Birth control cleanse: What is it and does a detox work?

What is a birth control cleanse?

A birth control cleanse refers to taking a break from your birth control, or stopping contraception completely. This typically refers to hormonal methods, such as the pill. Birth control cleanses are often marketed with detox products, such as drinks that are designed to “flush” your system.

How long does birth control stay in your system?

Our bodies are equipped with a natural detoxification system that ensures medication leaves your body when you stop taking it, and that includes hormonal birth control.

The science suggests that most people will ovulate within two months of stopping the pill. One study specifically looked at this and found that about half of the participants ovulated within the first three weeks. Over 80% had ovulated within the first six weeks after stopping the pill [1]. There’s also research to show that there are no long-term effects on fertility after using birth control pills [2].

As always, it’s good to keep in mind that everyone is different. For some, it might take several months for ovulation to happen after going off birth control, while for others, it’s common to experience irregular periods for a few months after stopping birth control.

So, our bodies – our kidneys, our liver, and our intestines – handle the process of eliminating waste and harmful substances (what is commonly referred to as toxins) quite efficiently. But is there anything you can do to make this transition even smoother? Let's explore how birth control cleanses claim to help and whether they live up to the hype.

How do cleanses work?

Birth control cleanses are often marketed as supplements in the form of drinks or pills that claim to reset your hormones and detoxify your uterus after you stop using birth control. These products usually contain a mix of vitamins, minerals, and herbal ingredients, like chasteberry.

To understand these claims, it's important to know how hormonal birth control is processed by the body. When you use hormonal contraception, synthetic hormones enter your bloodstream and remain active as long as they are present. The liver is responsible for filtering these hormones from your blood and breaking them down. This “detoxification” process happens continuously, around the clock.

When you stop using hormonal contraception, your liver gradually clears the medication from your system. So, while the idea of a "cleanse" might sound appealing, a healthy liver is already working 24/7 to detoxify your body naturally.

More importantly — do birth control cleanses work?

Detox product manufacturers often claim that the body needs extra help to fully cleanse itself after stopping birth control. Many of these products suggest they can speed up the detox process.

However, despite the marketing hype, there is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of these cleanses or detox products in general. Your body is naturally equipped to process and eliminate synthetic hormones without any additional assistance.

As we've discussed, your liver is already working around the clock to detoxify your body. Adding supplements or detox drinks is unlikely to accelerate this natural process.

On the other hand, there is research that tells us how long it typically takes for the body to return to pre-birth control levels naturally. A review of 22 studies involving 14,884 women found that 83% became pregnant within 12 months of stopping contraception, with no significant difference between hormonal methods and IUD users. The type of birth control they used and the length of time they used it for did not impact the return of fertility. This is a reassuring result for those who are concerned their contraceptive choice may harm their long-term fertility [3].

So, the evidence does not suggest that detox products will make a physiological difference during your transition away from hormonal birth control. However, everyone is different and if you’d like to try a birth control cleanse, we say go for it! Just make sure you check the ingredients and talk to your doctor to rule out any risks. While most of the contents are likely to be harmless, some ingredients, such as chasteberry are considered unsafe during pregnancy. [4]

What is post-birth control syndrome?

While science tells us transitioning away from birth control should be smooth sailing, the story isn’t always so simple. Ask friends who have been on hormonal birth control to share their experiences about quitting, and you might hear about sore breasts, headaches, acne outbreaks, and mood swings. Although post-birth control syndrome isn't an official medical diagnosis, the symptoms many of us experience after stopping birth control are real and sometimes even overwhelming.

It’s good to keep in mind that these symptoms are likely due to your body readjusting to the absence of the steady hormone levels that were provided by your birth control. Essentially, your body and reproductive system are transitioning back to their natural state. 

It can be comforting to know that if you are experiencing any of the post-birth control symptoms below, you are not alone.

• Headaches: Menstrual migraines can reappear around day 14 of your cycle due to decreased estrogen levels.
• Acne: Without the hormone-regulating effects of birth control, testosterone levels can rise, leading to breakouts. If this happens, you can try some over-the-counter remedies, or consult a dermatologist for more personalized treatments.
• Mood Swings: Hormone fluctuations can trigger mood changes or even depression. Maintaining a regular exercise routine and good sleep hygiene can help manage these changes. If your symptoms are severe or long-lasting, don’t try to overcome them alone, but reach out for help and talk to your doctor [5].
• Sex Drive: If hormonal birth control has decreased your libido, you might notice an increase after stopping.
• Menstrual Cramps: If you have experienced painful periods before starting birth control, those cramps might return. Heating pads, regular exercise, and painkillers can offer relief [6]. 

The hypothesis behind post-birth control syndrome is that methods, such as the pill, use synthetic estrogen and progestin to stabilize the hormone fluctuations that occur naturally during the menstrual cycle. As long as you're on the pill, these fluctuations are suppressed, masking symptoms like cramps, headaches, and mood swings. However, once you stop taking birth control, these symptoms can return as your body adjusts to its natural hormonal rhythm.

Do detoxes help with post-birth control symptoms?

In short — no. While detox products may offer some vitamins or minerals, they don’t specifically alleviate post-birth control symptoms.

If your symptoms are severe or persistent, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions. Generally, though, managing symptoms with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good sleep is your best approach as your body readjusts.

Do birth control detoxes help with fertility?

If you’re quitting birth control because you want to get pregnant, you’re probably keen on balancing your hormones and preparing your body for pregnancy. So, does a birth control detox help with fertility? Again, the evidence isn’t there.

As mentioned before, the vast majority of women in the the 22 studies analysed were able to conceive within one year of stopping hormonal birth control. The research shows that contraceptive use, regardless of its type or duration, does not negatively impact a person’s ability to conceive after discontinuing use. In addition, it does not significantly delay the return of fertility [3]. This might be reassuring to keep in mind, if you are thinking about growing your family.

Are birth control cleanses safe?

Most birth control cleanses include supplements like vitamin C and magnesium, which are generally safe in typical doses. However, it's important to remember that these products are not regulated by the FDA (U.S Food and Drug Administration), so their safety isn't guaranteed. Here are some potential risks:

• Harmful Bacteria: Some cleanses contain unpasteurized ingredients, which can harbor harmful bacteria. If you become pregnant, these infections could pose a risk to the fetus.
• Laxatives: Detox products have been found to include laxatives, which can lead to cramping, diarrhea, dehydration, or even unsafe weight loss.
• Medical Risks: For individuals with conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease, certain cleanse ingredients, such as those high in oxalates from leafy greens, can worsen their condition.
• Delayed Medical Care: Relying on a cleanse instead of seeking medical treatment can lead to undiagnosed or worsening conditions that need professional care.

Understand your body better with Natural Cycles

Trying to understand and balance your hormones can feel like a full-time job — not easy to fit in between work, workouts, prioritizing friends and family, and that (sometimes endless) to-do list of everyday life. At Natural Cycles, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to take charge of your health. The Natural Cycles app is a non-hormonal method that can be used both for birth control and for planning a pregnancy. It also simplifies tracking physical and emotional changes throughout your cycle, helping you learn more about your hormonal health.

Unlike birth control cleanses or detoxes, which lack scientific backing and offer uncertain results, Natural Cycles provides a reliable, evidence-based approach to managing your fertility. By precisely tracking your menstrual cycle, Natural Cycles helps you identify your fertile days, empowering you to manage your fertility naturally. 

Using advanced algorithms and monitoring your body’s natural signals, such as basal body temperature, Natural Cycles offers a hormone-free alternative that’s both science-backed and 93% effective with typical use and 98% effective with perfect use.

In addition to adapting to your body, Natural Cycles allows you to track how you feel throughout your menstrual cycle. You can log PMS symptoms and note when you feel your best around ovulation. This feature helps you spot patterns in your cycle, enabling you to get to know your body better.