Whether you went on birth control for the obvious reason (not getting pregnant!) or to manage something like endometriosis, acne, or anything in between, it certainly comes with its fair share of side effects. One of these is birth control fatigue.
Wait, can birth control cause fatigue? It sure can. Does birth control fatigue go away on its own, though? Rarely. Hormonal contraceptives are notorious for impacting thyroid function, cortisol levels, and mitochondrial energy production.
Don’t worry - we’ve put together this resource on how to combat fatigue from birth control so you can get back to living life to the fullest, rather than feeling like you’re in a constant state of exhaustion, hanging on by a thread.
One of the simplest measures you can take is incorporating our magnesium bath soak formulations on a regular basis. You’re getting the most bioavailable magnesium in every soak, alongside proven vitamins and nootropics to help bring you back to life.
Can Birth Control Cause Fatigue?
You were expecting some side effects when you started birth control. But can birth control cause fatigue? Unfortunately, this is one of the most common side effects women report when getting on hormonal contraceptives.
It can prevent you from living life to the fullest or performing your best in work, athletically, or in your relationships. It makes things as simple as preparing a meal or cleaning the house feel impossible.
Be clear, not everyone deals with birth control fatigue. However, there are legitimate reasons why energy levels may dip after starting the pill, patch, shot, or another hormonal method. It comes down to how synthetic hormones interact with your body’s natural systems.
Why Does Birth Control Cause Fatigue?
Estrogen and progesterone influence more than just your reproductive cycle. They affect your thyroid, adrenals, and neurotransmitters, each of which plays a role in energy production and regulation.
Introducing synthetic hormones into the body - which is what you’re doing when you take birth control - can suppress your natural hormone production and alter the delicate balance that keeps your metabolism and mood stable.
This disruption shows up as sluggishness, brain fog, or persistent tiredness in some people. But it’s important to reiterate not all types of birth control are known for causing fatigue.
Common Types of Birth Control Linked to Fatigue
These three methods are the most commonly associated with birth control fatigue:
- Combination birth control pills (estrogen + progestin): Some users report lower energy, especially during the adjustment period.
- Progestin-only options (like the mini pill, shot, implant): These can have a more noticeable impact on mood and energy, especially in people sensitive to progesterone.
- The birth control shot (Depo-Provera): Anecdotally, this is one of the more fatiguing options for some people.
We also want to make it clear that some people are more prone to fatigue than others. Pre-existing hormonal imbalances, adrenal fatigue, thyroid issues, or nutrient deficiencies (especially in B vitamins, magnesium, and iron) may exacerbate fatigue on birth control.
Genetics can come into play as well, as not everyone metabolizes synthetic hormones the same way. Then there’s stress, poor sleep, or low baseline energy - each of these can tip the scale even further.
Does Birth Control Fatigue Go Away On Its Own?
Sometimes birth control fatigue is just a temporary side effect that eases with time. Your body is adjusting to its new normal, and it can take anywhere from 2 to 3 months for your hormone production to “level out.”
Your endocrine system is learning how to respond to the steady stream of synthetic hormones during this time. That said, it’s probably more than an adjustment window if you’re still feeling constantly drained beyond this timeframe. It's worth reassessing at a certain point.
It could be the specific formulation you’re on doesn’t suit your body, or that birth control is just worsening an underlying issue like thyroid dysfunction or nutrient deficiency.
Either way, it’s time to speak to a provider about switching methods - or, explore supportive lifestyle changes if birth control fatigue is affecting your daily life. There's no need to wait it out indefinitely. We’ll show you how to combat fatigue from birth control in a moment.
Dealing With Fatigue After Stopping Birth Control
You’ve come off hormonal birth control, but the fatigue hasn’t lifted. What gives? Unfortunately, this is also pretty common.
Your body doesn’t always bounce back right away. In fact, it can take months for your hormonal rhythms to re-establish themselves, especially if you were on birth control long-term.
This post-birth control period can come with sluggishness, disrupted sleep, and irregular cycles. Your ovaries and pituitary gland need time to get reacquainted. Your nutrient reserves and baseline stress levels can dictate how long this takes.
It’s also worth noting that fatigue may be linked to nutrient depletion. Using hormonal birth control for a long time has been associated with lower levels of B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and even CoQ10 - all of which support mitochondrial function and energy production.
This is where recovery-focused self-care becomes essential. A nutrient-dense diet, targeted supplementation, sleep hygiene, and stress management can all help your body find its rhythm again. Let’s get into how to combat fatigue from birth control below!
How to Combat Fatigue From Birth Control
Switching your birth control isn’t always an option. It’s much less work to try and overcome this side effect through lifestyle changes before you talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose or trying a different approach.
Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies Linked to Birth Control
Think back to the connection between birth control and fatigue - it’s often the result of these contraceptives interfering with the body’s absorption and retention of several key nutrients - especially B vitamins (like B6, B12, and folate), magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C.
These nutrients all influence energy production, mood regulation, and nervous system function. It’s no wonder you feel so awful when your reserves are depleted!
So, start by replenishing what your body may be lacking if you’re dealing with birth control fatigue. Look for a high-quality multivitamin or consider targeted supplements for B-complex vitamins and magnesium, particularly if bloodwork suggests deficiencies.
Then, rethink your diet. Eating nutrient-dense whole foods like leafy greens, legumes, seeds, fish, and eggs can support your baseline levels.
Even still, though, diet alone isn’t enough to correct a deficit. You need to take things a step further. You need the magnesium soak benefits. Here’s how to combat fatigue from birth control with flewd stresscare…
Incorporating Flewd Stresscare Magnesium Bath Soaks
We take a different approach to managing fatigue, stress, and burnout at Flewd Stresscare, especially when hormonal shifts are involved. Our epsom salt alternative has helped hundreds of thousands of people get back to living life on their own terms.
Magnesium is one of the first nutrients to get depleted when you’re stressed or taking hormonal contraceptives, and most people don’t get enough through diet alone. Oral supplements are not bioavailable and cause digestive discomfort.
That’s why all our formulations start with the best magnesium for stress: magnesium chloride. Topical absorption through a warm bath not only replenishes those levels but also helps relax the nervous system, improve sleep quality, and promote a more balanced mood.
Our soaks go beyond magnesium alone, though. Be it our anxiety bath soak, serotonin bath soak, stress relief bath soak, or muscle bath soak, we also include complementary ingredients like nootropics, adaptogens, and supportive vitamins like B3 and B6.
Every soak delivers what your body needs to bounce back from stress and fatigue. You’re refueling at a cellular level, which is the main difference between these magnesium flakes vs epsom salt.
You’ll also love how easy it is to use our soaks to combat birth control fatigue. It just takes 20 minutes, 2-3 times per week. Dissolve one pouch of our soak in a warm bath, set your phone aside, and let the nutrients do their thing. You’ll step out calmer, clearer, and more restored.
Whether you're managing fatigue from birth control or just life in general, our soaks are a simple but powerful self-care ritual that can help you feel like yourself again. Try them today and feel the difference firsthand!
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“I love these bath salts! The scent is light and calming - not too strong. They dissolve quickly and actually made my muscles feel better after a long day. My skin felt super soft afterward too. I've been using them a couple times a week and it's become my favorite way to unwind.” - Katherine
“Can't wait for bath time! I come out feeling like a whole new person. I sleep better, feel better and the effects last for a days. My supply is on autoship so I don't have to go without. Definitely recommend.” - Quinn
Optimizing Sleep, Movement, and Stress Management
Fatigue rarely comes from one factor alone. Birth control is just one piece of a larger puzzle that includes poor sleep habits, sedentary routines, and chronic stress. So, we also recommend tackling these foundational areas to improve your baseline energy:
- Sleep: Get 7-8 hours of high-quality sleep per night. Limit screen time before bed, keep your bedroom cool and dark, and don’t consume caffeine after 1-2 PM.
- Movement: Regular exercise helps regulate hormones, reduce anxiety, and support better sleep. Even light walks or gentle yoga can make a difference if you’re feeling depleted. It sounds counterintuitive since you’re tired already, but trust us on this one!
- Stress management: Fatigue is inevitable if your mind is constantly in overdrive. Try mindfulness, journaling, or even just talking with a loved one.
It sounds simple: take care of yourself and you’ll have more energy! It really is that easy for many. But in some cases, the only viable option is to talk with your healthcare provider.
When to Talk to a Healthcare Provider
Birth control fatigue is a real problem, but there could be another underlying cause, like thyroid dysfunction, anemia, or chronic stress. These things call for professional guidance. Talking with your doctor can help you get to the root of the issue.
Together, you’ll be able to explore alternative forms of birth control that may be more compatible with your body. Everyone reacts differently to hormones after all.
At the end of the day, your energy is too important to compromise. Listen to your body and advocate for what it needs. Take the next step towards feeling better with Flewd Stresscare!
Closing Thoughts on How to Combat Fatigue From Birth Control
So can birth control cause fatigue? In closing, birth control fatigue is really common. It’s something you should prepare for, but that doesn’t make it any less disruptive to your life when it occurs.
Whether it’s linked to nutrient depletion, hormone imbalances, or added stress on the body, understanding the root cause is the first step to feeling like yourself again. Some people adjust over time, while others need to take action.
You should feel confident in how to combat fatigue from birth control after reading this guide. Whether it’s switching methods, rebuilding nutrients, or rethinking your self-care routine - there are plenty of things you can try.
The best piece of advice we have to offer? Refuel naturally with Flewd Stresscare soaks, made to help your body bounce back no matter what’s causing your fatigue. Support your energy and mood with every soak today!
