When I was 16, I began taking the birth control pill. It was the most common form of contraception at the time, and my doctor prescribed it without hesitation. I never questioned it, and for years, I had no issues.
That all changed in the second half of 2018 when my usual pill wasn’t in stock due to a large shortage of birth control pills. The pharmacy provided me with a different brand, and though it seemed like a small change, it had a significant impact on me. I can still vividly recall how I felt during that time, even though it was years ago. Within a week of switching pills, I felt like an emotional wreck. The smallest comment could trigger an overwhelming wave of tears. It was then that I realized something was off with this new pill. Luckily, two months later, my original pill became available again, and I immediately switched back.
My mood stabilized quickly after returning to my usual pill, but the experience left me unsettled. I began to question the effects of hormonal contraception on my body. Over the next few years, I started hearing more about the potential downsides of the pill and in 2022, I made the decision to stop taking the birth control pill and see if I noticed any changes.
When I stopped, my regular period returned almost immediately, and I felt pretty much the same as I did while being on the pill. However, there was one noticeable difference: I started developing acne around my jawline. At the time, I felt terrible about it. I had never dealt with acne before, and it affected my confidence. Looking back now, I realize it wasn’t as bad as I made it out to be, but in the moment, it felt overwhelming.
Six months later, I found myself back on the pill after I started seeing someone. The acne went away almost completely, which initially felt like a relief. However, the nagging doubts about the pill’s effects on my body never fully went away.
By the end of 2023, I made the decision to quit the pill for good. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one where I became more intentional about understanding my body, my hormones, and the natural cycles that had been masked for so long.
In The Hormone Diaries, I will take you on the journey that unfolded after I quit the pill. I’ll share the physical and emotional changes I experienced, the challenges I faced, and the discoveries I made about my own body. From unexpected shifts in my mood and energy levels to the appearance of hormonal acne, every aspect of my health seemed to be in flux.
But this journey was not just about observing changes—it was about learning how to regulate my hormones naturally, understanding the complex balance within my body, and finding ways to support my well-being through diet, lifestyle adjustments, and mindfulness practices.
Along the way, I’ll also dive into the tools and resources I found helpful, the mistakes I made, and the small victories that encouraged me to keep going. Whether you’re considering quitting the pill yourself or are simply curious about the journey, I invite you to join me. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments or contact me directly.
