The Hidden Hormonal Cost of Birth Control

Most women are introduced to birth control as a "solution"—for painful periods, acne, irregular cycles, or simply preventing pregnancy. It's often prescribed in a 10-minute doctor visit, without much explanation of how it actually works or what the long-term implications might be. While birth control certainly has its place, especially for those who choose it with informed consent, many women are never told about the hormonal trade-offs involved.

This post isn't here to scare you—it's here to educate. Because informed women are empowered women.

1. How Birth Control Impacts Your Hormones

Hormonal contraceptives (like the pill, patch, IUD, ring, or implant) work by shutting down ovulation. That means your body is no longer cycling through its natural rhythm of estrogen, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone.

This suppression affects more than your reproductive organs—it changes your entire endocrine landscape. Ovulation isn’t just about making babies—it’s also how your body produces protective hormones like progesterone, which supports mood, metabolism, sleep, and thyroid function.

When you’re on hormonal birth control:

• Your natural hormone production is turned down or off.

• You experience a withdrawal bleed, not a true menstrual period.

• You may feel emotionally flat, anxious, or disconnected without understanding why.

2. The Nutrient Depletion No One Talks About

Multiple studies have shown that oral contraceptives deplete key nutrients over time, including:

• B vitamins (especially B6, B12, and folate)

• Magnesium

• Zinc

• Selenium

• Vitamin C and E

These nutrients are vital for mood regulation, liver detoxification, thyroid function, and healthy ovulation. When they run low, symptoms like fatigue, low libido, brain fog, and anxiety can become chronic—even if your labs look "normal."

3. Birth Control Can Alter Your Microbiome and Immune Health

Research has shown that hormonal contraceptives can impact gut flora, increase intestinal permeability (aka leaky gut), and raise the risk for yeast overgrowth or inflammation. Since your gut is central to hormone detox, immune function, and mental health, this shift can have ripple effects across your entire system.

4. What Are the Alternatives?

The good news? You have options.

Natural methods of contraception have come a long way. Fertility awareness-based methods (FAM) like the Sympto-Thermal Method or tools like the Inito monitor or Daysy tracker can accurately pinpoint ovulation when used correctly.

These options:

• Encourage body literacy

• Are hormone-free

• Can be used to either prevent or achieve pregnancy

And beyond that, supporting your hormone health naturally—with functional testing, targeted nutrition, and nervous system regulation—can help you feel more balanced, energized, and resolve the symptoms you originally were put on birth control for.

Final Thoughts: Your Hormones Deserve a Second Look

Whether you're currently on birth control, considering it, or thinking about coming off—it’s never too late to get curious about what your body needs.

You deserve more than a prescription—you deserve a full picture of your hormone health and support to help your body find balance.

Want to learn what your hormones are really up to?

Start the application process for a 1:1 New Patient Appointment with Dr. Kendra today.

— Dr. Kendra Kautz  Chiropractor | Holistic Health Consultant | Women’s Wellness Advocate

Costa Mesa, CA | Virtual Appointments Available for California Residents

Text or Call: 714-540-0555 to schedule