280// Birth Control Side Effects: What They’re Doing to Your Gut, Thyroid, and Brain - with Leisha Drews, FDN-P

Do you know what’s happening in your body when you take birth control?

Most women are told about the obvious birth control side effects — a little weight gain, maybe some mood swings — but you have to work MUCH harder to find anyone talking about the deeper impacts on your brain, thyroid, gallbladder, gut, and even fertility.

That’s why today I’m talking with hormone expert Leisha Drews - mom of 3, RN, FDN-P, RCPC, Holistic Hormone Coach, and host of the Happily Hormonal Podcast. Leisha brings a wonderful understanding of how our body systems work together and how stress on the body and mind impact overall health.

Together, we’re tackling the dirty details of birth control:

• Different types of birth control available
• How they actually work in the body
• And the real birth control side effects you need to know before making a decision

Because the truth is — birth control side effects go far beyond what your doctor explains.

We’re talking changes to memory, mood, attraction, thyroid health, nutrient depletion, and even your risk of autoimmune disease.

So if you’ve ever wondered: birth control, how does it work? What are the real trade-offs? And what should you focus on if you’re thinking about coming off it? — then you are in the right place.

And whether you’re looking into birth control implants, birth control pills, birth control with no hormones, or a birth control patch… whatever type of birth control you’re considering — this episode is for you.

TIMESTAMPS:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:19 - Guest Introduction
• 00:45 - Birth Control Overview
• 04:15 - Types and Mechanisms
• 06:42 - Hormonal Birth Control Effects
• 18:20 - Brain Effects
• 25:23 - Gut and Gallbladder
• 32:17 - Thyroid and Nutrient Depletion
• 40:34 - Copper IUD Discussion
• 50:05 - Fertility Awareness Method
• 55:55 - Outro/Contact Info

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• 241// Gallbladder Disease Symptoms and How to Naturally Treat Gallstones and Avoid Gallbladder Surgery
• Happily Hormonal Episodes mentioned:
• E165: How Hormonal Birth Control Affects the Gut and How to Replenish & Restore Gut Health Post Pill
• E166: Restoring Minerals & Liver Detox Post Birth Control

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST:

• Leisha's Website
• Follow Leisha on Instagram: @leishadrews
• Listen to Leisha's Podcast, Happily Hormonal!
• Take Leisha's FREE Hormone Imbalance...