3 Tips for Coming Off The Pill

Written By Nina Richardson

Thinking of coming off the pill?

You’re not alone but let’s support your body before going cold turkey. Coming off the pill shifts your natural hormone production, which can affect your mood, skin, gut, and cycle health.

We usually recommend 3 months of support before stopping the pill to focus on detoxification pathways and replenish depleted nutrients. During this transition, it can feel overwhelming at times but remember, your body is awakening its natural cycle after years of suppression. With the right care, you can restore your natural cycle and skin health by addressing the root causes.

It’s important to understand that the pill suppresses ovulation, meaning your body stops producing its own natural hormones — oestrogen, progesterone, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Instead, it relies on synthetic versions to control your menstrual cycle.

When you stop the pill, your body needs time to re-establish communication between the brain and ovaries, allowing natural hormone production and ovulation to resume. This recalibration phase can cause temporary changes in your cycle regularity, mood, skin, and energy levels.

If your period hasn’t returned within a few months, or symptoms feel out of balance, Naturopathy can offer incredible support from herbal medicine and nutrition to lifestyle guidance to help your body find its natural rhythm again.

Here are my top 3 tips that I always recommend to patients:

1. Support optimal gut and liver health

  • Include cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale)

  • Support your gut lining to nourish your microbiome and promote gut health. Prebiotic foods like garlic, onion, leeks, asparagus, and bananas; probiotic foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso; and fiber-rich foods like oats, lentils, beans, berries, and nuts

2. Nourish your nervous system

  • Practice mindful breathing (vagal breathing - inhale 6sec, exhale 8sec, box breathing - in 4sec, hold 4sec, out 4sec, hold 4sec)

  • Gentle movement such as walking, Pilates, or yoga

  • Detoxifying the body (lymphatic massage, sauna, dry brushing)

3. Optimise nutrient status

  • Eat whole, nutrient-dense foods rich in magnesium, B vitamins, and zinc. Such as leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, seeds, eggs, legumes, seafood, and lean meats

  • Aim for balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates

Ready to come off the pill, or struggling with post-pill symptoms?
I’m here to guide you. Book a consultation and let’s create a tailored plan to support your body during this transitional phase.

Nina Richardson
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