reverse ... and some of the areas it helps regulate may go wild again.
For example, if you noticed slight weight gain when you began your birth control, you may drop those pounds. This is especially common for progestin-only birth control, such as injections, some IUDs, or versions of the Pill.
If you began birth control in hopes of calming down your acne (or noticed your acne relax as a fun side effect), you may see blemishes return. Birth control can correct the hormone imbalance that causes these break-outs, and stopping your method can throw things out of whack. Fortunately, there are other solutions for confronting persistent acne — chat with your doctor or a dermatologist about those!
Take it easy while working out
Hitting the gym is a great way to release endorphins and fight off the mood swings that can accompany hormonal changes. Flo also notes that working out can alleviate some symptoms that may return with your period, such as cramps, bloating, and nausea.
However, as your body recalibrates, you don't want to overwhelm it. In conversation with The Everygirl, holistic nutrition practitioner Jade Mesquita recommended low-impact workouts. "High-intensity workouts can raise cortisol in the body, so during this period, reducing cortisol as much as possible can help to make the transition off birth control easier," she explained.
Use this as an excuse to sign up for a fun Pilates class or a session of goat yoga! Or, for a simpler option, a hormonal hot girl walk will do the trick. You don't need to abandon all of your routines or health goals during this period, but your body will thank you for adjusting your plans.
Adjust your diet for ultimate support
Adjusting your dietary choices can also help to lessen the impacts of coming off birth control ... and don't worry, you don't have to give up all your favorite delicious foods. Eating healthy fats and adequate carbs can make a huge difference — so treat yourself to avocado toast at your favorite brunch place!
You'll also want to nourish your progesterone levels. Progesterone is produced after ovulation, per Nourished Natural Health. When you come off the Pill, you may not immediately resume normal ovulation, but you'll lose the progesterone that's included in many birth control options. Eating foods that are rich in vitamin C, B6, and vitamin E can fill this gap. If those letters mean nothing to you (honestly, same), think walnuts, bananas, broccoli, citruses, and seeds.
Coming off birth control is no easy task, so don't feel obligated to deny yourself some of your favorite snacks. However, Nourished Natural Health notes that cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, and highly processed foods can help your body regain its natural balance more quickly.
Take notes on your feelings and cycle
Everyone's bodies will react differently to abandoning birth control. Taking notes on how you're feeling and how your cycle is making its grand re-entrance will allow you to better prepare for the future and consider your options moving forward. After all, your menstrual cycle has four distinct stages which each come with different feelings and needs. Plus, it's a great excuse to invest in a new cute notebook.
Keeping track of your cycle with a digital or physical planner can help create a natural birth control plan. When done correctly, family planning through tracking your ovulation can be up to 99% effective (via NHS Inform). If you keep track of your symptoms and feelings, you can also determine if you need a new plan to help you manage any remaining hormonal imbalance.
Even outside of managing your birth control journey, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences explains that journaling has benefits for your mental health and self-confidence. Leaning into this as a hobby can help you to navigate hormonal hardships and have fun while doing it!