things I wish I knew before taking birth control: part 2
Let’s continue the series: Things I Knew Before Taking Birth Control. A friendly reminder, this post comes from a place of absolute love and genuine curiosity. There is no judgement or shaming here, and any such comments will be removed.
Today’s post is about how hormonal contraceptives can deplete key nutrients via various mechanisms. This aspect of hormonal contraceptives isn’t necessarily new...but based on my experience and conversations with many other women, it’s definitely not well-communicated to us.
Nutrients depleted by hormonal contraceptives include:
↝Vitamin A
↝Folate
↝Vitamin B1
↝Vitamin B2
↝Vitamin B6
↝Vitamin B12
↝Vitamin C
↝Vitamin E
↝Zinc
↝Selenium
↝Magnesium
↝CoQ10
↝Ceruloplasmin Copper
For example, Vitamin B6 needs increase as much as 4,000% when using hormonal contraceptives. (Hendrickson-Jack)
Looking back to when I was using hormonal contraceptives, a lot the things I was experiencing make sense:
↠Brittle hair
↠Super soft nails
↠Cracks around my mouth
↠Bruising
↠Slow healing
It’s important to mention that if we’re looking to #TTC, the nutrients depleted by hormonal contraceptives are many of the primary ones we need to support egg quality, overall fertility, and the healthy growth and development of baby.
Working on replenishing these nutrients while both on and coming off hormonal contraceptives can be helpful in mitigating sympt0ms and putting our best foot forward. I teach you exactly how to do this in my eCourse, Conscious Conception. (link in bio)
What about you: Did you know that hormonal contraceptives can deplete key nutrients? Share your story! 💓
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Not medical advice.
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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.
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References
Brighten, J. (2019). Beyond the Pill. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.
Fallon, S. Cowan, T.S. (2013, 2015). The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby and Child Care. Washington, D.C.: NewTrends Publishing.
Haas, E. M. Levin, B. (2006). Staying Healthy with Nutrition. New York, NY: Ten Speed Press.
Hendrickson-Jack, L. (2019). The Fifth Vital Sign. Fertility Friday Publishing.
Palmery, M. Saraceno, A. Vaiarelli, A. Carlomagno, G. (2013). Oral contraceptives and changes in nutritional requirements. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23852908/.
TTC? Get empowered with Conscious Conception, the ultimate fertility blueprint created to help you optimize your fertility and enter pregnancy empowered.
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