Going back to your natural cycle
The oral pill and the IUD are the contraceptive methods that most worry women and this was the topic Dr. Tâmara Castelo discussed in one of the last episodes of “O Consultório da Tâmara”.
Women have many doubts about these methods and, in this article, we are going to talk about the changes that our bodies go through when we stop taking the pill and about the ways in which we can make up for it.
When we decide to stop taking the pill, after many years doing so, it is normal for our organism to resent itself, inducing several changes in the body, which we usually begin to feel after two weeks.
Shall we talk about these changes?
Weight fluctuations
By itself, the pill causes fluid retention; so, when we stop taking it, we lose weight, but, on the other hand, a mood swing could happen and we are not able to control our emotional appetite and the craving to eat sweets and sugar; this all interferes with our weight.
Premenstrual tension (PMT) symptoms
It is common for the PMT symptoms to increase when we withdraw the pill, because the ovaries are learning, yet again, to naturally produce hormones. Such symptoms as grumpiness, mood swings, headaches, impulsivity, sleeping problems, amongst others, can arise in a more intense way.
Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)
Without the action of the pill, the uterine tissue thickens and is fitter for a pregnancy, but, when a woman does not get pregnant, intense menstrual cramps and even a larger blood flow can occur during the menstrual period.
Changes in the face and in the body
The pill interferes in our skin’s health, due to testosterone production, so, when this hormone’s levels increase, our skin becomes more sensitive and susceptible to pimples and blackheads. Furthermore, hair growth goes back to normal.
It is important to understand that these changes are normal and that they will only benefit your health.
Changes in the menstrual cycles
It takes some time until the ovaries get used to producing their hormones in a natural way, and, during this period, your cycles can be irregular.
However, if you don’t menstruate for more than two months or if you notice that you have your period more than three times in the same month, you should look for professional help in order to check your ovarian function.
Note down your natural cycles so that you can understand your rhythm.
What to do and what to avoid during this time of change?
Follow a healthy diet, rich in calcium, vitamin B6 and magnesium, to help your body to balance hormone levels and to eliminate toxins. Practice physical exercise to improve blood circulation, burn fat and regulate your appetite.
About natural cycles
In order to control the cycles in a natural way, it is important to pay attention to four factors:
- Basal temperature
- Cervical mucus
- Ovulation tests
- Diaphragm
All these techniques are only effective when combined. As each one of them has its own function. It can seem hard, but, as time goes by, you will learn to know your cycle.
In my Instagram page, you can find, on IGTV, a four-episode series, dedicated to the tools that allow us to better understand our natural cycle.