#147: Coming Off Birth Control: What Happens to Your Hormones? with Curtis Gillespie Sayers
Have you ever been prescribed birth control for something OTHER than preventing pregnancy?Maybe it was irregular periods, painful cramps, acne, heavy bleeding, or mood swings. And while the pill may have helped those symptoms, have you ever wondered what it's doing to your hormones? Or what happens when you stop taking it?We've both been there!Between the two of us, we've spent YEARS on and off birth control. While it helped manage some frustrating symptoms, we still had questions about the long-term effects and whether there were other options.In Episode 147, we're welcoming back Curtis Gillespie Sayers of Lifestyle Empowerment to discuss birth control, hormone health, and what women should know before coming off the pill.Curtis shares his perspective on how hormonal contraceptives may affect the body, why symptoms sometimes return after stopping birth control, and ways to prepare for the transition.We also talk about perimenopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), gut health, and why it's worth looking at the bigger picture when it comes to your health.In This Episode, We Talk About:Why women take birth control beyond pregnancy prevention, including acne, irregular periods, and painful cycles.Birth control and gut health: Potential connections involving digestion, nutrient levels, and thyroid function.What happens when you stop taking the pill: Hormone fluctuations, acne, hair shedding, and menstrual changes.When your period should return and when to talk with your healthcare provider.Preparing to come off birth control: Nutrition, testing, and questions about supplements.Birth control vs. hormone replacement therapy: What to consider during perimenopause.Hormones and autoimmune conditions: Curtis discusses estrogen's role in immune function.Looking beyond symptom management to better understand your health.Our Biggest TakeawayOne thing Curtis said really stuck with us:"Nothing works in isolation."It's easy to focus on one symptom. Your periods are painful, so you take something for that. Your skin breaks out, so you try something else. You're exhausted, so you look for another solution.But what if we started looking at the bigger picture?That doesn't mean medications are bad or that you should stop taking something that's helping you. It means you deserve to understand your body, ask questions, and make informed decisions about your health.Whether you're taking birth control, thinking about coming off it, or navigating perimenopause, we hope this conversation helps you feel more confident exploring your options.Connect With Curtis Gillespie SayersWebsite: https://lifestyleempowerment.caInstagram: @funct.med.curtisCommunity: The Healing Path on SkoolCurtis offers one-on-one coaching and an educational community focused on understanding health from a broader perspective.Enjoyed This Episode?Share it with a friend, daughter, or another woman who might find this helpful!And if you're enjoying the podcast, we'd love for you to subscribe and leave us a review!Disclaimer: This episode is for education only, not medical advice. Guest opinions may not reflect established medical consensus. Consult your healthcare provider before changing medications, stopping birth control, or starting supplements or hormone therapy. Arrange alternative contraception before stopping the pill if pregnancy prevention is important.