In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, certified fertility awareness educator and author of The Fifth Vital Sign, to talk all things hormonal birth control—how it works, what it actually does to your cycle, and what no one tells you when you’re handed that prescription at age 14.

Lisa breaks down the myths we’ve been told, why the “pill period” isn’t a real period, and how hormonal contraceptives may affect your libido, mental health, and fertility long after you stop taking them. If you’ve ever been curious about what’s really going on in your cycle or are considering coming off hormonal birth control, this episode is a must-listen.

In today’s episode, we cover:

• What the pill actually does to your cycle and ovulation

• Why the 28-day cycle and “period week” were invented

• How hormonal birth control can impact mood, libido, and more

• Common myths like “it regulates your cycle” or “tricks your body into thinking it’s pregnant”

• What research says about fertility and ovulation after stopping hormonal contraception

• How long it may take your cycle to normalize after stopping the pill

• The truth about IUDs, the shot, and other hormonal options

• Nutrient depletions to be aware of when using hormonal birth control

• Non-hormonal options like fertility awareness and the copper IUD

• Why your menstrual cycle is your fifth vital sign

• How to support your body when transitioning off hormonal birth control

Where to Find Lisa:
Website: FertilityFriday.com
Instagram: @fertilityfriday
Books: The Fifth Vital Sign & Real Food for Fertility (free chapters available)
Podcast: Fertility Friday (look for the pink cover!)