Why I Stopped taking Hormonal Birth Control

Like many friends of mine, and women I’ve spoken to, I started taking “the pill” around age 14-16. I stopped taking it back in 2021 which means I was taking a pill (almost) consistently everyday for 11 years. It’s crazy to think about - why are we taking pills if we aren’t sick? I never really thought of myself as being depressed back then, I just thought everyone feels a bit “meh”, it was normal… but when my friend Charlotte (thanks for changing my life) said “coming off birth control was like the clouds cleared and everything is just a bit brighter:” I was intrigued and thought why not test it out!

After being off it for a few months I realised she was right. I could feel a deeper connection with my body. It was like the light switch had come on and I could feel this power in me. I started researching into period tracking apps and those didn’t really work for me so I was really trying to trust that I knew my body. Of course it was hard, every month, even if their was no possible chance, unless of course I was the incarnation the virgin Mary(emma), I would stress my periods late! Eventually I felt in-sync with my body and the stressful months ended and when my Oura ring came out with period tracking (and now cycle tracking) it really helped me trust deeper in my mind body connection.

If you listen to your body close enough you can even tell what kinds of foods you need during each phase. Meditation is a great way to deepen this connection (yoga is a kind of meditation too if sitting isn’t your thing) and if you haven’t mastered the connection yet, it’s good thing my friend Katherine is developing HER to guide you during each phase of your cycle.

So let’s explore avenues to foster a balanced mind-body connection, and reevaluate the impact of hormonal birth control on our overall well-being. While hormonal birth control has been a convenient method for many, its potential implications on our mental, physical, and emotional health cannot be overlooked.

The Mind

Hormonal birth control has been linked to mood changes in some individuals. As I said for me I didn’t think my mood was being affected. by birth control but when I came off it the clouds really did clear! The synthetic hormones present in these contraceptives may interfere with the natural balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, potentially leading to symptoms of depression, anxiety, or mood swings. As we continue to seek emotional equilibrium, it's crucial to recognise the influence of these synthetic hormones on our mental state.

The Body

The physical ramifications of hormonal birth control can also be substantial. From weight fluctuations and decreased libido to potential long-term effects on bone density, these contraceptives have the capacity to disrupt our body's harmonious functioning. You can’t listen to your body if it can’t hear you, and taking hormonal birth control is like muting your body’s signals to you. Since coming off the pill it’s much easier for me to listen to my body and the more you listen the easier it is to understand and the more connected you will become.

The Soul

Our spiritual and emotional well-being can be deeply intertwined with the substances we introduce into our bodies. Hormonal birth control, with its ability to alter hormonal balance, may affect our intrinsic connection to our bodies and intuition. By embracing alternatives to hormonal birth control, we can honor and preserve the sanctity of this mind-body-soul relationship.
In the realm of natural family planning, non-hormonal contraceptives, and fertility awareness methods, we can uncover options that align with our holistic well-being. Embracing our body's natural rhythms and cycles empowers us to deepen our understanding of our own physiology while fostering a mindful and connected approach to contraception.
It's essential to engage in open and informed conversations with healthcare providers to explore the array of contraceptive options available. By prioritizing our mind-body connection and considering alternatives to hormonal birth control, we can steer our journey towards a more integrated and balanced well-being.
Let's continue to explore and honor the intricate tapestry of our mind, body, and soul as we make choices that resonate with our holistic health.
Namaste.