Hormonal birth control has been a revolutionary technology for women.

It has given us more options, more autonomy, and more empowerment over our bodies, careers, relationships, and how we choose to live our lives. It’s also critical for some people who have reproductive health conditions like endometriosis. 

We are by no means anti-hormonal birth control here. We are pro-choice in every sense of the word. 

That being said, taking hormonal medication does not work for everyone’s body. Or it may have served you at one point in time, but you no longer want to be on it –– no matter what your reasons are.

Again we want to reiterate that there is absolutely nothing wrong with choosing to be on or not be on hormonal birth control. It’s your body, your choice. However, it’s important to have the resources you need to care for your body.

If you’re choosing to go off hormonal birth control, it can be incredibly helpful to have a guide so you know what to expect and how to support your mind and body through the transition. This is that guide.

1) Make the decision for yourself

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve likely decided that getting off HBC is the right choice for you. So while it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider and your partner if you have one, ultimately this is (say it with us) your body and your choice.

It can be helpful as you start this journey to think about why you don’t want to be on HBC anymore. 

• Do you want to try to get pregnant? 

• Do you want to deepen your relationship with your body and your cycle?

• Do you believe you’re having adverse effects to the hormones (and/or to an IUD)?

Or maybe it’s just time! Knowing your why can help you create an intentional experience as you move forward.

2) Learn how to track your cycle

Have you heard of the “Fertility Awareness Method”, aka FAM? It basically means learning about your body and your cycle so you can help determine when you’re ovulating. 

People use FAM whether they’re trying to conceive, or are trying to avoid getting pregnant. Keep in mind that it can take time for your cycle to regulate after being on HBC, anywhere from a few months to a year.

There are a few ways to track ovulation:

• Tracking your basal body temperature (which requires a special thermometer or wearable device)

• Paying attention to your cervical mucus

• Tracking cervical height (the cervix is higher up, and softer/moister during ovulation)

• Tracking your symptoms in an app like Clue or Flo

You can learn more about tracking your cycle on YPP founder Rosie Rees’s IG.

3) Watch for symptoms

Some people experience certain symptoms or issues when going off HBC. Sometimes this is just part of your body regulating or it could be because the HBC was masking an underlying issue.

Watch for these symptoms when going off hormonal birth control:

• Post-pill PCOS: As your hormones regulate, you may experience symptoms of PCOS like excessive hair growth or an irregular period.

• Post-pill infertility: It can take time for your hormones to regulate, so if you experience infertility within the first year or so of being off the pill, don’t lose hope, but do seek out support from a specialist.

• Post-pill acne: The pill suppresses sebum production which can help minimize acne –– until you go off of it. If your skin retaliates when going off HBC, give it 3-6 months and it should go back to normal!

4) Balance your body

Your body is going through a transition, so you want to give it the love and nourishment it needs to help get back to a state of homeostasis. 

You can support this transition by focusing on a whole-food diet and minimizing processed foods, refined sugar, and alcohol. Think high-quality proteins (like fish and legumes), plenty of produce, and gut-healing foods like sauerkraut and bone broth. 

These supplements can also be helpful in balancing your body post-HBC:

• Zinc

• B vitamins 

• Magnesium

• Vitamin A

5) Create a womb-supporting toolkit

Your periods may be a little wonky for a bit, or you may experience symptoms that you haven't had in a while (or ever). It’s helpful to create a womb-supporting tool kit so you can connect with your body while giving it the love it needs.

Period products:

• Menstrual Cups ($20 AUD) offer up to 12 hours of absorption without leakage

• Menstrual Discs ($4O AUD) offer the same protection as the cup but sit higher up in the vaginal canal.

• Menstrual Period Sponges ($20 AUD) are great for managing menstruation discreetly and comfortably, especially for anyone who leads an active lifestyle.

• Womb Free Bleeding Waterproof Splash Blanket™ ($139.99 AUD) protects your mattress while tapping into a free-bleeding practice. 

Womb support:

• Womb Heat Wrap ($69.95 AUD) is an ultra-comfortable, hands-free, flaxseed heat pack specifically designed for wrapping around the lower back, lower belly, neck or shoulders, or even the leg or hip.

• Yoni Steam Herbs ($38 AUD) is a blend of herbs to help tone, cleanse and soothe the vagina and for general healing.

• Sync Calm Balm ($49 AUD) uses menthol, capsicum, and sweet basil oil to help treat cramps topically.

Reconnect with your body with this Womb Healing Meditation ($12 AUD), led by Rosie. When we do womb healing, we start to feel a greater sense of connection to this space - more pleasure, more sensitivity, more flow, and more awareness. Which are all essential as you go off hormonal birth control!

 

Go at your own pace and revel in over 14 modules of sexually empowering masterclasses, tutorials, guided meditations, guest interviews and practical yoni egg exercises plus a monthly women's sister circle on Zoom on the first Wednesday of every month. If you desire consistency, connection and community, this VIP Golden Yoni portal is the perfect place to be. Sign up now for only $40/month with no lock in contracts.