As moms, we just want to help our daughters feel better—especially when periods are heavy, painful, or unpredictable. That’s why many teens are prescribed hormonal birth control. It can bring relief… but it can also come with side effects we don’t always hear about.

Let’s unpack what’s really going on and how you can support your daughter’s body—whether she’s just starting birth control, thinking of stopping, or somewhere in between.

🚦What Is Hormonal Birth Control Doing in Her Body?

Hormonal birth control (like pills, patches, shots, or IUDs) works by using man-made hormones to “turn off” your daughter’s natural cycle. It prevents ovulation, thins the uterine lining, and changes her cervical mucus to avoid pregnancy.

But here’s the catch: it also pauses her body’s natural hormone rhythm. The signals between her brain and ovaries go quiet. While this might help with symptoms short-term, it can also create long-term hormone imbalances—especially when it’s used for years without a break.

⚠️Possible Side Effects Moms Should Know

Every teen is different, but here are some common things we see when girls are on hormonal birth control:

• Mood shifts – More anxiety, irritability, or feeling “off” emotionally.

• Fatigue or low energy – Hormones affect how your brain and body feel day to day.

• Nutrient drain – Birth control can deplete important vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium.

• Gut and immune changes – It may affect gut bacteria and digestion, which also impacts mood and immune health.

• Fake periods – That monthly “bleed” on the pill isn’t a real period. It’s just a withdrawal bleed from stopping synthetic hormones for a few days.

🛑 Thinking of Stopping the Pill?

Coming off hormonal birth control can sometimes feel like a hormonal rollercoaster. Acne may return, moods may shift, and cycles can be irregular at first. But don’t worry—this is your daughter’s body waking back up.

Here’s how you can support her through the transition:

🌱 Simple Steps to Help Her Hormones Rebalance

1. Nourish Her Naturally
   Load up on leafy greens, healthy fats (like avocado and olive oil), and colorful veggies. These support hormone detox and rebuild her strength.

2. Refill Key Nutrients
   Supplements like a high-quality B-complex, magnesium, and zinc can be game changers for hormone and mood health.

3. Support Her Liver
   The liver is the body's “filter” for excess hormones. Add foods like beets, carrots, broccoli, and plenty of water.

4. Balance Blood Sugar
   Meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats help avoid the blood sugar crashes that mess with her mood and energy.

5. Reduce Stress
   Stress drains her adrenal glands. Encourage calming activities like nature walks, journaling, gentle yoga, or even laughter (TikTok counts if it's funny!).

6. Track Her Cycle
   Use a journal or app to start noticing patterns. It helps her understand her body and reconnect with her natural rhythm.

🦠 Don’t Forget About Gut Health

Birth control can affect the gut microbiome—leading to digestive issues, inflammation, and even trouble clearing out old hormones. If she’s struggling with bloating, constipation, or skin breakouts, gut healing might be part of the puzzle.

Try adding:

• Probiotic-rich foods (like yogurt, sauerkraut, or kefir)

• Plenty of fiber (fruits, veggies, oats, chia)

• Gut-repair nutrients (like zinc, collagen, and glutamine)

🧪 Functional Testing Can Be a Game Changer

When things feel off, lab tests can show us what’s really going on. We often recommend:

• DUTCH hormone test – for a deep look at estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and how her body’s clearing hormones.

• Salivary cortisol test – to check how her body’s handling stress.

• Stool testing – to look at gut bacteria, digestion, and inflammation.

• Micronutrient testing – to catch hidden deficiencies that affect mood and hormones.

💡Here’s the Bottom Line, Mama

Birth control can be helpful—but it’s not the whole story. Your daughter’s body is still growing, and we want to help her feel strong, calm, and in balance.

If she’s struggling with mood swings, acne, fatigue, irregular cycles—or just doesn’t feel like herself—there are root causes worth exploring.

Let’s get her back in sync, together. 💕

👉 Book a no-charge Brain Challenge Breakthrough Session with me today: https://cedarsfunctionalmedicine.com/apply

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DISCLAIMER: The info in this email isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It’s general information and not a replacement for a consultation with your own doctor or healthcare professional.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Hormonal Contraception. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org

Mu E, Kulkarni J. Hormonal contraception and mood disorders. Aust Prescr. 2022 Jun;45(3):75-79. doi: 10.18773/austprescr.2022.025. Epub 2022 Jun 1. Erratum in: Aust Prescr. 2022 Aug;45(4):147. doi: 10.18773/austprescr.2022.037. PMID: 35755988; PMCID: PMC9218393.

Bitzer PEJ. Effects of hormonal contraception on mood and sexuality. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2024 Dec;97:102560. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102560. Epub 2024 Oct 10. PMID: 39424518.

Saldanha N, Fisher M. Menstrual disorders in adolescents and young adults with eating disorders. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2022 Aug;52(8):101240. doi: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2022.101240. Epub 2022 Jul 28. PMID: 35909056.

Briden, L. (2015). Period Repair Manual. Pan Macmillan.

Burrows, L. J., & Basha, M. (2011). Adverse effects of hormonal contraceptives. Open Access Journal of Contraception, 2, 115–123.