A naturopaths guide to coming off the pill
Whatever your reason for flirting with the idea of coming off the pill here are some things that could be helpful to know; how the pill works, common post-pill symptoms and my supplement recommendations to supporting your hormones back into balance.
How The Pill Works
There are two types of oral contraceptive pills (OCP), one is the combined pill which includes synthetic forms of oestrogen and progesterone, the other is “the mini pill” containing the synthetic form of just progesterone.
To read more about the importance of oestrogen & progesterone click here.
As the body receives synthetic hormones the communication between the brain and the ovaries is halted, inhibiting the signal for the ovaries to mature and release an egg, ultimately preventing ovulation. Without ovulation, the ovaries do not produce their normal amounts of oestrogen and progesterone.
There is a biological purpose to natural hormones beyond fertility.
Aside from their reproductive functions the female hormones play a key role in:
bone density
blood clotting
brain function
mood
hair growth
metabolism
blood pressure maintenance
The imposter hormones resemble our natural hormones enough to prevent ovulation however they have the opposite effect in many other areas and can actually cause high blood pressure, hair loss, anxiety and depression.
The bleed that is experienced on the pill is not a period, it is a withdrawal bleed due to having a break from the medication.
The OCP is prescribed for an array of reasons from preventing pregnancy, to “fixing” hormonal related symptoms such as acne, irregular cycles or heavy bleeding. The pill does not address or resolve the root cause of these issues, it simply masks the symptoms for the time you are taking it.
Coming Off The Pill
When you stop taking the pill, it is likely your body will return to its pre-pill state and you can be greeted with the same symptoms that led you to taking the pill as well as some unexpected ones. Here are some common post-pill symptoms that can occur when you transition off the pill. Please know that herbal and nutritional medicine is effective in balancing and restoring the natural ebb and flow of hormones and can support you in transitioning off the pill.
Post-Pill Amenorrhoea
Your body has had a break from creating its own hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. When you come off the pill, the synthetic hormones are no longer causing a withdrawal bleed yet your body may need some time to begin producing its natural hormones again so it can take a few months before your period returns. The herb Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste tree berry) can be useful in this situation.
Post-Pill Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
As your natural hormones are finding their flow again there can be a rise in androgens (like testosterone) causing symptoms that are seen in PCOS cases such as irregular cycles, anovulation, hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and acne. If you have recently come off the pill and have been diagnosed with PCOS please reach out for support.
Post-Pill Acne
The pill will often clear up acne as it suppresses sebum (oil) production. When you stop taking the pill, sebum is no longer suppressed and the rise of androgens create an over production of sebum causing either the return or beginning of acne (usually with a vengeance). This usually peaks around 3 – 6 months post-pill. Zinc will be your best friend to settle post-pill acne, seek advice when it comes to supplements.
Post-Pill Infertility
The synthetic hormones in the pill have disrupted the communication between the brain and the ovaries to prevent pregnancy. Similar to post-pill amenorrhoea, your natural hormones are a little out of practice and need to find their flow again. It will take some time for the body to create its natural oestrogen, ovulate and create progesterone – be gentle with yourself and seek support. If you are trying to conceive I recommend implementing a 3 month preconception plan which you can read more about here.
Supplements for transitioning off the pill:
Zinc: reduction of androgens, balances sebum, anti-inflammatory for the skin.
Vitamin A: assists in skin cell turnover.
B vitamins & magnesium: the pill depletes you of these nutrients which are responsible for many processes, particularly energy & mood.
Paeonia & licorice: these two herbs prescribed by a naturopath work synergistically to restore ovulation & reduce testosterone.
Chaste tree: prescribed by a naturopath chaste tree supports the communication between the brain & the ovaries facilitating the natural production of your hormones.
Saw Palmetto: reduces PCOS-like symptoms, helps regulate the menstrual cycle.
I recommend starting supplementation of B vitamins and zinc for 4 weeks before stopping your pill. This can help to reduce the severity in post-pill symptoms.
Additional suggestions:
Follow a whole-foods diet: the pill can cause increased permeability of the gut lining and reduce nutrient absorption. Focus on building up good gut health by limiting processed foods, alcohol and refined sugars. You may also like to consider removing dairy if you are someone prone to acne.
Your diet should be filled with good quality proteins (animal & vegetarian), fresh fruits (2 pieces daily), a mix of raw and cooked vegetables (aim for 8 servings), and healthy fats (think fish, eggs, avocado, nuts, seeds and olive oil).
Add in gut healing extras such as bone broths, gelatin, sauerkraut, kim chi, kefir and miso.Include various bitter foods such as rocket, radicchio, kale, green tea and apple cider vinegar to promote detoxification.
Hydrate: with filtered water.
BALANCE supplement - contains herbs to support a regular cycle.
Other methods of contraception
The humble condom
Fertility awareness method
I am here for anyone needing additional support in transitioning of hormonal contraception. I recommend a consultation if you are someone who had severe symptoms of hormonal imbalance prior to going on the pill and are wanting to avoid a flare up/return in these symptoms.
Disclaimer: Always work with a qualified practitioner when changing medication, using supplements and herbal medicine.