What can I take to help balance my hormones naturally when I come off birth control for surgery?

Question

Since I have to get off birth control for my surgery is there anything I can take to help balance my hormones naturally? I am worried I will be really moody and my acne will come back because of the fluctuation and drop in hormone levels.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding managing hormone balance after stopping birth control before your surgery. It’s a common concern, and while the hormonal fluctuations caused by discontinuing birth control are temporary, there are natural ways to support your body during this adjustment period.

Why Stop Birth Control?
Many surgeons recommend stopping hormonal birth control a few weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots, as estrogen in particular can increase clotting factors. This is a precaution to ensure your surgery is as safe as possible.

Supporting Hormonal Balance Naturally:
Here are some natural ways to help balance your hormones and minimize potential side effects like mood swings and acne:

Dietary Adjustments:

Focus on whole foods: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These provide the nutrients your body needs to produce and regulate hormones.
Add cruciferous vegetables: Foods like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale can help support hormone detoxification in the liver.
Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds, these can help reduce inflammation and stabilize mood.
Stay Hydrated:

Proper hydration supports detoxification and can help your body regulate hormones more effectively.
Manage Stress:

Hormonal fluctuations can increase stress sensitivity, so prioritize relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
Supplements:

Vitamin B6: This vitamin can support mood stability and hormone regulation.
Magnesium: Often called the "relaxation mineral," magnesium can help with mood swings and menstrual symptoms.
Zinc: Helps with skin health and hormone production, which can reduce acne.
Probiotics: Gut health plays a significant role in hormone balance, so incorporating a high-quality probiotic may be beneficial.
Exercise Regularly:

Gentle exercise, like walking, yoga, or Pilates, can help balance hormones by reducing stress and promoting circulation.
What to Expect:
It’s common to experience temporary changes such as mild mood swings or breakouts as your body adjusts. These symptoms usually resolve within a few weeks as your hormone levels stabilize.

Consult Your Doctor:
Before taking any new supplements or making significant changes to your routine, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor to ensure there are no contraindications with your upcoming surgery or overall health.

I hope this information helps you prepare for a smooth transition and successful surgery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your OB/Gyn or physician who prescribes your birth control pills will assist you in finding an appropriate way to balance your hormones until you can resume your birth control pills.  It is typically okay to resume this medication within a month of your procedure.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear shelbyag96,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Geuris Cruz Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thank you so much for your question. Before surgery it is very important to have an evaluation with your doctor/ specialist to let them know about your incoming surgery specially if you have a treatment for your hormones, your gynecologist can help you to have a more natural treatment in during your pre-op and post op care until your plastic surgeon clear you for your birth control pill, usually is 1 month after surgery. Do not forget to ask your questions directly to your surgeon as well.

Hope this helps.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You should take nothing because the over the counter supplements to help hormones do have blood thinning agents which is not good.

What can I take to help balance my hormones naturally when I come off birth control for surgery?

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What can I take to help balance my hormones naturally when I come off birth control for surgery?

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