Stopping Birth Control

 What Happens When You Stop Birth Control?

After discontinuing hormonal birth control, many women experience:

• Irregular cycles or no period at all (post-pill amenorrhea)

• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

• Acne, especially around the jawline

• Hair shedding or changes in texture

• Fatigue, bloating, and digestive upset

• Weight fluctuations or difficulty losing weight

Why? Because birth control doesn’t fix hormonal imbalances—it overrides them. Once you stop, underlying issues (and new ones) can surface.

The good news? You can support your body’s return to balance through intentional food, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation.

 Phase 1: Reboot with HER Gut Essentials

Your gut and liver work hand-in-hand to detox synthetic hormones and rebalance natural ones. After birth control, both systems need TLC.

 Start with:

HER Gut Essentials

A powerful blend of antioxidants and fulvic acid, formulated to:

✔️ Cleanse and nourish the liver 

✔️ Rebuild gut lining integrity 

✔️ Reduce inflammation

 ✔️ Promote estrogen detox 

✔️ Restore balance to the gut-hormone axis

Take as directed for 30–90 days post-birth control to support internal repair and foundation-level hormone balance.

 Phase 2: Support Gut & Detox Pathways

Beyond just your gut lining, your gut microbiome plays a role in detoxification, estrogen clearance, nutrient absorption, and immune signaling.

In addition to HER Gut Essentials, focus on: 

✅ Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi) 

✅ Colorful veggies (diversity = gut food) 

✅ Hydration to move waste efficiently

Consider adding:

• HER Digestive Enzymes (for bloat + protein breakdown)

• HER Liver Support (essential for restoring healthy liver function and clearing old hormones)

• HER Probiotic (for microbiome diversity)

 Lifestyle Support: Foundation Habits

 Sleep 7–9 hours/night – hormone regulation depends on rest  Eat enough – under-eating = under-producing hormones  Hydrate – supports lymphatic + liver pathways  Move gently but consistently – walking, strength, yoga  Manage stress – high cortisol = hormonal chaos

 Phase 3: Cortisol & Nervous System Regulation

Coming off hormonal birth control is a physical stressor—your body is re-learning how to make and regulate hormones naturally, which temporarily increases cortisol demand.

Left unmanaged, this can lead to:  Suppressed ovulation  Low progesterone  Disrupted blood sugar + mood  Poor gut lining repair  Sleep disruption and fatigue

If you’re feeling more anxious, wired-but-tired, or “off” post-BC—it’s not in your head. It’s your stress system trying to recalibrate.

 What Helps Lower Cortisol?

 Foundational Practices:

• Eat enough—especially carbohydrates (don’t fear fruit or root veggies)

• Balance blood sugar—pair carbs with protein and fat

• Get morning light to reset your circadian rhythm

• Prioritize sleep—7–9 hours minimum

• Gentle movement like walking, lifting with intention, or yoga

• Practice daily stress relief—breathwork, meditation, journaling, etc.

 Supplement Considerations:

Adaptogens like:

• Ashwagandha

• Rhodiola

• L-theanine

• Holy basil ...can help modulate cortisol levels when paired with nutrition + nervous system support

(Note: Always check with your practitioner before starting adaptogens, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication.)

 Integrate This into Your Recovery Plan:

Time of Day	Cortisol Support Practice
Morning	Eat within 60 minutes of waking, get sun exposure, include protein + carbs
Midday	Take a movement break, drink water, avoid caffeine-only meals
Evening	Turn off screens, dim lights, journal or breathwork, use magnesium or calming teas

 Why It Matters Post-BC:

When cortisol stays elevated, it interferes with:  Ovulation → no progesterone  Estrogen detox → acne, PMS, bloating  Gut repair → food sensitivities, inflammation  Blood sugar control → cravings, fatigue, weight gain

Managing cortisol helps create the safe, calm environment your body needs to rebalance.

 Final Thoughts

You can get your hormones back on track—your body just needs the space, nourishment, and regulation to do so.

Post-birth control recovery isn’t just about “getting your period back.” It’s about creating lasting hormonal health from the inside out.