Birth control pills are a popular contraceptive method. The synthetic hormones in them are known to be helpful ingredients for women, but they can also affect nutrient levels. Ensure you listen to your body and assess how to balance your vitamin and mineral intake.

The Science: How Birth Control Impacts Your Body
Birth control is used for many different health-related reasons. Some women use it as a form of contraception, while others have an underlying health issue. Research has shown that 151 million women used oral birth control who were of reproductive age to benefit from pregnancy protection and reduced menstrual pain.

Many forms of birth control contain both progestin and estrogen, which are added hormones. When you imbalance your levels of these, it can cause health-related symptoms. In particular, 75% of women report migraines, which can frequently be the result of hormone fluctuations. While there are many benefits to oral contraceptives, it is crucial to be mindful of how they can impact the balance of your body.

Key Nutrients Impacted by Birth Control
Birth control pills are a valuable tool, but they can impact nutrient levels, so it’s vital to check in with your body to see what you might be missing. Here are some of the nutrients you may become deficient in if you use birth control.

VITAMIN B6
Vitamin B6 is essential for your overall health and mental well-being, so a deficiency in this vitamin could cause many problems. It has an important job because it directly impacts your antibodies — which help fight infections and viruses — and carries oxygen throughout your body. Vitamin B6 deficiency can have many different symptoms, such as poor mobility, depression, irritability, and even numbness.

VITAMIN B12
Vitamin B12 is a crucial nutrient to help improve your red blood cell count and promote healthy nerve cells. One of the most significant risks of low vitamin B12 counts is anemia, but mild cases may not cause noticeable symptoms. The most obvious signs of deficiency include fatigue, headaches, lightheadedness, and breathing difficulties.

VITAMIN C
Vitamin C deficiency can significantly impact a woman’s health. Importantly, it helps prevent cell damage from free radicals, as well as nurtures your bones, cartilage, teeth, and skin. Some severe cases of vitamin C deficiency require a medical diagnosis and treatment plan to prevent long-lasting damage. When your level is low, you may notice corkscrew hair, frequent bruising, and dental problems.

ZINC
Zinc is a crucial mineral throughout your body. The proper balance of it will support immune function by targeting and fighting off infection. Zinc can also help repair damaged tissue and promote healing. However, deficiency can have many symptoms. You may notice frequent diarrhea, sickness, a small appetite, and hair loss.

Nutrition Strategies for Active Birth Control Users
When your body is vitamin or mineral deficient, you could experience little to no symptoms, but these lower vitamin levels will affect your physical and mental health over time. Fortunately, there are a few ways to balance your nutrient levels, such as reinventing your daily diet, which can be a crucial lifestyle change.

Consider replacing foods that aren’t providing the proper nutrients with homemade recipes that do. Moreover, adding medically approved vitamin and mineral gummies to your day can help you gradually balance your levels. Speak to your doctor before adding supplements to ensure you take the correct ones and dosage.

When to Consult a Health Care Professional
If you’re still noticing new or worsening symptoms after adjusting your daily intake of nutrients and diet, it may be time to consult your physician. Long-lasting symptoms don’t immediately indicate a serious illness but could suggest a need for adjustment in your birth control plan or an underlying disease that requires further attention. They can also help identify which vitamin or mineral you’re deficient in.

Another professional may have advised you on the healthy amount of vitamin supplements you should take from a young age. However, using birth control can cause your body to require more than the average recommended intake. Talking with a doctor who takes oral contraceptives’ side effects into account can help you feel your best and avoid unpleasant symptoms while empowering your reproductive choices.

Optimizing Health While on Birth Control
Birth control is a vital contraceptive medication used to help women with several health-related issues. Having symptoms of nutrient deficiency doesn’t mean you need to stop your birth control right away. However, making lifestyle changes and adding approved supplements is crucial to balance your vitamin and mineral levels and prevent severe health-related conditions.

Jack Shaw serves as the fitness editor of the magazine Modded, bringing his expert opinions and insights on the importance of maintaining lifelong physical and mental health. He has a deep knowledge of all things wellness and has previously worked with BarBend, AskMen, SimpliFaster, and more.

By Jack Shaw