In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, certified fertility awareness educator and author of The Fifth Vital Sign, to talk all things hormonal birth control—how it works, what it actually does to your cycle, and what no one tells you when you’re handed that prescription at age 14.
Lisa breaks down the myths we’ve been told, why the “pill period” isn’t a real period, and how hormonal contraceptives may affect your libido, mental health, and fertility long after you stop taking them. If you’ve ever been curious about what’s really going on in your cycle or are considering coming off hormonal birth control, this episode is a must-listen.
In today’s episode, we cover:
What the pill actually does to your cycle and ovulation
Why the 28-day cycle and “period week” were invented
How hormonal birth control can impact mood, libido, and more
Common myths like “it regulates your cycle” or “tricks your body into thinking it’s pregnant”
What research says about fertility and ovulation after stopping hormonal contraception
How long it may take your cycle to normalize after stopping the pill
The truth about IUDs, the shot, and other hormonal options
Nutrient depletions to be aware of when using hormonal birth control
Non-hormonal options like fertility awareness and the copper IUD
Why your menstrual cycle is your fifth vital sign
How to support your body when transitioning off hormonal birth control
Where to Find Lisa:
Website: FertilityFriday.com
Instagram: @fertilityfriday
Books: The Fifth Vital Sign & Real Food for Fertility (free chapters available)
Podcast: Fertility Friday (look for the pink cover!)