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.