Post-birth Control Syndrome: Symptoms, Management, and Ditch Strategy

Introduction:

Post-birth control syndrome is not actually a regular medical diagnosis. The symptoms of this syndrome can last for weeks and even for months. Acne, anxiety, hair loss, and absence of menstrual periods are some common symptoms. There is a controversy among healthcare professionals that certain symptoms that occur after discontinuing birth control are normal since the body is adapting to the change in hormonal levels. Hormonal contraceptives include birth control pills, patches, injections, mini-pill, implants, and intrauterine devices (IUDs).

What Do Hormonal Contraceptives Contain?

Hormonal contraceptives contain synthetic hormones like estrogen and/or progesterone to prevent pregnancy. Based on the type, these hormonal contraceptives can prevent ovulation, thicken the cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from entering the uterus, or can thin the lining of the uterus to hinder the fertilized egg from getting implanted. Hormonal contraceptives can temporarily inhibit the body’s natural production of these hormones. The alteration in hormonal levels can result in temporary side effects since the body readapts to the absence of external sources of estrogen and/or progesterone.

Does Everyone Who Takes Birth Control Pills Suffer From Post-birth Control Syndrome?

Not everyone suffers from the after-effects of taking birth control pills. A few might not experience any major symptoms after discontinuing birth control pills. But, some might experience disturbing side effects since the body tends to adjust to the new state.

It can take a few weeks for those who were on birth control pills for their menstrual cycles to revert to the normal pattern. A few women have reported waiting for almost two months for their menstrual cycles to return to normal.

A possible connection between two factors and the manifestation of symptoms has been proposed:

• The age of the women when starting the birth control pills.

• The duration a woman has been taking hormonal birth control.

The symptoms of post-birth control syndrome will be noticed within four to six months of discontinuing the hormonal contraceptive. However, these symptoms can resolve within a few months, but a few may require long-term support. If appropriate help is obtained, the symptoms can be treated.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Post-birth Control Syndrome?

The signs and symptoms are as follows:

• Absence of menstrual period (amenorrhea).

• Acne.

• Tenderness of breast.

• Hair loss and headaches.

• Heavy periods.

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

• Changes in sex drive.

Are Birth Control Pills Used Only for Birth Control Purposes?

Birth control is used by many people for reasons other than pregnancy prevention. For instance, oral contraceptives may be taken to help a woman deal with painful menstrual cramps or heavy periods. In these cases, if the use of hormonal birth control is stopped, then the symptoms are most likely to relapse. But, this does not mean that the individual is experiencing a syndrome. It means that the pill no longer works on the symptoms that it was treating previously.

When should one consult a physician for post-birth control syndrome?

One must consult a physician in the following circumstances:

• Having bothersome symptoms or if one is concerned in any other way.

• Absence of periods (menstrual cycle) within six months of discontinuing birth control.

• Those who would like to get pregnant and have not had their period for about three months.

• Any impact on one’s life that demands the need for professional help has to be addressed.

How Can Post-birth Control Syndrome Be Managed?

Instead of considering the symptoms as a syndrome, it would be more effective if each symptom is treated specifically while the body readapts after one discontinues taking birth control. Post-birth control syndrome can be managed in the following ways:

• Initially, any hormonal imbalances will be checked by the physician through a blood test. Based on this, one will be suggested to follow certain lifestyle changes or may be referred to a nutritionist.

• Over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen and Tylenol can be taken for menstrual cramps and headaches.

• Hot or cold compresses can be used for tender breasts.

• One must consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables along with healthy fats from nuts, olive oil, seeds, and avocado.

• Stress reduction techniques like breath work, yoga, mindfulness meditation, and so on can be followed to maintain mood balance and prevent mood swings.

• If one is worried about weight gain after discontinuing hormonal birth control, then one can make lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy weight by eating a balanced, nutritious diet. Engaging in regular physical activity will also help.

• Specific symptoms will be treated with specific treatment methods. For instance, acne will be treated using prescription-strength medications.

• A few research show that certain oral contraceptives may lower the levels of certain vital nutrients in the body like magnesium, folic acid, zinc, selenium, and vitamins B2, B6, B12, C A, and E. So, one can obtain these nutrients either through diet or through supplements which can help reduce the symptoms of post-birth control syndrome. Further research is necessary to know if taking nutritional supplements is beneficial while taking hormonal birth control.

• One must sleep sufficiently each night. Nighttime light exposure by viewing mobile screens, television, and so on should be avoided. Also, one must spend sufficient time in the sunlight during the daytime.

What Is the Ditch Birth Control Strategy?

A specially designed six-step protocol that helps those who have recently discontinued taking hormonal birth control in order to minimize the effects of post-birth control syndrome and readapt to holistic menstrual health is called the ditch birth control strategy. The benefits of this strategy are as follows:

• Minimizes the severity and risk of post-birth control syndrome.

• Helps the body to get rid of synthetic hormones.

• Repairs the systems that birth control has impacted.

• Enhances hormonal health, gut health, menstrual health, and so on.

• One will likely experience increased focus, improved mood, better sleep, more energy, clear skin, better digestion, and healthier nails and hair.

• The menstrual cycle will gradually return to the normal pattern.

The six steps in the ditch birth control strategy are as follows:

• Replenishment of nutrients.

• Healing the gut.

• Natural detox.

• Identifying hormonal imbalances.

• Repairing the metabolism.

• Beginning to cycle sync.

Conclusion:

Post-birth control syndrome is not a formal medical diagnosis. The symptoms of post-birth control syndrome arise when one quits taking hormonal birth control. Since the body takes some time to rebalance the hormonal levels after discontinuing hormonal birth control, it is considered normal, and there is an ongoing debate among medical experts as to whether this condition is ‘real’. Weight gain, absence or experiencing heavy periods, acne, headaches, mood swings, and so on occur as common symptoms following the discontinuation of hormonal birth control. Many lifestyle changes can be made to deal with this condition, and if one finds it difficult to deal with the symptoms, then medical help must be sought.