BIRTH CONTROL | Side Effects your doctor didn't tell you about.... + WHY I QUIT THE PILL

This video goes into the pros and cons of hormonal birth control and the pill, particularly the long term side effects of birth control pills.
I also talk about my experience on hormonal birth control, what the pill did to my body, weight gain, nausea, and more.
Books, resources, & studies linked below!
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Resources + Sources:
BOOKS:
⌲Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten
amzn.to/2V5B3Xc
⌲The Period Repair Manual
amzn.to/2AXRb6r
⌲This is Your Brain on Birth Control
amzn.to/2Cm8tdD
⌲In the Flo
amzn.to/2YXPldT
ARTICLES:
⌲How the pill impacts ADRENAL HEALTH and causes Adrenal
Fatigue:
drbrighten.com...
⌲How the pill affects THYROID FUNCTION:
drbrighten.com...
⌲How the pill causes depression, anxiety, and mood issues:
drbrighten.com...
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES:
⌲Birth control’s impact on gut health: pubmed.ncbi.nl...
⌲Birth control and Crohn’s Disease: www.ncbi.nlm.n...
⌲The pill and yeast infections: www.contracepti...
⌲The pill depletes nutrients: pubmed.ncbi.nl...
⌲Birth control increases risk for depression: jamanetwork.co...
⌲How the pill changes the body’s metabolism and ability to metabolize glucose: www.ncbi.nlm.n...
⌲Birth control and inflammation: journals.plos....
⌲The pill and autoimmunity www.ncbi.nlm.n...
⌲Birth control changes brain structure and shrinks the hippocampus:
www.sciencedai...
⌲Birth control shrinks the hippocampus: www.mdedge.com...
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[@RoastedSaltedPeanut]

I have never taken birth control. My cycle has always been extremely regular and as comfortable as bleeding gets. I made it very clear to my partner in the beginning of our relationship that I was not willing to go the pill and he would have to use condoms. It boggles my mind that people shame me for making my partner use condoms????? Why is is socially expected for women to go through awful side effects but asking a guy to wrap his willy is "too much" to ask???

[@royalc9268]

I did the same thing. You only get one body don’t let nobody tell you nothing. You have every right to say condom condom. CONDOM

[@thelettersoflife]

I don’t think we shame you! I admire you! Should a woman almost die so a man won’t have to use condoms? Absolutely not. Kudos to you. Besides with so much cheating going on, condom is a necessity

[@ducktan4317]

Been on the pill for 3 yrs & I was just so depressed and dry! I’m off the pill for 3 months and I’m loving the results so far. I have more energy, more positive and losing weight too. It’s crazy!

[@inthenebula92]

I think side effects are dismissed too much, so I'm glad you're talking about it. I heard a few years back horror stories about women who had been on them for years and when they quit, their period didn't come back or they dealt with other issues that never come up in discussion about the pill. Frankly, that was enough to make me wary of ever taking it unless it was medically necessary. But, then, I'm also single, so it's not a big issue to say the least. XD

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Yup! Some women take YEARS to get their normal cycle back. It can be super detrimental to fertility which sucks because so many women go off the pill to get pregnant and then can't when they want to

[@emmallen2]

This happened to me. It took 15 months for my period to come back regularly after stopping the pill after several years.

[@Adelaideee10]

Yes about being pro-informed choice 👏🏾 I was on birth control for almost 11 years and half of those years I had no idea what it was actually doing to my body. I’ve been off for a little over 6 months now & it’s definitely the best informed decision I have made for my body

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

So happy for you! It’s insane how much of an effect it can have. Hope your transition off is going smoothly!

[@keishakiger8541]

Did you have thinning hair or crazy skin irruption’s today’s my second day of the peel after being off of it for 18 years I am terrified

[@paulah4476]

same

[@Wilwilani]

Hey how did it go getting off?​@keishakiger8541

[@myrnamanlapaz8235]

after 1week off pill it's normal bleeding again

[@TheNightscene]

I'll still hit like and watch video to learn even if I'm male 😁

[@aaliyahdailey31]

I am excited to follow your journey! I was on birth control for a short time, the Depo shot and NuvaRing. They both gave me bad heart palpitations (which was terrifying because I spent the first 12 years of my life with a really bad heart condition). My doctors didn't believe me when I told them, so I took myself off of them. It took about 6 months for the palpitations to stop, and I haven't had any since. It's been 5ish years.

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Imo doctors consistently not believing women when they bring up concerns is one of the most dangerous things in our current healthcare system. So sorry you had to go through that but I’m glad you’ve gotten to a healthy place 🙌🏻

[@Bnatural222]

I had similar symptoms! I wore a heart monitor for a month to see if I had heart issues. I went to the ER twice because my heart would race. It was up in to 200bpm. Docs also didn’t believe me and I told them only thing I take is BC! It’s only been about 3 months For me, I still get occasional flutters so hopefully it goes away. Sorry you had to deal with that!

[@iLadypug]

I've been on the pill for about 5 months and I've been noticing a lot of depression symptoms, along with absolutely no libido. I am absolutely getting off this thing.

[@haleymartin3805]

so glad you posted this right now!! today makes 3 months since i’ve quit the pill but still no period for me yet . I was experiencing SEVERE depression and anxiety and just felt so emotionally unstable while on the pill. i was willing to try anything to fix it. the depression went away almost instantly after stopping the pill. it truly felt like i was a stranger in my own body.

[@Wilwilani]

Did you experience acne? Headaches ? From quitting?

[@baileydavis8016]

This video was incredibly well done. As someone diagnosed with depression only to find out 2 years later that it was caused by my birth control pill, I wish everyone would watch this video

[@shannonlovesacting]

I went on the pill for cystic acne, apparently my hormones were too low. Literally, crazy as it sounds. On the pill my anxiety got worse, lost emotional regulation, became depressed, developed an eating disorder, body dismorphia. And I KNOW. I know it sounds dramatic and I don't know if it was because my hormones were really low to begin with but within about six months to a year of coming off of it, I am back to my old self. It literally felt like someone highjacked my body... Crazy the effect all of this has on your body!

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Not crazy at all given how the pill works in the body! The pill really does hijack your hormones. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. It sounds horrible!

[@gigi_945]

I need to go back to the pill and I am terrified. My doctor did not tell me anything about the possible side effects that it could have caused to my body but most importantly about my mental health. If I just think that from next cycle I will need to go back to the birth control I feel so anxious. I have never felt so hopeless, depressed, sad, suicidal as I have felt while taking the pill. I have changed several pills and doctors but I just think that every kind of birth control really cause some dark shit to my body and brain. This needs to be addressed, women need to know about these things. I really need to go back on the pill because I cannot stress every month about being pregnant tbh but I am extremely scared to go back to it. Wish me luck :(

[@Li_Tobler]

@@gigi_945 did you come off of it?

[@13vlee]

I made the decision to come off birth control... currently on day 2 haha. Hopefully, my post-bc symptoms won't be so bad! I'm prioritizing vitamins, whole foods, and exercising! I honestly wish I came off of it sooner.

[@Wilwilani]

Did you end up coming off successfully?

[@EmThrives]

Thank you so much for sharing objective information on BOTH the pros/cons. There's a lot of misconceptions/lack of education about "the pill" and especially as a nurse, it really frustrates me when patients are asked to make decisions about their health without being told enough information to make an informed decision.

[@lucybenjamin1592]

Crazy... I’ve been trying to figure out why I’ve been feeling like such shit for months and months and why I can’t get anything done. I already have depression, anxiety, and hypothyroidism. I literally would give anything in the world to have never taken it But they give it out like candy soooo

[@delaneyandersen_]

this just blew my mind. I had most of the symptoms of post birth control syndrome about 6 months after stopping last year, but my doctors told me to just go back on the pill, and this never even once came up..... Even when I've described to them how badly I feel mentally when on the pill (depression, anxiety, unable to regulate emotions, huge mood swings, etc), they just keep telling me I need to stay on it........

[@cheri1687]

Wow, i would of found a new Dr.

[@deboradias9943]

could you do a video about pcos and how it affects your fitness and risks associates with using birthcontrol?

[@andrewgerber3844]

I got the birth control implant in my arm because I had cramps so bad I couldn't get out of bed, pain meds would not even touch them, getting the implant was the best thing I ever did

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Wow! I'm glad you've found something to help you be happy and pain free!

[@OcchioniApotropaici]

After one year I also felt I was a stranger in my body. Unfortunately the pill was prescribed to stop endometriosis to worsen, because it's an illness that apparently cannot be cured.

[@Vennozzi25]

I stopped taking birth control over 2 years ago. My last method after trying almost everything was the depo shot. Never. Ever. Again. The first year was challenging. My periods were heavy, my boobs deflated and I felt off all the time. But persistence, starting a vitamin regimen and acupuncture drastically restores my body. I now have regular monthly periods and I feel so much more in tune with myself. My sweat smells different now as well which I know correlates with my hormones. And our scent also correlates to the partners we attract. I have been abstinent but before then I'd use condoms and avoid sex on my fertile days which I track with an app of my phone. Glad to see women who are supportive on the topic. Most of the time I get mixed reactions.

[@Juliamh2222]

I’m 32 years old and was on birth control from 15 years old up until a few weeks when I decided I was done… My mental clarity and mood have SOARED. I’ve noticed my face is no longer puffy, and I seem to be retaining less water. I am currently dealing with my body “purging” the artificial hormones and some mild acne. But I’ll take mild acne over the depression and anxiety the pill caused me. Ladies, your adult bodies deserve to know what it’s supposed to feel like without birth control. If you’re in a healthy, mature relationship, I hope you’re able to discuss other options with your partner in terms of pregnancy prevention. In my opinion, birth control creates a pharmaceutical “customer” for life.. They put us on these pills (usually) at a young age, and BOOM, now you also need anti-depressants and potentially anti-psychotics. I don’t want to insinuate that that’s the case for every woman who takes birth control, but it has definitely been my experience and a lot of my friends experiences. If you are considering going on, or off the pill, please do plenty of research and talk to your general family doctor about it, not your gynecologist. Your general family doctor is more inclined to tell you the truth of the potential side effects of each side of the coin. But overall, just take care of yourselves.🩷

[@katiie7]

When I came off of it I felt like my old self. One odd thing that I didn’t even notice it till off that my perceptions of attraction changed because they even changed back. It makes sense it’s hormones but my goodness.. some of the people I was with lol I found them compatible but once off I no longer found them as physically attractive. I’ve recently heard about this and spousal attraction changes. Apparently we cannot smell pheromones while on synthetic hormones, genetic compatibility is REAL and on it we choose partners with closer genes to us. Not good for future offspring. My androgens rebounded too which I never had a problem with prior. But 8 years on it while I was still developing, not smart. I dont feel as “stereotypically emotional” as a female now that I’m off. The world feels brighter and more colorful. Probably progesterone/pregnenolone’s role. Thanks for making a video on this. I wish I knew then what I know now 🤍💜

[@katiie7]

Oh & not one yeast infection off of it for 5 years now and it was an extremely frequent thing while on it.

[@chocolatetickles]

I've been off the pill for almost a year now. I was on it for about 8 years and I just said enough is enough. It was one of the scariest things I've done, but my fiance and I talked about it before I took the plunge. I would like to see how your body reacts to it. I ended up gaining my hair growth back and had a more clear mind. I wouldn't say i experienced any mood changes other than my libido going up... Could you show how you track your ovulation too? I have a book called taking charge of your fertility that my mom bought when I told her about stopping the pill. It has some really good information in general about women's bodies and how to listen to it. Thanks Marisa! Can't wait to watch this series. ✌🎉

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Thank you for sharing your story! I will definitely be documenting mine here on my channel. And when I get my period back I will start tracking my hormones and will talk about that, for sure!

[@mariahdoss8436]

Taking Charge of Your Fertility is an excellent book!!! It's a must read for every woman!!!!!

[@micolade]

@chocolatetickles Don't worry my dear. I've been in a relationahip 3 years without even considering the pill and my periods are not always regular, however I have never been paranoid about it. I am used to the thought that there is e.g 0,1 percent chance of me getting pregnat and thats ok I take this risk

[@leannediana]

I took oral birth control for about 15 years. Now I am 40. I have so low hormones that I have no period and early menopause. I also have hypothyroidism now. I don’t know for sure if I can blame hormonal BC, but it’s something to consider....

[@jess6859]

Could you please talk about weight lifting/gaining muscle and birth control? A lot of women including me gain a lot of weight during birth control and I find it hard to keep my physique with it :(

[@jessica-bs7st]

For some reason, this video in particular, made me think back to your guest appearance on Wellness Realness when you said you've considered podcasting. I would definitely support a Marisa podcast 💜

[@emoluver619]

I think the only thing I've had as a side effect is a slight weight gain. But I was also already gaining weight before I got on it and I've been able to lose a bit since. I'm in a relationship and I initially got it for intense cramps so I'm not really keen on getting off but I do wish there was another solution for women out there that didn't warp hormones outside of condoms.

[@lilathepenguin]

The last year of my life has been a PBCS nightmare! I was put on birth control by my doctor when I was 15 for irregular periods. I also have had Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism since I was 12. I came off of birth control when I was 27, so that’s 12 years on the pill! Needless to say... my body has been a hormonal nightmare. I’m so glad that I found Dr Brighten’s book a few months ago. It’s been a big help. I’m still not fully healed yet but I’m so much better than I was this time last year. Had I known what what I know now about the pill and how it interacts with the thyroid, I would’ve gotten off years ago! It would’ve saved me a few years of very poor health.

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

I’m so sorry you went through all of that but I’m very happy to hear that you’ve been able to get your health back on track 🙌🏻 PBCS certainly can be a nightmare especially for women who had underlying conditions before going on the pill. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn’t get bad for me but we shall see 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@Limparfaiteangelina]

I have stopped taking the pill almost 2years ago and to be real.. My body is still in recovery I have heavy bleeding and migraines and weight gain but I know that my body is going through a lot I had bee taking the pill for 10years I started at the age of 15yo to help with hormonal issues.. So when you stop your body is quite not use to having hormonal changes But I stopped having anxiety attacks and being depressed and tired all the time so to me nothing is better than that

[@Bnatural222]

Literally! You also could be estrogen dominant/ or imbalance that could cause you to loose weight slowly.

[@SamElle]

honestly i wish I did more research into birth control before haphazardly agreeing to what my doctor told me to get! she did say what the options are but there are so many side effects that she didn't cover!!!

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Most doctors don’t recognize these side effects as being side effects of the pill. Unfortunately Western medicine compartmentalize the body so much that doctors fail to see how changing one system could affect the rest of the body

[@karriejj]

Is this the same for a hormone spiral (=UID?) Sorry, i'm from Holland, haha Love your page and info!

[@sophiawambui1225]

I have avoided birth control my whole life out of choice. I love myself n would not torelate anything artificial in my system. Just count days n stay healthy, otherwise there's no accidental mess when am sobber and in control

[@guavagecko]

fyi, coming off the pill can have you experience some adverse side effects for a while. I got terrible nausea for a month, and my anxiety was off the charts. It was a scary experience, but it's temporary- and I'm glad I'm off the pills now. My mood has stabilised a lot.

[@cassidyesposito1758]

I used the patch and the ring. I started getting optical migraines, loss of vision for hours, got irritable, and loss appetite due to constant headaches for two-four hours because of the hormones. When you first mentioned this book I looked up an interview with author. It took me ten minutes to confirm my decision to stop birth control. Best decision I’ve been for my health so thank you💖

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Oh my goodness that sounds horrible! I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through that! Wishing you the best of luck on your hormone balancing journey off the pill 💗

[@edelence]

I bought that book a while back but was very disappointed to find that there is no information about hormonal IUD which I currently have (at least I couldn't find any by searching through the index and skimming through pages). Since it's a progestin-only device, it should be at least somewhat different to the pill, so i'm not sure how applicable the book's information is to my situation. I wanted off the pill because I got worried about my mental health and mood swings after being on the pill for 9 years, but I wasn't ready to give up hormonal birth control altogether just yet. It is said that the IUD's hormonal effect is only local, but I find that hard to believe. The 3 years of hormonal IUD will be up in next February and I think I'm not going to get a new IUD after that.

[@LindsayMartinn]

Amazing video Marissa!!! I got off the pill 3 months ago! Best thing I ever did. My blood pressure got extremely high and it really scared me! My bp went to normal and im so happy!!! ❤️❤️

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Omg congrats!! So happy to hear you’ve gotten your health back 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@GaaraSands16]

im 25 years old and went on birth control for the first time 1.5 yrs ago.... i have NEVER felt so depressed, fatigued, stressed, and had so much weight gain so quick and cant get rid of the weight no matter what. definitely getting off it

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Yikes that sounds horrible! So sorry you went through that! I hope coming off the pill alleviates all those symptoms for you 💗

[@alexismcdaniel6730]

Was this on the pill?

[@sipiritorr8906]

Thank you so much I have so many of these symptoms since I started 10 months ago with hormonal IUD. I am very irritated, lack of concentrating, depression, a lot of inflammation, even though I am in a low carb diet I don’t see loose weight, I am loosing so much hair and I am being very worried because I don’t feel like smart brain fog day dreaming a lot .Something is happening in my brain ( I am feeling different from a year ago) . Thank you for shearing this video.

[@Bnatural222]

I felt the same way!!! It almost ruins you! But I feel 100 times better than I did. BC depletes Some B vitamins and electrolytes which are essential for your body and mind functions...

[@E_Munny]

Recently went through post BC syndrome…. Severe breast pain, frequent spotting, weakness, and adrenal fatigue. It was bad enough that I went back on the mini pill for 3 months to wean myself off. My main reason for stopping is because I recently became more invested in my fitness and feel like I cannot reach my goals. BC can decrease testosterone by up to 50% and T is critical for muscle growth.

[@valourempress1901]

Many women in their fifties and over today are.suffering from the effects of taking birth control. The side effects are poor blood circulation, high blood pressure heart disease , dementia and alzeimers ,cancer. Abstinence is best if you are not married !

[@cassandrafong524]

Are the same side effects apparent for other forms of birth control too, such as the implanon?

[@chloekaunitz2683]

Any hormonal birth control (hormonal IUDs, implants, the ring, etc.) will all potentially carry the same types of side effects. However, different contraceptives (and even different types of pills) will have different hormones and different levels of hormones in them, so the specific effects can be different.

[@Space_Princess]

Could you do a video based on safe and effective forms of protection from getting pregnant that doesn't give negative side effects?

[@eleriangharad5773]

Condoms are the safest if you’re not allergic :)

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

I don’t feel comfortable doing that as that feels more like medical advice. But Beyond the Pill has a whole chapter dedicated to this and I highly recommend it!

[@pineapplepapercrafts]

Pretty much all forms of birth control that are hormonal can have some form of negative side effect. They are messing with your hormones. That's not a good thing long term. I used to get hives when I was on the pill, and now I am off it and haven't gotten hives for the last two years going off. So I personally think it's related. I think one of the only ways to not screw with hormones and do birth control is the tracking of your ovulation, and not having sex when you ovulate. It's the fertility awareness method. And I think it's the only way to not get pregnant and screwing with things. Even copper IUDs I am weary of. I don't like the idea of something being inside me for that long that isn't supposed to be there. But those are an option if you don't want the pill.

[@magickworld...]

There are non hormonal Uterin devices

[@alisa.maks26]

i was on a few different types of the pill for yeeears, and i ALWAYS had nausea - sometimes it was insane, so i had to take it at night. god forbid i woke up coz i'd just throw up. same as for you, doctors just kinda brushed it off, and then one told me that it happens that the coating on the pill can irritate your stomach lining and that causes nausea.

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Omg no doctor ever told me that the coating can cause nausea!! That is crazy! So sorry you went through that

[@alisa.maks26]

@@MissFitAndNerdy it almost seems like most of them don't even know or just think that it's a symptom that's due to the hormones :(

[@breewilliams5448]

Aside from everything else I just learned in this video, my biggest reason for not continuing with hormonal birth control is for mental health. What do you think about other forms of birth control? Copper IUD?

[@chocolatetickles]

Oh also, the reason I got off the pill was because I was having crazy headaches every other month. Like... debilitating migraines that were the worst. Doctor said that it wasn't related to the BC but as soon as I went off the pill I haven't had a headache since.

[@MermanAMV]

Damn can't believe a doc said that. Went to a gyno recently and she said migraines can definitely be hormone induced (one of the main reasons women get them more than men) and that high estrogen birth controls are a large contributing factor.

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Dude I'm so sorry your doctor was so oblivious. Unfortunately that is the experience I had with every doctor when i was having my skin issues too.

[@emmallen2]

Here’s the thing- any (yes ANY) contraception you choose is going to come with a unique set of side effects. It’s about choosing which set of potential side effects and risks are most acceptable to you an an individual.

[@xxromanovaxx6682]

What about no pill and no side effects at all?

[@meganalderton9273]

Holy moly, it is so sad that women have to put their mind and body through all of this just to control when they will have a child. Wowsers.

[@anagalijan2221]

Can you make video about secondary amenorrhoea, aka losing period after BC? 7 months later still haven't got period back? And also things, seeds, or super foods that can be used to help the process? Thank you so much.. Your videos are so informative and interesting

[@noelia-3808]

All im gonna say is that birth control ruined my hormones.

[@chelem2995]

I'm really interested in following your journey with this. I've been on the pill for 10 years now and once definitely begun noticing negative symptoms. I was not aware of the potential changes to the brain and I'll definitely be reading more about this.

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Yeah imo the symptoms are pretty scary. I’ll keep you all updated, for sure!

[@NeliaBedilia]

I just finished my last pack and I'm on this journey as well. Can't wait to see more updates on this from you! I think I'll record my journey as well

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Post pill buddies!! We’re in this together, girl! 💗

[@coachxblademojo]

Great Video, thanks a lot!

[@awkwardashleigh]

Could you do one that talks about the pros and cons of quitting Progesterone birth control??

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

I believe Beyond the Pill goes into that! Definitely check out the book :)

[@anna-maymoon1001]

When your mum tells you to get the pill when you're 15/16 to solve your teenage emo phase (that did morph into really bad depression/suicidal thoughts) because "girls in my class who Went nuts got the pill and then they were fine" like... Wow. I get she was trying to do the best she could with the knowledge she had but wow... I turned out okay but jfc this explains a whole fucking lot. Why I suddenly got fatter even though I started going to the gym, why I got worse mentally, why I still feel like I'm insane when I'm off it (I think it regulates my mood swings, I once tracked my moods for morning, noon and night for a whole year in school to see if there were any patterns and there seemed to be no connections to life context apart from "overall sad") But the thing that scares me most is the anger thing. I seem to get SO angry over minute details and kinda obsess over them for hours and I can't seem to shake it. Logically I know it's dumb and I want to let it go but I'm still pissy and tense. I thought it might be learnt behaviour from dad but it doesn't feel right. Like his anger will go after a walk or ignoring the thing that's pissed you off but I'll find myself feeling so intense for hours even tho I'm over it and this might be permanent brain fuckery. That's scary. Like super scary. Why the fuck does no one tell you that these things are commonplace?! Like "yeah any problems come back but there's a 3 month adjustment period so wait it out" or "common side effects you shouldn't worry about [HUGE fucking list]" why have we made this a normal thing?! It's not normal for a medication to fuck you up this bad !!! WHY stop with "it works" and why not try to make a formula that stops you from getting pregnant without all the horrendous side effects?! Just cos women CAN endure doesn't mean they SHOULD.

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Omg girl, I'm so sorry you've gone through all this! This breaks my heart. No one should have to experience that. Regarding your last point, did you know that they made a birth control for men and the men in the trial started experiencing a lot of the same symptoms women on the pill experience--changes in mood, libido, etc--and they decided to end the trial early because they didn't think men should have to endure it?? It's absolutely insane. Women's physical and mental symptoms are so often completely dismissed in medicine. And this is exactly why I made this video--to help prevent this happening to other people in the future.

[@ChrisAnneAmoy]

I went through post birth control syndrome and IT WAS SO BAD. I never had my period since I stopped taking the pill and it’s been about 4-6 months at this point and still trying to get my hormones under control

[@ItsLizV]

I had a feeling you guys broke up but didn't want to bring it up in case it was a bad situation. I'm glad to hear it isn't and that you're doing ok! Also, this video is SO insightful. I have been on birthcontrol since I was 14 becaus I had really, really heavy periods. I also really do not want kids so now that's my main reason for still taking it. I have considered going off of it but I am just terrified of what the result will be lol.

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

I appreciate you not asking haha. I tend to like to keep my personal life personal. And thanks! I'm kinda terrified too but after going through TSW I'm more terrified to stay on it at this point

[@kristinhaag842]

Do you know of any long term side effects of taking a natural progesterone supplement? The one I am looking into is derived from yams, a couple of my friends have swear by it for regulating periods!

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

It’s still a hormone pill so it will have a lot of the same side effects. Dr Brighten goes into the progesterone only pill in her book Beyond the Pill. I can’t recommend it enough!

[@goofeygrimtales2010]

Missfitandnerdy: About Birth control. Goofey: Ok I'll watch the next one. Missfitandnerdy: I'm single. Goofey: Wait what? 😂

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Lmaooo 😂 feel free to share this video with any women in your life so they can learn too 🙌🏻

[@dindinbrekie]

Definitely will look forward to reading beyond the pill! I’ve done multiple different oral birth control “brands” and have had horrible side effects. I have the copper iud right now and I’m not the biggest fan of it either, but it’s better than the pill, at least for me.

[@ddotliz8801]

Name twin! But also I had the copper IUD for just shy of 6 years and just took it out yesterday! It seemed like the most “natural” form of birth control and I thought there would be no side effects. But I was definitely mistaken. Can’t wait to see how I feel now that I have it taken out!

[@AccidentalTradWife]

I was prescribed birth control at 19 and the doctor did not discuss ANY risks aside from "if you use nicotine you are more likely to have a stroke" f*cksake at that age I hardly even knew what "having a stroke" truly meant. I was monogamous and a baby wouldnt have been a disaster for my life, just a severe inconvenience. I ended up on the vaginal ring, and I didnt find out until 4 or 5 years later that the ring had even more of a risk of side effects. Meanwhile my friends who had copper IUDs were having issues as well... hormonal BC for men was literally discontinued in the study phase because men had hormonal issues because of it. But female hormonal bc doesnt hardly get examined, let alone informing the barely-adults and LITERAL PUBESCENT CHILDREN who are being prescribed it of the long term effects. Hormonal BC can even cause depression and brain changes. It's insane

[@Darkshade_01]

Let's show marisa how much we love her and please continue subscribing to her KZbin channel let's make her have a great day 😊❤

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Thank youuuuu!!

[@Darkshade_01]

@@MissFitAndNerdy you're welcome sweetheart😊❤

[@62442Katie]

I went on hormonal birth control for half a year and started getting migraines with aura (had never experienced migraines before this). They kept just trying to shuffle me onto the next possible pill before I finally just stopped taking it completely. Certainly glad I did, especially because I was taking it to help with period related symptoms, and not necessarily to prevent pregnancy.

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Wow that’s crazy!! If you’re still getting PMS symptoms, definitely read the books I mentioned (linked in description). PMS shouldn’t be painful or difficult when hormones are properly balanced

[@camila10298]

Thank you so much for this super informative video! It was so well structured and well cited. I’m really looking forward to following your journey in this. I was only on the pill for about a month or so a few years ago but stopped taking it because I couldn’t deal with the side effects. I then switched to a non-hormonal IUD until my doctor recommended switching to a hormonal IUD which I now have. I did a lot of research about IUDs at the time and decided it was the best option for me. I’d love to hear your take on IUDs and learn exactly how my body might be reacting to it. Love your videos!!

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

For more info about IUDs definitely read Beyond the Pill. I personally might use a copper IUD at some point in the future when quarantine is no longer birth control lmao. But the copper IUD still has negative side effects since it functions by basically causing chronic inflammation. But the hormonal IUD is going to have similar effects to the pill but I think just at a lesser amount

[@camila10298]

@@MissFitAndNerdy I'll definitely pick up the book! The copper IUD caused me to bleed all the time probably because of the inflammation. I haven't felt any negative side affects with the hormonal IUD like I did when I was taking the pill. Although, I am worried about the "mirena crash" that many people experience after having the IUD removed. Thanks for the reply!!

[@Naedlj]

I went off birth control when I was 21. I’m 35 now and FOR ME it was the right choice. I have endometriosis and PCOS and was put on the pill when I was 14 for those conditions. The pill did not make my conditions better and I had really bad side effects. After trying 6 different types of birth control I made the choice to stop taking it.

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

That’s great! All I want is for people to have all the information to make the decision for themselves

[@Naedlj]

MissFitAndNerdy I agree!

[@meikoblock]

Wow, I’ve never had any problems with my BC pill, I’ve been on the same one for 8 years. I’ve actually lost weight, no more cramps that left me doubled over for 2 days. However I do not want kids and would like to get it all removed but Docs won’t do it while I’m “young”

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Definitely look into the side effects of the different procedures that eliminate fertility. There is some research to suggest that hysterectomies can negatively impact brain function. I did a science sunday post about it a while ago: instagram.com/p/BtuCGGfhEdT/ I'm not fully educated about all the different procedures to make pregnancy impossible though so I'm sure there are some with less side effects than others. So just do your research before picking the procedure :)

[@TheRinergirl]

You should research sensiplan symptothermal fertility awareness method! 99.6% perfect use effectiveness rate. Complete game changer! I would suggest learning with an instructor

[@mareikes.1854]

Thank you for this well informed video. I needed to hear that. ❤️ Tells me I'm not completely crazy 😂

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Omg yeah I should have mentioned that but doctors often dismiss soooo many symptoms and just prescribe a different pill instead of seeing that the pill could be what is causing it in the first place. You’re not crazy if you’re experiencing any symptoms from the pill!

[@solopolitica]

Are there different side effects with the copper IUD? I love mine, but I can't help thinking there must be something I'm missing with it.

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Definitely different since it isn't hormonal. But it still has side effects. It basically works by causing chronic inflammation in the uterus and can cause copper toxicity. But this is honestly the form of birth control that I am considering switching to when quarantine isn't effective anymore lol

[@houstonwarren99]

How does the pill effect endometriosis and ovarian cysts? I was prescribed it to help with the pain.. I wana come off bc pills cause I hate the side effects I’ve been having such as hot flashes/cold flashes, cramping, sore boobs, mood swings, headaches (many reasons), low energy etc. thoughts?

[@aramisaramis7784]

I wouldn’t have take birth control if I had know about hypothalamus modification. This is scary.

[@caitlyntucker8001]

My doctor just prescribed me birth control for my adult acne. I had a not great experience on it when i used to take it like 6 years ago. It made me so angry and id fight with my boyfriend more and cry and be depressed on it. I stopped instantly. I decided id be willing to try it again for acne. It was crazy how fast the doctor was to write a borth control script. I didnt have a good feeling about it. I took my first one tonight.. after watching this, im never again. If i had watched this before, id never have taken this tonight. My jaw was dropped this WHOLE VIDEO! OMG NEVER AGAIN. THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@mollyoxy]

I don’t see how it’s sexually liberating unless you don’t care about contracting/spreading STDs....

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Hormonal birth control doesn’t prevent STIs in the first place...

[@mollyoxy]

@@MissFitAndNerdy I never said they do. That’s the whole point of my comment. How is it sexually liberating if you still need to wear a condom?

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

@@mollyoxy Whether or not you wear a condom has nothing to do with sexual liberation. Sexual liberation isn't a physical thing, it's a sociological thing

[@mollyoxy]

@@MissFitAndNerdy so explain how birth control allows for sexual liberation

[@rimajurjus1207]

I have been off HBC since February and was terrified about how my body would react after taking it for almost 10 years. I started in high school PURELY to control my intensely heavy and painful periods. Additionally, I was a competitive swimmer all the way through college and I would literally have to skip practice 2-3 days a month due to my period before HBC. Over the last year (now out of college for a few years and done with my competitive swimming career) I have been dedicated to being the healthiest human I can be, inside and out, which has included researching the effects of HBC. I read This Is Your Brain on Birth Control and it is truly eye opening. Like you, the effects that HBC can have on your brain structure is what scared me the most-- not a single doctor discussed any of this with me before prescribing! I decided to help ease my transition off by integrating seed cycling and continuing to consume a low sugar, nutrient dense diet with regular exercise. I am happy to say my period returned in just over a month and I have been regular ever since with little adverse side effects. That being said, my periods are back to being incredibly heavy, but it is something I can live with at this point. Although I am so happy to be off of HBC and am now aware of all the effects it can have on women, I don't regret my time on it. I was able to accomplish so much scholastically as well as athletically. I think there is a time and place for HBC and as long as we educate ourselves and make informed decisions, it can be worked into a healthy lifestyle. And for those who are wondering about avoiding pregnancy, I suggest looking into Taking Charge of Your Fertility. I am now tracking my fertility cycle via oral temperature every morning and using some of the methods discussed in the book!

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

I love this insight so much! I 100% agree that there is a time and a place for HBC. Thank you for sharing your story! And thank you for the book recommendation. That one has been on my list for a while so I think I will start it when I finish this is your brain on birth control

[@gerimollo5513]

so what are you going to use as a birth control once you start a relationship and want to avoid pregnancy? What type of BC do you recommend besides abstinence?

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Honestly at this point, I'm not sure what I will do! I'm thinking about a copper IUD even though it has some major drawbacks as well. It basically works by causing chronic inflammation in your uterus, which isn't great. But I think just using FAM would stress me out so much that that would end up having more of a negative impact on my health than the IUD. But I might try out FAM for a while? It kinda depends on the timing too and how fast my body heals. Like, if I don't get a regular period for 2 years then I obviously can't use FAM but might end up in a relationship during that time so I would definitely need to get an IUD or something

[@gerimollo5513]

MissFitAndNerdy thank you for your prompt response, I really appreciate it, I’ve been trying fam as well as I do not want to use any hormonal type of BC but it is too stressful! What do you think about condoms?

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

I mean, condoms are great! Highly recommend. Just for me, the idea of *only* relying on them for birth control is terrifying since something can go wrong pretty easily

[@AxlLovesHobbits]

goold ol' condoms?

[@M_Lopez_3D_Artist]

@@MissFitAndNerdy Yeah, condoms are great for many people, but i hear you i must have researched 20 different brands and yet still its hard to find one that will be 99.97 effective everytime, although for all the money they put into them they have yet to figure out how to make them actually feel decent its like how hard is that to design that lol

[@aliciamarie7487]

♥️♥️♥️

[@xxkandikissez8136]

Love this video!! You go girl! Happy for you. I took BC in tablet form for a short time & never ever will again. IUDs aren't much better so please don't that either!

[@sydney6268]

I just wanted to comment on how frustratingly limited the research is on this topic. I love hearing it compiled like this. I recently went off and tried to look up side effects to see what might have been affected while I was on it and I found some conclusions from a very reputable place (like Yale? I can't remember for sure) that argued that there are basically no side effects and that all the research that suggested that there are is inherently flawed because it's self-reported. While I recognize this is a common issue in studies, the author HEAVILY implied that, essentially, women don't know what they're talking about when they report these symptoms and that they're just primed to finding trends and automatically blame the birth control.

[@binamc1125]

Thank you for making this. I also made the choice to stop taking birth control. I found the birth control pill made my ezcema FLARE. I know doctors will say this isn't a factor, but my ezcema has never been better being off it. I also had to go through TSW. I dont know if they link. I'd love to see your finding on balancing hormones.

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Oh jeez that sucks! I've heard theories of HBC linking with TSW. I'm mostly worried my TSW will flare as I detox from HBC

[@binamc1125]

@@MissFitAndNerdy mine did flare after coming off the pill. I'm now on a biologic for my ezcema. Honestly I'd love to not have to take anything but such is life. I'm eating better and exercising and hoping my body re heals after all its been through. Your journey has been so inspirational and motivating to me. Thank you

[@nicholemccann5630]

THANK YOU. I now have something to direct people to when they give me a look when I say I haven't taken hormonal birth control and I won't. When I was in my early twenties I went to my doctor for my acne and she tried to get me to take birth control, I filled the prescription and never took it. I never understood prescribing birth control for something other than controlling pregnancy and I always suspected it was horrible but I never did the research. Again. THANK YOU.

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

GIRL I wish I had thought that far ahead when I was 19 haha. If I had known what I know now, I might never have gone on it in the first place

[@nicholemccann5630]

@@MissFitAndNerdy hind sight is 20/20! But at least you stopped now instead of in another 5 years!

[@isismallory4978]

Idk if you'll get this but I need help I'm 13 and I've been on the pill for 1week and 3 days I was put on the pill for my period, a few minutes ago I bleed a lot like it went down my lag and floor and I'm really scared I don't know what to do I'm panicking and I don't wanna wake up my mom because I'm scrared

[@samieelfit5165]

What if your blood work is coming out normal ? but you feel like shit super tired and moody been on it for 6 years now 🥵

[@shannonlovesacting]

Please do a video on how to effect your hormones and what signs and symptoms indicate that you still have hormone issues or the signs that you are getting better...

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Beyond the Pill has an actual quiz you can take that evaluates your symptoms and directs you to specific protocols to heal your hormones!

[@marcelaramoscampana9409]

what an amazing and informative video

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Thank you so much!!!

[@geanniesanders4571]

Read natural fertility planning. You don't need birth control to prevent pregnancy.

[@prachikadian6484]

Hey. Please do a detailed video on Yoga as an option of workout.

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Hmmm well I’m not a certified yoga instructor and I don’t do much yoga so I’m not sure I’m the right person to make that video

[@prachikadian6484]

@@MissFitAndNerdy Oh, I thought you read these books online on different forms of workout and would have come up w something on this, so could share. LOVE

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

Do you have any book recommendations on yoga?

[@prachikadian6484]

@@MissFitAndNerdy I was gonna ask you that question, ahahha.

[@prachikadian6484]

@@MissFitAndNerdy I'm an Indian. So, a quick recommendation would be to take up some vedic books. They teach about the internal system so well and I've seen you been through so many internal problems. I mean they might help, but cultural difference can be setback too. I don't really follow any diet tips from across the world. All seasonal things are my go-tos.

[@hairyfrankfurt]

I only use the pill so that I don't have a period, which is stupid, but I really REALLY hate periods.

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

haha periods aren't fun! But if your hormones are balanced, the only thing that should happen on your period is bleeding. You shouldn't have bad PMS or pain!

[@VixCode]

Has anyone ever had constipation after taking birth control for a while?

[@ameliecormier4161]

@MissFitAndNerdy do you think it could worsen eczema. Since im on birth control, my eczema has worsen (3 years), but i don't know if it is a true correlation. If birth control increase inflammation, maybe it could be my problem? Im also trying to quit topical steroid, but everytime i try i end up after 2-3 month of suffering to use it again :/

[@maryssa8593]

I know I’m commenting so late but my celiac affected me to t he point where I almost never had a period. I’m talking 7-8 months without it at a time. It was bizarre! I started birth control when I became sexually active after I had my first son (was told I’d not be able to conceive but that clearly wasn’t the case 😅) and it did help me have a normal cycle. Now I’m debating about having my IUD removed and my husband may or may not have a vasectomy if we decide we are happy with our family size. I’d love to go back to no birth control but my body is all over the place without it.

[@alyssareed1614]

Does all of this include depo provera?

[@Niincha]

Youre such an inspiring person. You're so successful and you seem so happy in your videos. You seem to be so balanced out with everything you do in your life. I wish we could get some coffee together sometime and talk about lifting and all the foods in the world haha. Greetings from germany! Keep doing what you're doing :)

[@cheri1687]

I'm re-watching cause in October I am stopping my bc. I had my tubes removed this past April and only stayed on to control my period. But I was reflecting on when I started bc and...i think it has been the cause of some of my health issues...heck I might cut it after this month. With in 6months on it,.i gain so much weight. I hope after I stop it, it won't be so hard losing it and the markers for type2 diabetes will fully go away.

[@micolade]

I love the fact that you brought this subject up. I am aware of the fact that taking birth control has significant but diverse effects among people and personally never decided to try it. Good for you to decide to give it up! :)

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

People have been asking me about it forever so I figured that me coming off HBC was a good time to finally have the discussion!

[@ceciledelrey3758]

knowing that you were on birth control explains a lot why it seems so "straightforward" for you to control your weight and your fat percentage (not saying it's easy at all, more that you don't seem to fail as much as the rest of the xx chromosome). I thought it was just genetics, but not having fluctuating hormones could explain it as well. Very good choice of yours to come off birth control, you were lucky not to have any side effects so far but I really think birth control was invented by men to try and make us "little men". The rest of your journey is definitely going to be super interesting!

[@taylor_1944]

ive had stomach issues since i was 14 but went on birth control around 15-16. Im 20 now- could coming off the pill help my stomach? they went back and forth with saying i had sibo now ibs so i would do anything to help it

[@mysteriousman4966]

So do you find other guys attractive now? That were not your type when you were taking the pill.

[@mariskakotterink2413]

I went to an orthomolecular therapist and she said I probably have some problems with those vitamins and minerals because of the pil. I’m using it very long now and I want to quit because of those deficits but also I have the feeling it’s making me more stressed and depressed. But the thing is, i don’t want to get pregnant yet but I have i boyfriend.. so I’m figuring out what to do.. I also started the pil because of other issues and I’m afraid those come back, like mood swings and more pain when menstruating

[@HypnoRhymes]

I'd like to stop taking birth control, but I have very messed up and painful cycles without it, so I'm not sure

[@MyHowPretty]

Went on the pill at 17 and took it till I was about 21, then lost my insurance and went off for a few years. Went back on for about 2 years and then off again. Was off for about 5 years and must admit, I think I was the least depressed at that time. Then I met my husband and went back on the pill. Neither of us want children, so I didn’t see much of a choice. I was fine for a while, but over the last 3 years of being back on the pill I’ve been very down and I stress a whole lot. My anxiety is through the roof all the time and my blood pressure over the last year has been super high. SO I told my doc what was going on and she’s now switched me to a pop pill (no estrogen). I’ve taken it for 2 days now. I’m worried about what the differences might be. I’m hoping it’s for the better and not worse. Today is the day I’m suppose to get my period, but I have no idea how that will go now with these new pills. Just hoping my blood pressure gets better and my anxiety chills out. Women really go through a lot of crap.

[@IIIPhoebeIII]

Are those side effects always there even for low dose birth controls or birth controls that mimics you natural hormonal rhythm over the month?

[@babybluebabyblue]

I really want to cone off the pill but i have pcos and endometriosis and the last time i stopped taking it it got worse, but i also can feel that its not good for my mental health ;( if you know anything about that please include! And thank you so much for the video!

[@MissFitAndNerdy]

From what I remember reading, the positives may outweigh the negatives for Endo. But I still definitely recommend beyond the pill because it gives a protocol to help reduce the negative effects while still being on it