If you’ve noticed changes in your mood, energy, or how you handle stress since starting hormonal birth control… you’re not imagining it. Many women experience side effects of birth control like shifts in their emotional well-being, even when their labs look “normal.”

And unfortunately, the most common recommendation?

👉 “Just try a different pill.”

Side Effects Of Birth Control Can Impact More Than Just Your Cycle

Birth control can affect your brain, nervous system, and minerals in ways that show up as anxiety, mood swings, or burnout. These symptoms are often dismissed, but they’re real.

Some of the most common side effects of birth control include:

1. Changes to Brain Function and Structure

Research shows that hormonal contraceptives can alter both the size and activity of brain regions involved in emotion regulation, decision-making, and stress response—particularly the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. These shifts can influence how you process emotions, react to stress, and even perceive pleasure and reward.

A 2020 systematic review confirmed structural and functional changes in brain regions like the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex among pill users. Another fMRI study found that hormonal contraceptive users showed reduced brain activity in areas linked to emotional regulation.

Support Tip: Rebuilding nervous system resilience through minerals (like magnesium and potassium), protein-rich meals, and parasympathetic practices (like breathwork or EFT tapping) can help restore your natural emotional rhythm.

2. Increased Copper Levels That Impact the Brain

Hormonal birth control can raise copper levels and reduce the body’s ability to regulate it through ceruloplasmin (the protein that makes copper bioavailable). Elevated free copper is associated with mood swings, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and heightened sensitivity to stress. Copper also interacts with dopamine and norepinephrine—two key neurotransmitters involved in mental health.

A 2024 review found elevated copper in women using oral contraceptives and IUDs, often correlating with psychological symptoms. Copper toxicity’s mood impact is also explored in this Psychology Today article.

Support Tip: Supporting copper balance with adequate zinc, whole food vitamin C, vitamin A, and gentle liver support can improve symptoms. Foods like beef liver, oysters, and adrenal cocktails help the body regulate mineral balance naturally.

3. Reduced Stress Tolerance

Birth control often suppresses cortisol rhythms and depletes minerals like magnesium and sodium—both essential for a healthy adrenal response. This can leave you feeling more reactive, less resilient, and easily overwhelmed. If you feel like you “can’t handle stress like you used to,” this could be why.

A 2019 study reported a blunted cortisol response in contraceptive users, and a 2021 review highlights mineral depletion (especially magnesium and B vitamins) as a hidden cost of hormonal birth control.

Support Tip: Prioritize consistent meals, mineral-rich drinks, and sleep routines. Avoid skipping meals or intermittent fasting, which can worsen adrenal stress. Always start your day with a nourishing breakfast within an hour of waking.

4. Disrupted Mood Regulation

Hormonal contraceptives impact serotonin and GABA—two key neurotransmitters that keep mood balanced and anxiety at bay. Reduced GABA and serotonin levels can lead to mood swings, irritability, and difficulty coping with everyday challenges.

A 2022 review highlighted increased depressive symptoms and antidepressant use in young contraceptive users, while a 2023 study found alterations in serotonin and dopamine systems in pill users.

Why Swapping Pills Isn’t the Solution

Switching to another pill often means cycling through the same symptoms under a different name. And adding medication like antidepressants without understanding the cause doesn’t address what your body is trying to tell you.

A Better Way: How To Get Off Birth Control Safely

Step 1: Get Functional Lab Testing

Standard blood work often misses what birth control disrupts. To uncover real answers, you need functional lab testing that looks at your minerals, hormone pathways, and gut health. This can help detect imbalances tied to your symptoms, like anxiety, fatigue, or irregular cycles.

Work with a practitioner who can check hormone levels and review thyroid labs to personalize your care.

Step 2: Focus on Healing and Hormone Support

Instead of a one-size-fits-all fix, a personalized plan can help you:

• Rebuild nutrient and mineral levels
• Reduce mood swings and stress
• Support your nervous system
• Learn how to get off birth control safely

This kind of support is essential if you’re thinking about a birth control detox or working to restore balance.

Thinking About Getting Off Birth Control?

If you’re considering stopping birth control but are worried about breakouts, mood changes, irregular periods, and other side effects of birth control… I’ve got you. You don’t have to go through this alone.

🎓 Grab the free Breakup with Birth Control Masterclass
Learn how to get off birth control in four clear steps so you can feel like yourself again.

🎧 Want to go deeper?
Listen to the full podcast episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.