After being on hormonal birth control for over 10 years, I decided to come off it a few months ago. I was determined to support my body in promoting hormone balance naturally, aiming to avoid symptoms like missed periods, PMS, acne, and cramps. So far, I’m happy to report that I haven’t missed a period and have only had the occasional pimple. Here are the key strategies I’ve incorporated into my routine that have made a difference:
Starting my day with a high protein breakfast has been essential. I opt for meals like chicken sausage or turkey bacon with avocado toast or a protein smoothie. This helps stabilize my blood sugar levels, which is crucial for maintaining balanced cortisol and insulin levels.
I am not a coffee drinker but if I do have an occasional matcha, I make sure to have it with food, never on an empty stomach. Skipping breakfast or consuming caffeine on an empty stomach can raise cortisol levels, adding unnecessary stress on the body.
Seed cycling has become a regular part of my routine. During the first half of my cycle, I consume flax seeds and pumpkin seeds. These are rich in lignans and zinc, which help reduce excess estrogen buildup. For the second half of my cycle, I switch to sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. These are rich in selenium and vitamin E, which support progesterone production. Sesame seeds also contain lignans, though in smaller amounts than flax seeds, helping to prevent excess estrogen buildup. Sunflower seeds aid in liver detoxification, further contributing to healthy hormone levels.
I ensure my diet includes plenty of healthy fats such as avocado, olive oil and salmon. These fats are crucial for hormone balance, providing the building blocks for hormone production and reducing inflammation. Regularly incorporating these fats helps support overall hormone health.
These are just a few of the strategies I’ve used to maintain hormonal balance and ensure a smooth transition off hormonal birth control. Consistency and mindfulness in my diet and lifestyle choices have been key. If you’re going through a similar transition, or want to work on balancing your hormones, I hope these tips can help you too!
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