Over the past few years, I’ve completely transformed how I approach my health — especially when it comes to my skin. I moved away from relying solely on oral and topical medications to treat my acne, and instead began focusing on healing my body naturally through nourishing foods and clean skincare. After learning about the long-term health risks of birth control pills, I made the decision to take a more holistic, sustainable path to clear my skin and support my overall wellness. I quit the pill for good — and here’s why I’ll never go back.
Quick disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, medical professional, or healthcare provider. I’m simply a woman sharing her personal journey and why I chose to come off the pill. Please consult your healthcare provider for any medical advice related to your health or medications.
What Are Birth Control Pills?
You may have heard about birth control pills if you’ve ever dealt with irregular periods, hormonal acne, or if you’re looking for contraceptive options. But what exactly are they, and how do they work?
In short, birth control pills regulate your cycle through synthetic hormones like estrogen and progestin. These hormones mimic pregnancy in the body, preventing the release of an egg and thereby avoiding fertilization. Beyond contraception, these hormones can also lower testosterone, reducing sebum production to help with acne, regulate menstrual cycles, and ease cramps and PMS symptoms.
Now you may be thinking “okay, so what’s the catch”?
While the pill offers benefits like pregnancy prevention and acne control, these don’t come without risks. Synthetic estrogen can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots — especially with long-term use. Other side effects may include mood swings, weight gain, and even increased depression.
My Experience With Birth Control
In the summer of 2017, I was battling some of the worst acne I’d ever experienced. I had just finished a round of topical medication that chemically peeled the top layer of my skin — one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever endured. It burned, itched, and inflamed my face far beyond what I could bear. Despite voicing my concerns multiple times to my doctor, I was told to “stick with it,” that it would get better. But it didn’t — it got worse.
Eventually, I sought out a new doctor, hoping for a better solution. That’s when I was introduced to birth control pills. Skeptical but desperate, I decided to give it a try.
For the first two years, the results were incredible — my acne cleared, my inflammation subsided, and I finally had the skin I’d always dreamed of. But while my skin thrived, my body began to suffer. I was gaining weight, experiencing intense mood swings, and feeling unlike myself. I took a break from the pill in hopes of resetting, but my acne returned with a vengeance — even though I felt better mentally and physically.
Over the next three years, I found myself stuck in a frustrating cycle: going on and off the pill, chasing clear skin while sacrificing my health. In 2024, I decided I was done. I was tired of choosing between my skin and my well-being and I knew there had to be a solution to both.
What Happened After I Quit
Quitting the pill was the beginning of a deeper healing journey. I started to redefine what “healthy” really meant for me. I focused on nourishing my body from the inside out with whole, gut-friendly foods, reducing stress, and using clean, natural skincare products. And slowly but surely, my body began to heal.
Today, my skin is the healthiest it’s been in years. My energy is up, my mood is stable, and I feel way more connected to my body than ever before. There’s no more band-aid solutions — just real, intentional care rooted in nature and balance.
