Birth Control - Management
What Does It Mean?
Birth control management involves supporting hormonal health in individuals currently using, discontinuing, or considering oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, patches, or injections. Functional medicine focuses on hormonal balance, nutrient replenishment, gut health, and detoxification pathways to minimize the side effects and long-term health risks associated with contraceptive use.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
• Hormonal Suppression – Synthetic hormones override natural ovulation and hormone production.
• Nutrient Depletion – Long-term contraceptive use depletes B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and antioxidants.
• Liver Detoxification Burden – Increased workload to metabolize synthetic hormones.
• Dysbiosis & Gut Health Disruption – Birth control can alter gut microbiome and increase intestinal permeability.
• Estrogen Dominance & Detox Challenges – Estrogen metabolism issues can contribute to PMS, mood swings, and weight gain.
• Post-Birth Control Syndrome (PBCS) – Symptoms like acne, irregular cycles, and fatigue after discontinuation.
Signs & Symptoms:
• Menstrual Irregularities – Missing periods after stopping birth control.
• Hormonal Imbalances – PMS, breast tenderness, mood swings, and fatigue.
• Digestive Issues – Bloating, constipation, or altered microbiome due to contraceptive use.
• Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms – Hair loss, poor energy, and cognitive fog.
• Post-Withdrawal Symptoms – Acne, mood changes, and weight fluctuations.
Lab Test Findings
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Estradiol (E2) | Increased | 24.00-39.00 pg/mL |
| Estrogen | Increased | 80-250 pg/mL |
| Estrone | Increased | 0-125 pg/mL |
| Glucose, Serum | Increased | 75.00-86.00 mg/dL |
| HDL Cholesterol | Decreased | 55.00-93.00 mg/dL |
| Progesterone | Decreased | 0.20-0.90 ng/mL |
| DHEA-Sulfate | Decreased | 150.00-250.00 µg/dL |
| SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) | Increased | 40.00-46.00 nmol/L |
| Cortisol Total, Serum | Normal or Decreased | 11.5-15.00 µg/dL |
| Homocysteine | Increased | 5.00-7.20 µmol/L |
| Vitamin B12 | Decreased | 545.00-1100.00 pg/mL |
| Magnesium, Serum | Decreased | 2.20-2.50 mg/dL |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach:
The goal is to support hormone balance, restore nutrient levels, and optimize detox pathways for better cycle regulation, mood stability, and long-term health.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Advanced Vita-Biotic R | Delivers active organisms shown to promote healthy gut flora and immune function | 1 capsule with food, daily |
| Endura | A naturally-flavored hydration powder containing essential electrolytes for endurance and hydration | 3 packets with or without food, twice daily |
| CoQ-10 300 mg | Supports cell energy production and provides wide-range antioxidant support | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| Vita-Glutathione | Master antioxidant in the body that supports healthy detoxification pathways | 1 capsule with or without food, daily |
| Vita-Digestyzyme | Supports healthy digestion while working to maintain gut balance and function | 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, daily |
| Vita B Methyl | Supports B vitamin levels for hormone balance | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Magnesium | Aids stress response, detoxification, and hormone metabolism | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita DIM | Promotes estrogen metabolism and detoxification | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita Defense | Provides antioxidant protection and immune support | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita Buffered C Powder | Enhances detoxification and adrenal function | ¼ scoop of powder with food, twice daily |
| SBI Powder | Helps maintain gut barrier integrity and microbiome balance | 1 scoop of powder in cold water without food, daily |
| Vita Microbe | Supports gut flora for estrogen recycling and detox | 3 capsules with or without food, daily |
| D-Mannose Powder | Aids urinary tract and vaginal microbiome health | 1 tsp of powder without food, twice daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
• Support Liver Detoxification – Increase cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts) for estrogen metabolism.
• Optimize Gut Health – Consume fiber-rich foods to bind excess estrogen and promote detoxification.
• Manage Stress & Sleep – Prioritize sleep to balance cortisol and reproductive hormones.
• Cycle-Specific Nutrition – Adjust diet based on menstrual cycle phases to optimize hormone balance.
• Reduce Endocrine Disruptors – Avoid plastics, synthetic fragrances, and non-organic dairy to minimize hormone disruption.