The Hidden Cost of Birth Control: How It Depletes Nutrients, Disrupts Hormones, and Harms Fertility
Hormonal birth control has long been seen as a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy. But newer research from the last five years is uncovering a different story. Oral contraceptives and other hormonal methods can deplete key nutrients, disrupt your hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, throw other hormones out of balance, and even impair future fertility after discontinuation.
Birth Control Depletes Key Nutrients
Oral contraceptives increase the loss of several essential vitamins and minerals. This can leave your body more vulnerable to fatigue, hormone dysfunction, and oxidative stress.
Magnesium - A 2021 review in Nutrients found that women on oral contraceptives had lower serum magnesium levels, likely due to increased urinary excretion. Magnesium is critical for hormone metabolism and nervous system balance.
Folate - Even low dose birth control lowers folate levels, which are crucial for DNA synthesis and fertility. A 2020 study in Nutrients found that oral contraceptive users had lower red blood cell folate and higher homocysteine compared to non-users.
B Vitamins - B6, B12, and riboflavin are often lower in women taking birth control. A 2022 clinical study showed that oral contraceptive users were at increased risk of B12 deficiency and elevated homocysteine, both of which affect mood and fertility.
Blunted cortisol response
A 2020 study in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that women on oral contraceptives showed a blunted cortisol awakening response and abnormal diurnal rhythm, indicating suppressed HPA axis flexibility.
Impaired stress resilience
A 2021 trial showed that users of oral contraceptives reported higher perceived stress and lower emotional resilience compared to naturally cycling women, suggesting that HPA axis dysregulation may play a role.
Birth Control Alters Other Hormones
Synthetic hormones from contraceptives affect more than just ovulation. They interfere with thyroid and reproductive hormone pathways.
Thyroid
Oral contraceptives increase thyroxine binding globulin which lowers free T3 and T4. A 2020 study in Thyroid Research confirmed that users had lower free thyroid hormone levels despite normal TSH.
Androgens and libido
Oral contraceptives suppress ovarian androgen production and increase sex hormone binding globulin which lowers free testosterone. A 2022 meta analysis found that users had significantly lower libido and vaginal lubrication.
Progesterone deficiency
Synthetic progestins do not replicate natural progesterone function. As a result many users experience an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone which may contribute to mood changes and cycle irregularities after discontinuation.
Birth Control May Harm Future Fertility
Although many women regain ovulatory cycles after stopping birth control, evidence suggests delayed fertility and reduced ovarian reserve in some cases.
Altered endometrial environment
A 2019 trial found that women with prior long term use of combined oral contraceptives had thinner endometrial lining during fertility treatments which may impair implantation.
What You Can Do
Birth control use is a personal decision but it is important to be aware of its broader impact on your body.
Support your body with a nutrient rich diet and consider supplements for magnesium, B vitamins, folate, vitamin C, and E.
Discuss testing for thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive hormones if you have symptoms.
If planning pregnancy, allow time for your cycles to normalize and monitor ovulation.
Work with a knowledgeable practitioner who can help restore hormone balance and nutrient status after discontinuation.
Hormonal birth control is more than just a contraceptive. It has measurable effects on your nutrients, your hormone systems, and your future fertility. Understanding these effects can help you make informed choices about your reproductive and long term health.
Dr. Lauren Hutson, MD MBA
Meet the Author
Dr. Lauren Hutson is an experienced Primary Care Provider with degrees in Neuroscience and Biology from University of Texas at Austin. She completed her residency at Baylor Scott and White, Texas A&M, and has a strong focus on preventive care and chronic illness management. During the pandemic, she provided critical care as a Hospitalist in New Mexico, exemplifying her commitment to holistic, patient-centered care.
