Is Birth Control Messing With Your Hormones? Here's What You Need to Know
- Liz Riesen, RD
- Jun 30
- 4 min read
If you’ve ever thought “Could birth control be the reason I feel so off?”—you’re not alone.
Many women in their 30s come to me feeling exhausted, bloated, moody, and disconnected from their bodies. They’ve been on the pill or hormonal IUDs for years and are now wondering if it’s doing more harm than good.
Let’s break down what may be going on behind the scenes—and how to support your hormones whether you’re on birth control or considering coming off.
Most Common Symptoms Women Experience on Birth Control
After years of working with women's health and hormones, the most common symptoms I see in my practice when birth control is used long-term are:
Low energy, brain fog, or fatigue
Bloating or digestive issues (IBS flares)
Anxiety, irritability, or mood swings
Low libido or vaginal dryness
Weight changes or fluid retention
Hormonal acne
These symptoms are often dismissed as “normal” or not linked to the pill, but research and clinical experience say otherwise. Far too many of my clients are actually diagnosed with anxiety or depression, prescribed medication and sent away. This combination leads to further issues, inflammation, and weight gain.
How Birth Control Affects Natural Hormone Production
Hormonal birth control works by suppressing ovulation, which means your body isn’t producing its own estrogen or progesterone in a natural rhythm.
Over time, this can lead to a low-hormone state where your body forgets how to function without synthetic hormones. That may not be a problem short-term—but long-term use can impact:
Mood & memory
Bone density
Metabolism
Sleep
Gut health
As a woman, I know these are not small issues. These symptoms impact your quality of life. They impact your relationships. They impact your self-esteem and confidence. To name a few...
Birth Control and Your Gut: What’s the Connection?
Did you know there's a birth control and IBS connection?
Hormonal contraceptives can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to:
Increased bloating or gas
Slower digestion or constipation
Gut-brain axis dysfunction (hello, mood swings)
Diminish your body's stress response (did someone say anxious, depressed, overwhelmed?)
If you’ve noticed your digestive issues worsened after starting hormonal birth control, this may be why.
Nutrient Depletion from Birth Control: What You're Missing
Did you know the pill can deplete key nutrients your body needs to detox and thrive?
Nutrients found to be affected by hormonal birth control include:
B Vitamins (especially B6, B12, folate)
Magnesium
Zinc + Selenium
Vitamins C & E
These nutrients are crucial for hormone metabolism, thyroid function, stress resilience, and energy production. It's important to make sure you are getting adequate nutrients from your diet. I recommend a quality multivitamin/mineral supplement, omega 3 fish oil, and magnesium to almost every one of my clients.
Thinking About Coming Off Birth Control?
Many women Google things like:
“What happens when I stop birth control?”
“How to support my body after the pill?”
“How long does it take to balance hormones after birth control?”
And for good reason—your body needs time and support to recalibrate. You may experience symptoms like:
Irregular cycles and periods
Breakouts
Fatigue
Mood changes
But with the right nutrition and lifestyle support, your body can rebalance.
How to Support Your Hormones—Whether You're On or Coming Off the Pill
Whether you’re staying on birth control, considering a transition, or already off it, here’s where to start:
✔️ Replenish depleted nutrients (especially Bs, magnesium, and zinc)
✔️ Support gut health with fiber-rich foods and probiotics
✔️ Balance blood sugar with protein- and fiber-rich meals
✔️ Reduce inflammation and support liver detox
✔️ Work with a functional nutrition expert for personalized guidance
👉 Ready to Take the Next Step?
I created my Foundations of Hormone Balance Method™ and have been using it for years to help women like you support your body and hormones at any stage—on or off birth control.
If you’re tired of guessing and want to feel energized, clear, and in sync with your body again:
You can click here to learn about my program or get in touch with me and let's chat to determine the best option for us to work together.
Let’s build your hormone foundation, together.
Liz Riesen, RD, CD
Registered dietitian and hormone health coach helping women address hormone imbalances, increase energy, and lose weight naturally. As a busy mom, I know that you need a clear and realistic approach you can fit into a hectic lifestyle. I developed my Foundations of Hormone Balance Method to meet this need. Helping women feel confident and comfortable in their bodies and with food is my passion.
Follow me @lizriesen
Want to Go Deeper?
If you suspect your hormones are out of sync, personalized nutrition and functional hormone testing can uncover what’s really going on. I offer 1:1 consultations and a comprehensive hormone testing package that dives into cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, organic acids, inflammatory markers, and more.
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