How Hormonal Contraceptives Affect Women’s Health—And What You Can Do About It…

Written By Andrea Nacca

From mood swings to nutrient depletion—here’s what your doctor may not have told you.

Hormonal birth control has revolutionized reproductive health, offering women autonomy and control over their bodies like never before. But there’s a side of the story that often goes untold—the impact these synthetic hormones can have on your hormone balance, mood, metabolism, and overall vitality.

If you’ve ever felt off while on birth control—or struggled with symptoms after stopping—you’re not imagining things. Let’s explore what’s really going on and how to support your body from a root-cause perspective.

Understanding Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal contraceptives come in various forms—pills, patches, IUDs, injections, and implants. Most work by suppressing ovulation and introducing synthetic versions of estrogen and/or progestin.

This essentially overrides your body’s natural hormone cycle.

Imagine placing your hormonal rhythm on “pause”—the synthetic hormones take over, while your ovaries and natural production take a backseat.

While this can relieve symptoms like heavy periods or endometriosis, it can also lead to hormonal disruptions that show up in other areas of your health.

How Hormonal Birth Control Can Disrupt Your Hormones

Here are some of the most common—but under-discussed—effects:

  • Suppressed hormone production: Birth control halts communication between your brain and ovaries, shutting down natural estrogen and progesterone cycles.

  • Fake periods: The bleed you experience on the pill isn’t a true menstrual cycle—it’s a withdrawal bleed caused by a drop in synthetic hormones.

  • Mood changes: Many women report anxiety, low mood, or irritability due to changes in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

  • Nutrient depletion: Long-term use has been linked to lower levels of key nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.

  • Endocrine stress: Hormonal contraceptives can strain the thyroid and adrenal glands, especially in women with chronic stress or underlying imbalances.

Coming Off Birth Control? Here’s What to Expect

Transitioning off hormonal contraception can be a breeze—or a bit of a roller coaster. Some women experience:

  • Acne

  • Fatigue

  • Irregular cycles

  • Mood swings

  • Digestive issues

This collection of symptoms is often referred to as Post-Birth Control Syndrome—and it’s a sign your body is recalibrating.

Functional Medicine Steps to Rebalance Naturally

The good news? You can support your body through this transition with intentional, functional strategies:

1. Rebuild Nutrient Stores

  • Prioritize B-complex vitamins, magnesium, and zinc

  • Consider testing micronutrient levels to customize your support

2. Nourish Your Hormones with Whole Foods

  • Eat a rainbow of vegetables, healthy fats, and clean proteins

  • Load up on cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and arugula

3. Love Your Liver

  • Support detox with foods like beets, dandelion root, artichokes, and lemon water

  • Ensure daily elimination (fiber + hydration is key!)

4. Balance Your Blood Sugar

  • Build meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats

  • Avoid sugar crashes and carb-heavy snacks that spike insulin

5. Support Your Stress Response

  • Add gentle movement, meditation, or nature walks to your daily rhythm

  • Chronic stress = hormone disruption. Even 5 minutes of deep breathing can help.

6. Track Your Cycle

  • Use a tracking app or journal to get in tune with your natural rhythm

  • Pay attention to ovulation signs, cervical mucus, and emotional patterns

Gut Health & Hormones: The Connection

Birth control affects the gut, too.

  • It can reduce microbial diversity

  • Increase intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”)

  • Disrupt estrogen clearance through the digestive tract

Support your gut with probiotic-rich foods, prebiotic fibers, and healing nutrients like glutamine and zinc carnosine. A healthy gut helps balance your hormones—especially after coming off birth control.

Functional Testing That Can Help

To get to the root of your symptoms, we often use:

  • DUTCH Hormone Test – for in-depth hormone analysis

  • Salivary Cortisol Test – to assess adrenal and stress response

  • Comprehensive Stool Testing – for gut health, inflammation, and digestion

  • Micronutrient Testing – to identify and correct deficiencies

Testing gives us insight into what your body is missing—and how to support it effectively.

You Deserve to Feel Like Yourself Again

Whether you’re on the pill, thinking about coming off, or struggling with symptoms after stopping—it’s not all in your head.

With the right education, guidance, and care, it’s absolutely possible to rebalance your hormones and reclaim your energy, mood, and cycle.

✅ Ready to start your hormone healing journey?

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Let’s build a plan that supports your body, your goals, and your hormones—naturally.

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References

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  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Hormonal Contraception.

  • Mu E, Kulkarni J. Hormonal contraception and mood disorders. Aust Prescr. 2022.

  • Bitzer PEJ. Effects of hormonal contraception on mood and sexuality. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2024.

  • Briden, L. (2015). Period Repair Manual.

  • Burrows, L. J., & Basha, M. (2011). Adverse effects of hormonal contraceptives. Open Access Journal of Contraception.

Andrea Nacca