When a woman discontinues hormonal birth control, her body undergoes hormonal shifts as it adjusts to its natural menstrual cycle. This transition results in symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, hormone withdrawal effects, mood swings, hot flashes, and changes in libido. Understanding these changes is crucial for supporting hormonal rebalance and ensuring a smoother transition to life after birth control. Fortunately, maintaining a balanced and healthy diet can help stabilize hormones, alleviate symptoms, and support overall health and wellness.

Chiyo supports hormonal health with our evidence-based Hormone Balance Program. Our program supports a healthy menstrual cycle and blood sugar regulation with an anti-inflammatory, gut-healthy, low-glycemic diet. Our meals are carefully designed for women focused on their menstrual and hormonal health or managing health diagnoses like PCOS or endometriosis.

Health Effects of Birth Control

Hormonal contraceptives can effectively prevent pregnancy but can significantly impact metabolic, cardiovascular, mental, and sexual health. These effects vary based on the type, dosage, and duration of contraceptive use and are generally reversible after discontinuation. [1] Some examples include: 

• Increased blood pressure and higher risk of hypertension
• Greater sensitivity to stress and mood disturbances
• Reduced sexual function and satisfaction
• Increased anxiety and depression

[2-5]

Hormonal Changes After Discontinuing Birth Control

When women discontinue hormonal birth control, their bodies readjust to its natural menstrual cycle. Key changes include:

• Increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Stabilization of estradiol and progesterone levels
• Lower levels of estradiol, estrone, androstenedione, and testosterone in long-term users
• Estrogen-related markers stabilize 

[6-8]

Overall, the body gradually readjusts to its natural hormone cycles, though minor long-term differences in hormone levels may persist. Additionally, women often experience various symptoms due to hormonal imbalances. Common symptoms include:

• Menstrual irregularities, such as amenorrhea or infrequent period  
• Hormone withdrawal symptoms, including bloating, headaches, pelvic pain, and breast tenderness
• Mood changes, such as anxiety and mood swings 
• Hot flashes and night sweats 
• Changes in libido, including shifts in sexual desire and attraction

[6, 9,10,13,14, 15, 19]

Nutrition to Support Hormone Balance

After discontinuing hormonal birth control, nutrition can help balance hormones and replenish essential nutrients that may have been depleted during birth control use. Key nutrients that support hormonal balance include:

Vitamin D and calcium: These nutrients help reduce menstrual-related symptoms and support overall hormonal health. [20]

Sources of vitamin D:

• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
• Egg yolks
• Cod liver oil

Sources of calcium:

• Nuts and seeds (chia seeds, almonds)
• Tofu
• Edamame 

Vitamin C: Oral contraceptives can deplete vitamin C, so it is important to replenish it with food. [26]

Sources of vitamin C:

• Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits)
• Berries (strawberries, blueberries)
• Vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts)

Vitamin E: Hormonal contraceptives, especially ones with estrogen, can also lower vitamin E levels. Replenish vitamin E with nutritious dietary sources. [27]

Sources of vitamin E:

• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts
• Produce: Spinach, kale, avocados

B vitamins: Oral contraceptives deplete B vitamins. Replenishing B vitamins with dietary sources can support energy metabolism and hormonal health. Focus on vitamins B2, B6, folate, and B12. [21]

Sources of B vitamins:

• Whole grains: Brown rice, oats, quinoa
• Lean meats: Chicken, turkey, beef
• Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas
• Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard

Zinc: Reduces menstrual-related symptoms and supports hormonal balance. [20]

Sources of zinc:

• Meat: Beef, pork, and lamb 
• Shellfish: Oysters, crab, lobster
• Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, beans

Magnesium: Magnesium contributes to many biochemical reactions in the body, including hormone production. [21]

Sources of magnesium:

• Leafy green vegetables: Spinach, Swiss chard, kale
• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds
• Whole grains: Brown rice and quinoa

Selenium: Supports hormone balance after discontinuing birth control by reducing oxidative stress and regulating hormones. [28-29]

Sources of selenium:

• Nuts and seeds: Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds
• Seafood: Tuna, salmon, shrimp, sardines
• Animal proteins: Turkey, chicken, beef, pork
• Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, cabbage
• Mushrooms: Shiitake, white button mushrooms
• 
  

Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats reduce inflammation and support hormonal balance. [22]

Sources of omega-3 fatty acids:

• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies)
• Flaxseeds
• Chia seeds
• Walnuts 

Fiber: Supports hormonal balance by lowering estrogen levels. While fiber can be helpful, eat it in moderation, as too much fiber can affect ovulation. [23-25]

Sources of fiber:

• Seeds and legumes: Chia seeds, lentils, chickpeas, black beans.
• Fruit: Apples (with skin), raspberries, pears.
• Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, peas.
• High-fiber grains: Oats and quinoa.

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Hormonal Balance

Chiyo supports hormonal health with our evidence-based Hormone Balance Program. Our program supports a healthy menstrual cycle and blood sugar regulation with an anti-inflammatory, gut-healthy, low-glycemic diet. 

• Our meals are designed for women focused on their menstrual cycle or managing health diagnoses like PCOS or endometriosis. 
• Our meals are highly customizable to best fit your needs. 
• We use nutrient-dense ingredients with a focus on Eastern medicine and nutritional science.
• We use nutrients that support gut health, digestion, mental health, weight management, and menstrual regularity. 

At Chiyo, we're dedicated to supporting your journey with our evidence-based Hormone Balance Program, designed to enhance your hormone balance journey. Our menus are formulated by RD Nutritionists, crafted by chefs, and clinically reviewed by our medical advisory board, a team of leading doctors and women’s health experts.

FAQs

How does hormonal birth control affect overall health?
Hormonal contraceptives can impact metabolic, cardiovascular, mental, and sexual health. Common effects include increased blood pressure, heightened stress sensitivity, mood disturbances, and changes in sexual function. These effects typically reverse after discontinuation.

What happens when you stop taking hormonal birth control?
After stopping birth control, the body readjusts to its natural menstrual cycle. Hormone levels, including LH, FSH, and estrogen, stabilize over time. Some women experience symptoms such as irregular periods, mood changes, headaches, and changes in libido.

How can nutrition help balance hormones after stopping birth control?
Certain nutrients can support hormonal balance, including vitamin D, calcium, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help regulate hormone production, reduce inflammation, and replenish those depleted by contraceptive use.

How does Chiyo’s Hormone Balance Program support women’s health?
Chiyo offers a nutrition-focused program designed to regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support menstrual health. Their meals are crafted using evidence-based nutrition, Eastern medicine principles, and ingredients that promote gut health and hormone balance.