Written by Ashley Holmes, Holistic Fertility Coach
Ashley Holmes is the CEO and founder of Holistic Fertility Coach Inc., a Registered Yoga Teacher; a meditation guide; an Ayurvedic health and wellness educator; a Reiki practitioner second degree; and an international best-selling author.
Generations of women have spent years, even decades, on birth control without a clear understanding of its long-term effects on fertility. Often told that pregnancy would hinder their success and condition them to believe in the necessity of birth control, many women have diligently avoided pregnancy. Health classes emphasized how easily one could conceive, leading women to invest considerable effort into preventing pregnancy. However, when they eventually decide to grow their families, they often expect immediate results upon stopping birth control. This expectation can lead to confusion and frustration when pregnancy doesn’t occur right away. The prolonged use of birth control can create a disconnect between the mind and body, leaving many women out of tune with their natural cycles, as the medication has regulated their menstrual cycles for so long. Long-term use of birth control can impact a woman’s ability to tune in and listen to her body in several ways.
Here are some key factors to consider
1. Disconnection from natural cycles
Hormonal suppression: Birth control pills work by suppressing natural hormonal fluctuations, leading to a lack of natural menstrual cycles. Over time, this can cause women to become less attuned to their body’s natural rhythms.
Absence of ovulation signs: Without ovulation, women may not experience the typical signs and symptoms associated with their menstrual cycle, such as changes in cervical mucus, ovulation pain, or basal body temperature shifts.
2. Altered perception of symptoms
Masked symptoms: Birth control can mask symptoms of underlying health issues like PCOS or endometriosis. This can make it difficult for women to recognize and understand their body’s signals once they stop using birth control.
Side effects misinterpreted: The side effects of birth control, such as mood swings or weight changes, can be misinterpreted as natural bodily responses, leading to confusion about what is normal.
3. Hormonal rebalancing period
Adjustment phase: After discontinuing birth control, the body undergoes a period of hormonal readjustment. During this time, symptoms like irregular periods, acne, or mood swings can occur, making it challenging to interpret the body’s signals accurately.
Relearning cycle signs: Women need to relearn the signs and symptoms of their natural menstrual cycle, which can take time and patience.
4. Nutrient depletion
Nutritional deficiencies: Long-term use of birth control can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamins B6, B12, folate, magnesium, and zinc. These deficiencies can affect overall health and well-being, making it harder to feel in tune with one’s body.
5. Mental and emotional awareness
Emotional disconnect: The consistent hormonal levels provided by birth control can dull the emotional and physical awareness that comes with natural hormonal fluctuations. This can result in a sense of disconnection from one’s body and emotions.
Stress and anxiety: The pressure to conceive after stopping birth control can create stress and anxiety, further hindering the ability to listen to and understand the body’s signals.
6. Impact on libido
Changes in sexual desire: Birth control can affect libido, and changes in sexual desire can be an important signal of hormonal balance and overall health. Reconnecting with natural sexual rhythms can take time after discontinuing birth control.
7. Body literacy
Learning curve: Women who have relied on birth control for many years need to educate themselves about body literacy-understanding and interpreting the natural signs of fertility and menstrual health.
Cycle tracking: Tools like cycle tracking apps, basal body temperature monitoring, and fertility awareness methods can help women reconnect with their body’s natural rhythms.
Long-term use of birth control can create a disconnect from the body’s natural cycles and signals. After stopping birth control, women may need time to readjust and relearn how to listen to their bodies. This process involves becoming attuned to natural hormonal fluctuations, recognizing symptoms of underlying health conditions, and addressing any nutritional deficiencies. With patience and awareness, women can regain a deeper connection with their bodies, and their menstrual health, and optimize their fertility.
Reconnecting with your body after years of birth control use can be a challenging but deeply enriching journey. It involves understanding and honoring your natural cycles, balancing hormones, and fostering harmony between your mind, body, and spirit. If you seek guidance and support in this process, I invite you to join me on Vibly here, a health and wellness platform dedicated to holistic healing. Together, we can explore natural methods to align and balance your hormones, helping you reconnect with yourself in a profound and nurturing way. Let's embark on this journey towards natural, holistic wellness and rediscover the power within you to achieve your fertility and health goals. Connect with me on Vibly to start your path to reconnection and healing today.
Ashley Holmes, Holistic Fertility Coach
Ashley Holmes is the CEO and founder of Holistic Fertility Coach Inc., a Registered Yoga Teacher; a meditation guide; an Ayurvedic health and wellness educator; a Reiki practitioner second degree; and an international best-selling author. Her passion for customizing yoga, meditation, chakras, ayurveda, and Reiki empowers women to come back into balance and alignment to heal themselves and conceive with ease. She uses this energy medicine to support women struggling with infertility to help them conceive naturally by healing their womb. She has been blessed with twins and a miracle baby and is fulfilling her passion and purpose by offering what the traditional medical world does not – mind, body and spirit.
