Birth control shouldn’t be just called birth control; it should be called Cramp Control, Acne Control, Emotional Control, etc. Any woman who has ever taken, and more importantly gone off of birth control, knows that the daily dose of hormones helps to keep things in check, but once it’s taken away - watch out! As if the adult onset acne isn’t enough to make you an emotional wreck, going of the pill can leave you feeling like you can’t control your emotions, because you can’t! It can also make for a heavier and more painful time of the month.
Try to give your bod a break. You did have your hormone regulation on autopilot by popping the pill, so your body needs a little time to adjust to being back in the pilot’s seat. In the meantime, however, there are a few things you can do to help make the transition less painful, less tear and acne filled, and even a little quicker.
HOW TO NATURALLY BALANCE YOUR HORMONES:
Sleep
-The most natural and most effective method is sleep. This is when your body removes toxins and repairs itself, allowing you to function at your best. Bonus points for sleeping in complete darkness- lights disrupt your natural sleep pattern.
Eat & Drink
-Lower your sugar intake.
-Avoid foods that stress your adrenal glands, like alcohol and caffeine.
-Consider limiting dairy, wheat, and highly processed soy products.
-Avoid High Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fats (vegetable oil, canola oil, margarine, etc.)
Supplement
Consider adding some of the following supplements to your diet:
-B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, Folic Acid
-Probiotics
-Maca Root
-Evening Primrose Oil
-Borage Oil
Reduce Stress
An over secretion of stress hormones will adversely effect your body, so try to relax! Yoga and meditation are fantastic ways to reduce stress.
Exercise
I know, I know. Exercise is on almost every list that pertains to health, but for good reason. It reduces stress, and helps your body function at optimum level.
Environmental Triggers
Consider doing some research about the number of chemicals you’re exposed to in things like cosmetics, certain plastics, and cleaning products. They can be loaded with endocrine disruptors, also known as xenoestrogens, that mimic natural hormones and disrupt the normal function of hormones in your endocrine system.
Adopt some of the suggestions above and your hormones should start to regulate within a few months. If it’s taking too long, or you feel like your symptoms are out of control, see your doctor.
