Balancing Hormones Post Hormonal Birth Control

As many of you know, I am working on balancing my hormones and my cycle since going off hormonal birth control. I went off birth control “cold turkey” last April, and it has been quite the trek to get where I am today. For some, this is an easy process resulting in their cycle coming back to normal right away. Unfortunately, for me it hasn’t been that way.

I went off birth control for a few reasons: 1) rid my body of synthetic hormones, 2) learn more about my cycle, 3) fertility. After going off the pill, I waited three months (based on what my gynecologist recommended and other research I had done) before worrying about a problem. By waiting, I mean waiting to get a period and any sort of indication that my cycle was coming back. After the three months passed, I didn’t have a period, but luckily for me I didn’t have any other “weird” symptoms. I’ve read about weight gain and other symptoms that can happen from going off the pill, but I did not experience those. For me, not being regular was the most frustrating part for me. Being what I consider “healthy” in most aspects of my life, but not having a regular cycle was pretty devastating. This is when I really started to take control of my body and get to know it even more. Now, to your questions! I will note here that what works for me, is a mix of eastern and western medicine, so this is the approach I have taken on my personal journey.

What did you do first when you knew something wasn’t “right”?

• My gynecologist told me to wait three months after going off the pill to come in. We had discussed this at my previous annual because I knew it was something I would be doing at some point in the year. The medical term for the absence of a period/cycle after three months is “amennhorrea.” So, with that, I left my gynecologist with a 10-day prescription of a progesterone medication in hopes to ignite a period. Lucky for me, it did, and I was instructed to come in during my cycle for some blood work. In the meantime, while waiting for results, my gyno recommended trying acupuncture and I did. I loved that she recommended more natural modalities as well - nothing but amazing things to say about the team at Northwestern Specialists for Women.

What types of issues are you experiencing after going off birth control?

• The only “issue” (granted it’s the biggest one) I have experienced is the lack of a regular cycle. I have not had any other symptoms aside from the anxiety and stress that comes along with just wanting to be regular! I have had periods since going off birth control, however I am not regular (28ish day cycle is ideal). I know that having a cycle at all is progress, so I am continuing to stay positive and hopeful that with a little more time, everything will regulate.

How do you know your “unbalanced” / hormones are off?

• Lack of a regular cycle / ovulation

Are you working with a General Practitioner or Specialist?

• I don’t have a general practitioner, my gynecologist does all of my routine bloodwork etc. I am working with her, a naturopath and also a fertility specialist.

What form of birth control do you use now? Are you confident in it?

• I am tracking my cycle using the Natural Cycles app. It has worked for me and helps to track milestones. I pay for the membership and take my basal body temperature (BBT) every morning.

What supplements are you taking to help balance your hormones / cycle?

• I’ve done a ton of research and based on my doctor’s recommendations, I have been taking the following. Please note that this is what works for me and came recommended and may not work for you. Just be sure to do your research! Supplements: Prenatal, DHEA, Vitex, Maca, Gentian and Skullcap. Not a supplement, but I’ve also done some acupuncture and doing what I can to relieve stress. Stress is a HUGE part of this and can mess up everything.

I’m in the same boat. What are some tips you can share?

• The biggest tip I can share is to do your research and seek help. Another one for me was to really focus on monitoring my stress and anxiety about all of this. It has a SIGNIFICANT impact on your body and keeping it regulated is key. As silly as it sounds, Alex and Kolby of Haven Chicago (my naturopaths) recommended that I start imagining myself having a period and wear red underwear. It sounds so ridiculous, but I listened and it has really helped my cycle come back and keep the stress surrounding this whole journey at bay.

Just came off in July and I’m still not regular! How long did it take you?

• I came off in April and I’m still not regular. I’ve read it can take up to one year, so trying to be patient and give my body some more time.

Is there a way to test your hormones?

• Yes, your gynecologist, naturopath or fertility doctor can check this for you.

is your main goal fertility?

• Yes, ultimately.

This is a difficult topic for me but I strive to be as open as possible to share my story with others in the same boat. As always, feel free to email or direct message me any questions you have. Good luck on your journey!

My Skincare Routine

You asked, so I’m sharing my routine with you! It’s important to note that everyone’s skin is different, and what works for me may not work for you. Sharing this as a guide to how I’ve been successful on my personal skincare journey.

I get so many questions on my skincare routine, and frankly, I like (and try) to keep it pretty simple. I will be honest and say that I have been lucky to have pretty good skin all my life. I never suffered from acne and have a few breakouts here and there…so thankful for the time of the month! With that said, I am also very diligent about taking off my makeup, get regular facials by the skin queen Leah Chavie, and I stick to my routine as much as possible while moving towards using cleaner products. Sharing my routine for morning and nighttime below. Many of these products I have been consistently using for over a year. I will say too that IPL with Leah also changed my skin and was a major part of my routine while prepping for the wedding.

MORNING

• Mother Dirt Cleanser (I was gifted this at a Hello Wellness event and fell in love). Light, unscented, and overall great for both morning and daytime.

• Ole Henricksen C_Rush Brightening Gel Creme

• Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes Eye Cream

• Supergoop Setting Mist

NIGHT TIME

• No7 Wipes - the only ones I have found that don’t irritate my eyes. Amazing for travel.

• Mother Dirt Cleanser or Ole Henricksen Exfoliator

• Skinbetter Science Alpharet - this stuff is amazing, however you do need to get it from a med spa

• Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes (I use the same one for morning and night)

EVERY SO OFTEN PRODUCTS

• Youth to the People Kale and Spinach

• Indie Lee Facial Oil

• Korres Sleeping Mask

• Sheet masks once a week (also love cocokind chlorophyll mask!)

• Herbivore Botanicals Rose Spray - so refreshing if you’re skin is feeling dehydrated and great for while you’re laying out!

• Osea Blemish Balm - the best for blemishes, pimples, everything!

Credo Beauty, Sephora, Nordstrom and Amazon are my go-to’s for beauty products.

Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato and Kale

The temperature is cooling down in Chicago, and we were craving some soup to keep warm! This spicy peanut soup with sweet potato kale was nothing short of delicious and easy to make! A fool proof recipe that anyone can make.

All you need is…

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• half an onion, diced

• 1 jalapeño, minced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 14-ounce can fire roasted tomatoes

• 1 14-ounce can light coconut milk

• 2 cups water

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon curry and/or turmeric

• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts

• 1/4 cup peanut butter

• 1–2 cups kale, stems removed, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat and add the onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Saute until soft and fragrant.

2. Add sweet potatoes. I like to brown them a little bit with the aromatics to get them nice and flavorful.

3. Add tomatoes, coconut milk, water, spices, and peanuts. Simmer until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Add peanut butter and kale. Simmer until everything is thick, creamy, and delicious. Top with more peanuts and/or cilantro (if you don’t have THE GENE!)

*Recipe adapted from Pinch of Yum*

My Fool-proof Recipe for Squash

You all have been asking about the squash recipe, and other than the fact that I may turn into one soon, it is one of the easiest recipes! So delicisious, in season and a serious crowd pleaser. The nice thing about this recipe is it goes well on many types of squas. My current favorites are delicata, acorn and buttercup/kabocha. They are all SO GOOD.

Ingredients:

• Squash

• Sea Salt

• Fresh ground pepper

• Rosemary

• Optional: lemon zest

• EVOO or olive oil spray

Recipe:

Preheat the oven to 425. While the oven is heating up, cut both ends of the squash so one end can lay flat on the cutting board. Delicata is much smaller and easier to cut, the other squashes are much harder. Cut squash in half, and scoop out membranes/seeds with a spoon.

Cut halves into 1 inch cubes or larger pieces. Size really doesn’t matter as long as they are similar in size so that they cook evenly.

Place pieces onto a greased pan or lined cookie sheet with parchment paper (my preferred method that limits the clean up time!). Spray or toss squash with EVOO, season with spices! Cook for about 20 minutes, flip halfway and cook for the rest. Depending on your oven, you may want to keep the squash in for a little longer. It should be fork tender and very soft.

That’s all! Be sure to tag me if you try it out.

#eatwhatsinseason