The Untold Side of Coming Off Birth Control
Having been on birth control for 18 years, I started having an intuitive feeling it was time to consider coming off. For most of my 20s, I dealt with severe bloating and found myself in and out of doctors’ offices and ERs trying to figure out my chronic stomach issues. I had originally gone on birth control after being told by medical professionals that this was necessary to tame my acne, regulate periods, and treat my PCOS.
A Lack of Support and Knowledge from Medical Professionals
After consulting with my gynecologist about my concerns, she assured me there were no negative side effects. She suggested that if I felt like coming off, I could just stop taking it—without much difference.
The Post-Pill Fallout: Misdiagnoses and Frustration
Fast forward three months after discontinuing the pill, I developed little bumps all over my body. I went from doctor to doctor, receiving diagnoses like sun poisoning or allergic reactions. These bumps soon turned into painful cystic acne on my face, neck, arms, back, and chest. My face also began growing hair. After months of worsening symptoms, I realized this was my body reacting to the removal of the pill.
The Pressure to Return to Pharmaceuticals
Despite the severity of my symptoms, my gynecologist and dermatologist told me the only solution was to go back on the pill and actually add on and start a new medication, Spironolactone. Reluctantly, I did what they suggested because it seemed like the only option.
Discovering Functional/Naturopathic Medicine
Two months later, I was introduced to functional and naturopathic practitioners, and I felt truly seen for the first time. They explained how common my experience was, why it wasn’t being talked about, the harmful side effects of birth control, and how to heal from not only the side effects of coming off the pill but also the damage it had caused during use.
Preparation and Confidence: A New Approach to Going Off the Pill
This time, I worked with these practitioners to properly prepare my body for coming off birth control. I learned how to replenish the nutrients I had lost, heal my gut, and remove toxins from my diet and environment. Additionally, I made important lifestyle changes like cutting out alcohol and becoming more conscious about my overall health. These steps were necessary before attempting to go off the pill again—critical information I didn’t have during my first attempt.
Reclaiming My Health and Trusting My Intuition
Once I was connected to the right support system, I had the confidence to try again, this time the right way. My intuitive feeling to come off the pill was spot-on, and I realized how important it was to trust myself even when doctors insisted otherwise.
Birth Control’s Impact on Women’s Intuition and Creative Life Force
In my opinion, birth control disconnects us from our intuition and creative life force, the very essence that makes us women. If you’re feeling the intuitive pull to stop taking the pill but are scared, know that you are not alone. We are here to support you when you’re ready to embark on this journey.
