What You Need to Know About Ditching Birth Control
Maybe you’re ready to try to get pregnant, or maybe you want to switch to a natural birth control method. Whatever your reasoning, you are ready to ditch your current form of birth control — and you want to do it as seamlessly as possible.
Calee Shea, INHC, HHP, is going over what you need to know about ditching hormonal birth control in this blog post.
Whether you have been on birth control pills for just a few months or are a dedicated user of a decade or more, your body will likely need time to adjust once you ditch hormonal birth control.
Why does it matter how I come off of HBC?
The way you come off of hormonal birth control is important because most forms of HBC (except hormonal IUD) work by shutting down ovulation. This causes a BIG disconnect between the brain and the ovaries.
Picture your ovulation and cycle is controlled by a switchboard and a bunch of buttons and levers. When we add HBC to the system all of the switches, levers, and buttons are turned to the off position.
Once we come off of HBC, everything is still “off”
So, usually, one of two things will typically happen. #1 It takes a whiiiiile for the body to get the memo that its time to start having a natural cycle OR #2 it “shocks” the system and we go into overdrive, producing too many hormones.
Aaaand that’s usually why we get those wild symptoms!
That is why the way we break up with hormonal birth control is so important!
What is the best way to come off of HBC?
My #1 secret to coming off of hormonal birth control successfully? Plan that shit out 👏
I work with a lot of clients who have already ditched HBC and they find me because they’re dealing with symptoms of post-birth control syndrome.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And of course, we can address what’s happening and right the ship, but it takes time as any healing process does!
And if your goal is to come off of HBC and shoot for a seamless transition, then my top tip is to plan ahead.
What does the rough timeline for ditching HBC look like?
A rough timeline for breaking up with hormonal birth control should look like:
Month 1-3: Prepping the body to come off of HBC
Month 3-5: Ditch HBC somewhere during this time
Month 5-6: Keep focusing on hormone health
Month 7+: Consider trying to conceive if ready
Ideally, I want to prep the body for 1-3 months prior to coming off and then support it for 3-6 months after. If you have the option to plan your pregnancy, after 3-6 months of post-HBC is a good time to start trying to conceive.
Note: Everyone’s journey off of HBC may look a little different. If yours does not/ dd not look this way – that does not mean you’re doing it or did it wrong!
There is no perfect timeline for the process of breaking up with hormonal birth control (HBC), but there are a few tips that may be helpful.
What does supporting the body while coming off of HBC look like?
- Using key supplements to help the body detox well
- Fueling yourself with nourishing foods
- Taking essential vitamins and minerals to replenish your system
- Boosting gut health
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That list may feel daunting af, but I’ve got you. 😉 My job is to break it down in a way that’s easy and doable!
Note: for those who didn’t have control over the time frame or are finding this AFTER they come off of HBC – that doesn’t mean it is too late!
It may not be *as* seamless of a transition (simply because it is usually easier to get ahead of any post-HBC symptoms). But you can do any of these things effectively even a year or more off of hormonal birth control!
If you are ready to ditch HBC, I can help!
Designed to teach the education you need to have the easiest breakup of your life + take control of your health post-hormonal birth control. In Breaking Up with HBC, you’ll learn how to support your cycle post-birth control and understanding of what your body needs to thrive.
Enroll now >> Breaking Up with HBC
🥰For more support, ask inside my Facebook community, DM me on Instagram, listen to the Get Cliterate podcast, read my blog, Or all of the above?! Hehe 💛
LET’S HAVE HEALTHY, HAPPY HORMONES! 👑🔥💫💖
Free resources:
- Join our *SECRET* Facebook Community
- Are My Hormones Imbalanced? Masterclass Learn how to identify hormone imbalances, where to start, + how to take charge of your symptoms!
- What Is Non-Hormonal BC? Masterclass Learn more about non-hormonal birth control options, effectiveness, & how to get started!
- Hormone Happy Grocery List: Your quick guide to hormone happy grocery shopping!
- Follow @caleeshea and @getcliterate on Instagram
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