Natural Alternatives to Hormonal Birth Control Pills

Dr. Josh Axe shares his certified tips for balancing hormones after coming off birth control pills and suggests natural birth control alternatives and family planning.

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DISCLAIMER
This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Josh Axe and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Axe nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.

[skatulle]

Awesome. Thanks Doctor Josh. This needs to spread. Alot of use are forced into birth control and arent told the detriments. I just learnt about the nutrient deficiency and gut dysbiosis brought about by birth control. Now im regretting it after years of treating autoimmune disease.

[Nikopup]

I’m going through my last pack of birth control and don’t plan on getting back on once it runs out. So I’m thankful to watch this! ❤

[susanwilliams]

Before social media. I used what is known as the Billings method. This was in the mid 90s. Never had a problem

[ztebazile]

I am actually a birth control & pregnancy counselor and tho harm reduction and safer sex are necessary, I actually Don t stand by birth control pills so this is awesome info!

[What.The.Fluff.]

Thankfully, I had fairly regular menstrual cycles. Easier to track, predict. Also, used an ovulation testing device, condoms when necessary. Only wish I had started with this combo before using birth control pills in my younger years!

[Devlini]

Men's hormones are down the drain too. Most men today have suboptimal levels of testosterone - a lot less than their fathers or grandfathers had just 30-50 years ago. There are various reasons for this. One factor that is oftentimes neglected is endocrine disruptors in our environment (i.e., xenoestrogens, BPA, phthalates, triclosan, etc.), phytoestrogens in food (i.e., soy, which is in almost all processed foods), and hypothyroidism (subclinical or autoimmune Hashimoto's disease).
To increase testosterone levels naturally and reduce chronic inflammation:
• Enough daily sunlight.
• Vitamin D3 (especially during the winter or if you live in a northern climate).
• Zinc picolinate (20-40 mg per day).
• Magnesium glycinate/citrate.
• Resistance training (3-5 times per week for 45-90 minutes max).
• Adequate neuromuscular recovery (e.g., don't overtrain).
• Adequate (quality) sleep.
• More healthy fats (monounsaturated and saturated fats from sources like grass-fed red meat, pasture-raised eggs, fatty fish, organic full-fat dairy, coconut fat, avocados, cocoa butter, certain nuts and seeds, etc.).
• Increase dietary cholesterol intake through nutrient-dense, whole foods. Cholesterol is the building block of all steroid hormones, including androgens such as testosterone.
• Manage stress. Do what you have to do to keep it under control (i.e., meditation, yoga, nature walks, relaxing music, massage/reflexology sessions, adaptogenic herbs, etc.).
• Chronically elevated cortisol levels disrupt the HPT axis and deplete your body of the very resources it needs to produce androgens like testosterone and DHT.
• Eat enough quality calories (not all calories are the same).
• Avoid large or prolonged caloric deficits.
• Eat adequate amounts of each macronutrient (e.g., protein, carbs, fats). All of them are important in their own way and serve specific physiological functions.

Beneficial Supplements:
• Shilajit
• Ashwagandha
• Maca
• Taurine
• L-Carnitine (increases androgen receptor density)
• Creatine
• Tongkat ali
• Fadogia agrestis
• Black ginger
• Pine pollen (contains natural androgens)
• Boron (increases free testosterone)
• DIM (natural anti-estrogen)

"The Testosterone Advantage" by Timotheus Ray is a nice read on male health / hormone optimization.

[alyssagrube]

Any recommended probiotics for when going off birth control?

[rebekahgross]

Natural cycles has been what I’ve heard about most lately. Haven’t used personally. Much cheaper than Lady Comp.