Getting a period from a birth control pill is not a natural period! It is simply synthetic hormones signaling your body to bleed. Struggling with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) for over ten years, I know all too well about the use of contraceptive pills and all the nasty side effects they harbor on a woman’s body.

Early PCOS Diagnosis

For instance, after discovering I was diagnosed with PCOS at age 17, my gynecologist prescribed me a top-rated pill (at that time).  I often saw advertisements on television for that particular brand of birth control pill. However, as a teenager, I was not privy to the side effects of the pill because I was told it was the best option for treating my PCOS, a disease I never knew existed.

Realizations: The Effects of “The Pill” on My Body

I was on the pill from age 17 to about age 21 before I decided to take a break. While on the pill for those first four years, I started noticing I was gaining weight rapidly, I was still somewhat struggling with anxiety issues, and I was still struggling with excessive hair growth all over my body. Then, here come the commercials with lawsuits about the long-term side effects of the very first pill I was prescribed. I remember telling myself I probably needed to change the pill I was using because although I was seeing my period monthly, I was still struggling with other symptoms to no avail.

I clearly remember trying two more different brands of contraceptive pills and even the popular 3-month birth control injection. However, I eventually was so tired of swallowing such a tiny pill that I always, for some strange reason, felt as if it was stuck at the back of my throat, and the coating made me feel so bad. Then, with the injection, I remember having my period and bleeding for about ten days as opposed to my usual five days for my period cycle. I thought to myself one day, is this what being an adult on contraceptives is about? I was so done that I decided I needed to take a break from the pill and injection, knowing that my hormones would eventually become unbalanced.

My Self-Created Hormone Therapy Regimen

In 2012, when I moved to the US and enrolled in my University for my Bachelor’s, I decided to visit my school’s gynecologist for a second opinion on my diagnosis. Lo and behold, yes, I was diagnosed with PCOS and again prescribed and advised to take the infamous pill. It was the beginning of my breaking point. I thanked the doctor, and I went home and started some heavy research on PCOS and what it is about. That’s when I started taking herbal supplements to regulate my hormones. I called it my “self-created” hormone therapy regimen. I remember starting my herbal supplement regimen in mid-2017 and continuing until about 2020. This journey became one of research, persistence, and a deep desire to understand and naturally manage my PCOS. Here are the keywords/phrases used for my research:

As we already know, 2020 was the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the year I started my master’s degree. With all the stresses from my degree and the pandemic, I thought that was why I had not seen my menstruation for approximately five months. Due to the pandemic and the closure of many non-essential businesses, I could not access the necessary herbal supplements. Therefore, I knew I had to go and see a doctor again. To my surprise, my ovaries were indeed clean from cysts, but I was prescribed a pill, AGAIN for the fifteen billionth time (LOL), to regulate my monthly. Because I had not seen my period for several months, I decided to take the pill until I could access my herbal supplements.

The Final Break from Birth Control Pills

Listen! I was three weeks on the pill, and I was done and over with it. Also, I felt terrible every day; I was still gaining weight, and I was just done. I remember texting my doctor and telling him I was done with the pills for my PCOS! In all honesty, I clearly remember as soon as I came off the pill, a couple of days later, my period came down and with a vengeance! Lol! In late 2021 or early 2022, I started incorporating herbal teas into my diet. I also started curbing my diet and exercising (walking more). I am so grateful that my body has been regulated ever since then!

Empowering My Cysters: Why Birth Control Isn’t the Only Answer

My Cysters, I understand that, as women, we sometimes want to prevent pregnancy using contraceptive pills. I firmly believe that should be the only purpose. We do not need to mask our PCOS symptoms with synthetic hormones. We can regulate our bodies with just a few lifestyle changes. I honestly feel like my body was telling me to stop with the pills and do something different. Though I still struggle with a few symptoms of PCOS, which is fine because PCOS has no cure, my symptoms are, in fact, manageable for me. Trust me, I do not want to have to remember to take a pill every day or night, nor worry about the nasty taste in my mouth ever again.

Taking the contraceptive pill to mask PCOS symptoms is a temporary solution that doesn’t address the root causes of the condition. While the pill may regulate periods and control acne, it only suppresses symptoms without offering long-term relief or healing. Over time, this masking effect can lead to a disconnect between you and your body’s natural signals, making it harder to identify what’s happening with your hormones. Moreover, the pill can sometimes cause side effects such as weight gain, mood changes, and even increased risks of other health complications. Relying on it alone can prevent you from exploring healthier, sustainable ways to manage your PCOS symptoms.

By choosing to manage my PCOS naturally, I’m consciously creating a life that aligns with my health and well-being beyond the pill!

Kendra Richards

Herbal Harmony’s Approach: A Natural, Holistic Path to Managing PCOS

In the Herbal Harmony community, the focus shifts to holistic, natural approaches that empower you to take charge of your health. Through education on diet, exercise, stress management, and herbal teas, you can work with your body rather than against it. The community provides guidance on addressing the root causes of PCOS. In addition, it offers support for healthier lifestyle changes that promote hormonal balance, improved metabolism, and emotional well-being.

By embracing Herbal Harmony’s approach, you can make informed, conscious choices that lead to long-term better health. Who wants to rely solely on the pill to mask symptoms?