Natural Ways to Prepare Your Body for Coming off the Pill. Women are prescribed hormonal birth control also known as 'The Pill' for a variety of reasons, we hear many cases where women feel that they were not adequately informed about the potential risks and side effects of The Pill by their healthcare providers. This can lead to feelings of mistrust or frustration, and may contribute to the decision to come off The Pill.
It's also common for women to feel apprehensive about coming off The Pill, the decision to use or discontinue hormonal birth control should be made based on individual health and lifestyle needs. For some women, the benefits of hormonal birth control may outweigh the potential risks, while for others, a non-hormonal form of contraception may be a better fit. The decision to go off The Pill is often a personal one, and it can come with its own set of challenges. However, there are natural ways to prepare your body for the transition, including using a practice called seed cycling.
What is Seed Cycling?
Seed cycling is a natural way to balance hormones by consuming specific seeds during specific phases of the menstrual cycle. It involves alternating between two different seeds - flax and pumpkin, and sesame and sunflower - during different parts of the cycle. Flax and pumpkin seeds contain lignans and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to balance estrogen levels. Sesame and sunflower seeds contain zinc and vitamin E, which can help to support progesterone production bringing the hormones back into balance.
Hormone Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can occur for a number of reasons, including stress, diet, and environmental factors, so incorporating natural therapies like seed cycling can be a helpful tool for maintaining overall health and wellness. Certain medications, androgen-releasing hormones, and anabolic steroids can also cause an imbalance of hormones. It is common for The Pill to be prescribed as a treatment for hormonal acne, irregular periods, heavy periods, fibriods and conditions including PCOS and Endometriosis and it is understandable if you have reservations about this option. The Pill works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. It also thickens the fluid around the cervix (opening to the uterus or womb) to prevent the sperm from entering.
The side effects from taking the Pill
The Pill is a synthetic hormonal that can have potential side effects and long-term risks. Possible side effects can include:- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
- Mood changes, such as depression or irritability
- Breast tenderness
- Weight gain
- High blood pressure
- Changes in sex drive
- Acne
- Vaginal infections
It's important to note that these side effects vary from person to person and not everyone will experience them.
Can the pill cause serious health problems?
Better Health Victoria states "The pill causes a very small increase in your risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clot), heart attack or stroke. It may also lead to a tiny increase in your risk of breast cancer." Like us, you may feel like the words 'tiny' and 'small' don't make me feel better about these risks. If you experience any severe side effects, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. Interested in learning more, watch The Business of Birth Control documentary and Podcast 'What you should know about the Birth Control Pill'.
A Natural Approach to Transitioning off the Pill: How Seed Cycling Can Help
Dr. Jolene Brighten is a naturopathic doctor, author, and speaker who specialises in women's health. She is a leading expert in post-birth control syndrome, a condition that affects women who have recently come off hormonal birth control. Dr. Brighten uses a holistic approach to address the root causes of hormonal imbalances in her patients.
She believes that seed cycling is an effective way to support hormone balance, particularly for women who are coming off the pill. She has written extensively about the benefits of seed cycling and how it can be used to help regulate the menstrual cycle and support fertility.
Start a seed cycling 2-3 months before you come off the Pill
Starting seed cycling a few months before getting off the pill can be beneficial because it can help to prepare the body for the changes that will occur as hormone levels start to fluctuate naturally again. By supporting hormonal balance through seed cycling, women may be able to mitigate some of the potential side effects of coming off the pill, such as acne, mood changes, and irregular periods.
While on The Pill you seed cycle with the Lunar calendar or Moon phases as this mimics a 28 day cycle. From a New Moon you consume Phase 1, organic, ground flax and pumpkin seeds daily. From a Full Moon consume Phase 2, organic, ground sesame and sunflower seeds daily.
Continue seed cycling after discontinuing The Pill with the Moon phases and once your menstrual cycle returns and is regular you can switch to seed cycling with your own cycle. This will help to support the body's ongoing hormonal balance.
Other important things to do when preparing your body naturally to get off the pill:
- Talk to your health care practitioner before making any changes to your birth control regimen. They can help provide you with guidance on how to transition safely.
- Focus on a healthy diet. A healthy diet is essential for supporting your body as you transition off the pill. Focus on eating whole foods that are rich in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats, which can disrupt your hormones and lead to inflammation.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep is critical for hormonal balance. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night to support your body as it adjusts to the changes.
- Manage stress. Stress can impact your hormones and make it more difficult for your body to adjust to the changes associated with coming off the pill. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or journaling.
- Consider natural supplements. There are several natural supplements that can help to support your body as you transition off the pill. These include omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Talk to your doctor before adding any supplements to your routine.
In conclusion, coming off the pill can be a complex process, but by using seed cycling and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, you can support your body's natural hormone balance. Remember to talk to a health care provider before making any changes to your birth control regimen, and be patient with yourself as your body adjusts to the changes.
Seed cycling can be a helpful tool for women who are considering coming off The Pill, as it can help to support the body's natural hormonal fluctuations and potentially mitigate some of the potential side effects of discontinuing hormonal birth control.