#145: Coming Off Birth Control: What Your Body Needs Before Pregnancy

In this episode of Healthy As A Mother, we’re joined by Dr. Leah Gordon to explore why so many women struggle with fertility, even when their labs look “normal.”

We discuss how hormonal birth control, chronic stress, gut health, inflammation, and nervous system dysregulation can quietly block conception and implantation.

Dr. Leah explains why ovulation alone doesn’t always equal fertility, how the body’s stress response impacts reproductive hormones, and what it really means to support the body before pregnancy.

This is a compassionate, root-cause conversation for women navigating unexplained infertility, coming off birth control, or preparing their body for pregnancy, and a reminder that the body isn’t broken, it just needs the right support.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Womanhood Wellness Membership: Where functional medicine meets feminine wisdom—guiding you to balance hormones, awaken libido, and prepare for pregnancy with intention. 👉 Join today
• The Birth of the Pill — A deep dive into the origins and long-term implications of hormonal birth control 👉 https://amzn.to/4slrNfw\
• Episode #4 - Preconception: What It Is and Why It Matters 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthy-as-a-mother/id1663942916?i=1000593847905

In this episode, we cover:

00:00 Coming Off Birth Control & Preconception Overview

02:55 Why Preconception Matters More Than We’re Taught

06:10 What Really Happens When You Stop Hormonal Birth Control

10:55 Why “Wait and See” Isn’t Enough After Birth Control

14:45 How Birth Control Disrupts Hormone Communication

19:05 Post-Pill Hormone Surges & Acne Explained

22:20 Why Your Cycle May Not Return Right Away

25:05 The Hidden Nutrient Depletions From Birth Control

29:45 Birth Control as Symptom Masking (The Fire Alarm Analogy)

34:50 The Key Nutrients Needed for Fertility & Pregnancy

40:20 Why Most Prenatals Aren’t Enough

43:30 Liver Health, Detox & Hormone Clearance

48:35 How Birth Control Impacts the Gut & Microbiome

53:10 Inflammation, Stress & Fertility Challenges

57:40 Nervous System Regulation & Preparing for Pregnancy

01:02:10 Final Thoughts on Healing Before Conception

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

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