Why Birth Control Isn’t the Answer To Hormonal Problems
By Eric Levinson, Holistic Health Coach
Birth control is often the first solution offered to women experiencing hormonal symptoms—irregular cycles, acne, mood swings, endometriosis, heavy periods, or PCOS. But while it might provide short-term relief, it does nothing to address the underlying dysfunction. In fact, for many women, it makes things worse long term.
Let’s break down why hormonal birth control and copper IUDs aren’t the solution—and what you should consider instead.
Birth Control Masks the Problem
Hormonal birth control shuts down your natural hormone production and replaces it with synthetic versions. You stop ovulating. Your cycle becomes artificially controlled. Your natural hormone rhythms—estrogen rising in the first half of your cycle, progesterone peaking in the second—are suppressed.
This might ease symptoms for a while, but the underlying issues—stress, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, iron overload—are still there. And when you come off the pill, they often return with a vengeance.
Long-Term Side Effects of Hormonal Birth Control
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Nutrient Depletion: The pill depletes key nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and vitamin C—nutrients essential for hormone production and detoxification.
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Gut Disruption: Birth control alters gut flora and increases intestinal permeability, weakening your immune system and increasing inflammation.
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Thyroid Suppression: Synthetic estrogens raise thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), reducing available thyroid hormone.
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Mood and Libido: Many women report depression, anxiety, and low libido on hormonal birth control. Research confirms hormonal contraceptives are linked to increased risk of mood disorders.
One of the most surprising findings? Birth control may even influence your attraction to a partner. A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that women on the pill may choose mates based on different scent cues than when they're cycling naturally—and may feel less attracted to those partners once they stop taking the pill.
What About the Copper IUD?
Although it’s hormone-free, the copper IUD creates chronic, localized inflammation in the uterus and can raise systemic copper levels. Elevated copper can disrupt zinc and iron balance, worsen anxiety, and contribute to estrogen dominance.
Some women tolerate it well. Others experience heavy bleeding, cramping, mood swings, and even systemic symptoms that mirror hormone imbalance.
Impact on Iron and Mineral Regulation
Both hormonal contraceptives and copper IUDs affect mineral status:
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Iron: Many women bleed more heavily with copper IUDs, increasing iron loss—but synthetic hormones can mask symptoms of iron overload.
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Copper & Zinc: The copper IUD can create excess copper relative to zinc, a key mineral for immune and brain health.
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Magnesium & B Vitamins: Depleted by the pill, these are essential for mood, sleep, detox, and hormone regulation.
These mineral imbalances can perpetuate the very symptoms women are trying to fix.
The Real Path to Hormonal Healing Fertility is not just about reproduction—it's a reflection of your overall health and vitality. Ovulation, regular cycles, and balanced hormones are signs your body feels safe and nourished. Anything that suppresses fertility, even temporarily, is signaling a compromise in your health.
Birth control is not a healing strategy. It’s a bandage.
The real solution is understanding why your body is dysregulated in the first place—and creating an internal environment that supports natural hormone balance.
That means:
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Eating enough (especially protein, carbs, and saturated fats)
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Balancing blood sugar and stabilizing stress hormones
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Supporting your liver and bile flow for hormone detox
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Rebalancing minerals, especially iron, copper, and magnesium
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Creating safety in your nervous system so your body can shift out of fight or flight
Bottom Line
You were not born deficient in synthetic hormones.
If birth control has been your only option so far, know this: your symptoms are not random. They’re signs of deeper imbalances that can be addressed—naturally, gently, and effectively.
You deserve to understand your cycle, work with your biology, and feel at home in your body again.
👉 Ready to get to the root of your hormone symptoms? Let’s work together: https://www.naturallyconnectedlife.com/pages/health-coaching
And don't forget to check out my free Hormone and Fertility Guide on the Free Resources Page.