Signs that I’m ovulating: 

 

Body temp rises

Energy is up

Greater ability to focus

Discharge is increased but thin (think raw egg whites)

Breast tenderness

Estrogen and progesterone are vital to our health and wellbeing. ⁣
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In order to produce progesterone, we have to release an egg and ovulate. ⁣
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Most hormonal birth control prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation. (*hormonal IUD being the slight exception, as we may sometimes ovulate).⁣
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Also worth noting…the progestins in hormonal birth control that are meant to mimic progesterone are actually more chemically similar to testosterone, thus they often do not elicit the same effect at a cellular level.⁣
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Our menstrual cycle is one of the best indicator of health. But when utilizing hormonal birth control, we’re shutting down communication between the brain and the ovaries and flipping the “off” switch on our hormones.⁣
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Hormonal birth control can hinder strength and performance in the gym. As well as inhibit thyroid function and create gut issues.⁣
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All that being said….Hormonal birth control isn’t “bad” by any means — it’s up to every woman to decide what’s right for them, their life, and their body. Many women use contraceptives without issue.⁣
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I simply want you to be an educated human and make informed decisions when it comes to your health. ⁣
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As always, talk to your doctor before making any changes to your prescription routine. Great resources for more information include Dr Jolene Brighten’s Beyond the Pill and Lara Briden’s Period Repair Manual.