Whether you're taking birth control pills for contraception or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause symptoms, it's important to know that these medications can impact your body's nutrient levels. Deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals can lead to fatigue, mood swings, fertility issues, and bone loss.
Functional lab testing, such as DUTCH hormone testing and micronutrient testing, can help identify imbalances and guide you toward personalized solutions. In this guide, we’ll cover the nutrients most affected by birth control and HRT, their impact on different life stages, and how to test and replenish them naturally.
Which Nutrients Do Birth Control & HRT Deplete?
1. Folate (Vitamin B9) – Essential for Fertility & Pregnancy
Folate is crucial for DNA production, red blood cell formation, and fetal development. Birth control pills can lower folate levels, affecting energy and increasing the risk of birth defects for women planning pregnancy after stopping the pill.
💡 How to Replenish: Eat more leafy greens, beans, citrus fruits, and fortified grains. If pregnancy is a possibility, take a prenatal vitamin with 5-MTHF (5-Methyl-Tetra-Hydro-Folate).
2. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – Supports Mood & Hormonal Balance
Vitamin B6 is vital for neurotransmitter function, including serotonin production. Low B6 levels are linked to depression, irritability, and PMS symptoms, making it essential for younger women on birth control and older women on HRT.
💡 How to Replenish: Increase intake of bananas, poultry, fish, and potatoes. A B6 supplement may help stabilize mood.
3. Vitamin B12 – Boosts Energy & Brain Function
Vitamin B12 supports red blood cell production, nerve health, and mental clarity. Both birth control and HRT can impair B12 absorption, leading to fatigue, brain fog, and tingling sensations.
💡 How to Replenish: Eat more eggs, dairy, meat, and fortified plant-based foods. Vegans and vegetarians should take a B12 supplement (Methylcobalamin).
4. Calcium – Critical for Bone Health at Any Age
Estrogen helps maintain bone density, and both birth control and HRT can interfere with calcium absorption. This increases the risk of osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women.
💡 How to Replenish: Consume dairy products, almonds, tofu, and leafy greens. Ensure adequate vitamin D intake for calcium absorption.
5. Vitamin C – Strengthens Immunity & Skin Health
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system, collagen production, and iron absorption. Birth control pills may lower vitamin C levels, affecting overall health and skin vitality.
💡 How to Replenish: Eat more citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, and cruciferous vegetables.
6. Vitamin E – Protects Against Oxidative Stress & Aging
Vitamin E is essential for skin health, heart function, and reducing inflammation. Oral contraceptives may lower vitamin E levels, increasing oxidative stress and accelerating aging.
💡 How to Replenish: Incorporate nuts, seeds, spinach, and olive oil into your diet.
Functional Lab Testing: How to Detect Nutrient Deficiencies & Hormone Imbalances
If you're experiencing fatigue, mood swings, fertility challenges, or other symptoms, functional lab testing can help identify underlying deficiencies.
1. DUTCH Hormone Test
The Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH) is a powerful tool to assess hormone levels, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol. This test is useful for women experiencing PMS, irregular periods, menopause symptoms, or hormone-related imbalances from birth control or HRT.
🧪 Why It’s Useful:
✔ Identifies estrogen dominance, which can contribute to mood swings, weight gain, and PMS.
✔ Measures cortisol levels to assess adrenal health and stress response.
✔ Helps determine whether your body is properly detoxifying hormones.
2. Micronutrient Testing
Micronutrient testing measures vitamin and mineral levels in your blood to detect deficiencies caused by birth control or HRT.
🧪 Why It’s Useful:
✔ Identifies deficiencies in folate, B vitamins, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
✔ Helps create a personalized supplement and diet plan to restore balance.
✔ Useful for women of all ages, especially those experiencing fatigue, brain fog, or weakened immunity.
💡 How to Get Tested: These tests are available through functional medicine doctors, naturopaths, and some conventional healthcare providers. They provide deeper insights than standard blood work.
Why This Matters for Women at Every Stage of Life
🔹 Ages 18-30: If you're using birth control, maintaining nutrient balance is key for energy, mood stability, and reproductive health.
🔹 Ages 31-45: Many women experience hormone fluctuations, making it crucial to support bone health, mood, and immune function.
🔹 Ages 46-60+: HRT can help with menopause symptoms but also depletes nutrients essential for aging well. Focus on bone health, heart function, and cognitive support.
How to Prevent Nutrient Deficiencies from Birth Control & HRT
✅ Get Functional Lab Testing – Consider DUTCH hormone testing and micronutrient testing for a personalized approach.
✅ Eat a Nutrient-Dense Diet – Focus on whole foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
✅ Take Customized High-Quality Supplements – If experiencing symptoms related to deficiencies.
✅ Get Regular Blood Tests – Monitor your nutrient levels, especially if you feel fatigued or experience mood swings.
✅ Stay Hydrated & Exercise Regularly – Support overall health by staying active and drinking plenty of water.
Want to Learn More?
Book a Free Call!
If you're interested in learning more about how hormone testing and micronutrient analysis can optimize your health, book a free call with our experts at Elixir and Wellness.
We’ll discuss your symptoms and guide you toward the best approach for your body.
📞 Call us at: 480-590-5693
📅 Schedule your free 15-minute consultation here: Book Now
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