Progesterone vs. Progestin: Why You Feel “Not Yourself”

Your body makes progesterone after ovulation. It calms the brain. Helps sleep. Supports thyroid. Protects breasts. Grows scalp hair. It’s the “I can handle life” hormone.

Hormonal birth control uses progestin, not progesterone. Progestin ≠ progesterone.

Progestin can:

• Raise blood pressure

• Increase anxiety or low mood

• Trigger hair loss

• Worsen acne for some

• Nudge breast cancer risk in certain contexts

Meanwhile, you miss two weeks of your own progesterone every cycle because you’re not ovulating.

Bottom line: You trade the real thing (progesterone) for a look-alike (progestin). Your body knows the difference.

IUDs, the Implant, the Patch, the Shot: Quick Truths

Let’s hit the popular birth control options.

Hormonal IUDs

• Lower daily hormone dose, but still systemic.

• Can still blunt ovulation and shift mood, thyroid, and gut.

• May feel “lighter” than pills—but the trade-offs remain.

Copper IUD (birth control no hormones)

• No synthetic hormones.

• Works by causing inflammation in the uterus to block implantation.

• Common early side effects: heavier, more painful periods.

• Copper can promote estrogen dominance.

• Watch for anemia risk from heavier bleeding.

Birth control implant in arm (“birth control arm”)

• Progestin released continuously.

• Convenient.

• Side effects often include irregular bleeding, mood swings, acne, and hair changes.

• Same thyroid, nutrient, and gut concerns apply.

Birth control patch

• Delivers hormones through the skin.

• Similar side effect profile to pills.

• Adhesive sensitivities happen. Dosing is steady.

Birth control shot (Depo)

• Large dose at once.

• Often linked with weight gain and mood shifts.

• Can suppress ovulation long after stopping.

There’s no free lunch. With birth control types, you choose your trade-offs. Informed consent means knowing them.

The Gallbladder: The Most Ignored Collateral Damage

I have to highlight this. Because almost no one does.

Your gallbladder stores and releases bile. Bile digests fats, clears estrogen, and acts like a gentle antimicrobial in the gut. It supports detox. It keeps SIBO at bay. It helps you absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

Hormonal birth control can:

• Thicken bile.

• Slow gallbladder emptying.

• Increase gallstone risk.

• Lead to gallbladder removal in some women.

No gallbladder = lifelong changes to digestion and detox.

If you struggle with right-shoulder pain, nausea after fats, or floating stools, pay attention. This isn’t “just in your head.” It’s physiology.

Thinking of Coming Off? Start Here (Don’t Panic)

You do not have to white-knuckle your exit. Use a plan. Go slow. Support root causes.

Before stopping, for 8–12 weeks:

• Rebuild minerals daily.

  • Food first: red meat, shellfish, eggs, avocado, olives, leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, cacao, sea salt.

  • Consider targeted zinc, magnesium glycinate, and a methyl-friendly B complex.

• Love your liver.

  • Protein each meal.

  • Brassica veggies (broccoli, arugula, cauliflower).

  • Lemon water.

  • Ditch fragrance, plastics, and endocrine disruptors.

• Stabilize blood sugar.

  • Eat protein + fiber + healthy fat each meal.

  • Coffee with a meal, not solo.

  • Move after meals.

• Open the gut.

  • Daily bowel movements are non-negotiable.

  • Hydrate. Magnesium can help.

  • Add gentle bitters before meals if tolerated.

When stopping:

• Expect a transition. Breakouts, cycle wonkiness, or heavier bleeds can happen.

• Track data: basal temps, cervical fluid, symptoms.

• Give your body 3–6 cycles to recalibrate.

• If symptoms roar, look deeper: gut infections, mold, heavy metals, thyroid, and nutrient deficits.

This is what I guide clients through. Step by step. It works.