Whether you think that now is the perfect time to start trying to conceive for a new family member, or you simply want to cleanse yourself from synthetic hormones to regulate your body, it’s important to know what options you have to return to your natural cycle, as well as some natural remedies for common ailments.
The first step would be to identify what type of birth control you are using, and understand it a bit more.
“The Pill”:
- This is a very common form of birth control. Most pills come as a combo pack, containing both estrogen and progestin. The pill works by preventing the ovary from releasing the egg. It will also thicken your cervical mucus, to make it less “sperm friendly.” Additionally, it changes your uterine wall, to prevent implantation.
IUD:
- The copper IUD simply puts up a “road block” and prevents sperm from connecting to an egg. There are no hormones in a copper IUD.
- The Mirena IUD contains progestin, which thickens your cervical mucus and it also prevents the sperm from connecting to an egg. Additionally, it prevents ovulation.
Nuva-Ring:
- This thin flexible ring has the same hormones as a combination pill and, therefore, does the same thing as the pill.
Implanon:
- Becoming more popular in the U.S., this thin piece of plastic is implanted under your skin. It contains progestin, which thickens your cervical mucus and alters your uterine lining to prevent implantation.
“The Patch” (Ortho Evra):
- The patch contains both estrogen and progestin, and has the same effect as a combination pill, and nuva-ring.
“The Shot” (Depo Provera):
- Depo Provera is an injected shot of progestin. Many people experience complete lack of menstruation whilst on depo provera. Once you have received your shot, you cannot reverse its effects for at least 12-14 weeks. Since it is progestin, it does the same things to prevent pregnancy as a Mirena IUD.
You must recognize that each person reacts differently with each hormone. You may have really enjoyed the use of one method, and despised another method containing the same type of hormones. It’s all about dosage, and how your body reacts.
Now that we understand the types of birth control- what can we do to optimize our fertility, or regain our natural body cycle?
1. Diet:
- There have been plenty of studies linking pesticides in fruits and vegetables to problems in fertility. Always buy organic produce, meat and dairy. If you wish to rid your body of unwanted chemicals, it makes no sense to continue putting more in.
2. Natural Supplements:
If you are still having issues, and are not able to see your body returning to a natural cycle, there are some supplements available that may help you along your journey. As always, speak to your doctor, or naturopath, before you start taking any supplements.
- Vitex: Vitex has been proven to help regulate and promote ovulation. It’s a great “starting off” supplement, because it individualizes to best suit your body’s needs. It also helps regulate your period, and is best if used for 6-12 months.
- Dong Quai: Dong Quai is a powerful player in the supplement world. It tones your uterus, and helps to regulate your period. It promotes blood flow to the pelvis, and has been known to also drastically improve anemia. If you have yet to get your period because of synthetic hormones, you would want to look into dong quai. Because of the fact that it promotes blood flow, you will not want to use it while you are menstruating. It will also help restore a healthy uterine lining.
Massage:
There are many studies that link a healthy reproductive system to massage. Find a massage practitioner who specializes in fertility massage. It relaxes you, while improving circulation to your uterus and ovaries. There are also many online tutorials that will show you at-home tips for abdominal or fertility massage.
Yoga:
Meditation and relaxation has a very positive affect on your reproductive system. Holding on to stress will wreak havoc on you physically, and your female parts will also go along on the stress roller coaster. Including relaxation and meditation into your fertility routine may be the kick-start that your body needs.
If you’re looking to return to a birth control in the future, research the different kinds available, and find one that best suits your need. Each body reacts so differently, and the same goes for when you are coming off of birth control.
This post is meant for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace medical advice from your physician, doctor or health care professional. Please read our terms of use for more information.
Sources:
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/index.htm
https://natural-fertility-info.com/birth-control-fertility.html
