Coming Off the Pill and Discovering Fertility Awareness (Episode 486)

Podcast Host:

Lisa Hendrickson-Jack is a certified fertility awareness educator and holistic reproductive health practitioner with over 20 years of experience teaching fertility awareness and menstrual cycle literacy. She is the author (and co-author) of two widely referenced resources in the field of fertility awareness and menstrual health, The Fifth Vital Sign (free chapter!) and Real Food for Fertility (free chapter!), and the host of the long-running Fertility Friday Podcast. Lisa’s main focus is her Fertility Awareness Mastery Mentorship (FAMM) Certification—an evidence-based fertility awareness certification program for women’s health professionals.

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Coming off the pill and fertility awareness podcast episode 486

Today’s Guest

Nikki Zavitz is a Menstrual Cycle, Fertility Awareness, and Body Literacy Educator, certified teacher, and founder of Pretty River Red Tent — an educational hub supporting menstruality from pre-puberty through post-menopause. She is a certified Menstruality Mentor and a soon-to-be FAMM graduate. Nikki offers one-of-a-kind workshops and programs both online and in person, supporting clients with menstrual education and fertility awareness.

Episode Summary: Transitioning Off Birth Control & Reclaiming Body Literacy

What happens when you come off the pill and finally learn how your cycle actually works? In this candid conversation, Lisa is joined by FAMM practitioner Nikki Zavitz, who shares her personal and professional journey through hormonal birth control, body literacy, and fertility awareness. Nikki reflects on the side effects she experienced while on the pill, and how discovering fertility awareness later in life brought both clarity and a sense of loss. This episode explores how Nikki’s own experience reshaped her work with clients, and why menstrual cycle education matters across every life stage — from first period to menopause. A must-listen for those exploring the deeper impacts of hormonal contraception and the power of cycle charting as a lifelong tool.

Key Topics Covered: Coming Off Hormonal Birth Control

Nikki’s early experiences with the pill and why she started using it
Emotional and physical side effects Nikki experienced while on hormonal contraception
How discovering fertility awareness later in life led to a sense of grief and empowerment
The connection between body literacy and Nikki’s personal healing journey
Why Nikki chose to shift her professional work toward menstrual cycle education
The role of fertility awareness in supporting clients across life stages
Cultural stigma surrounding menstruation and the impact on menstrual education
The importance of self-compassion when reflecting on past health decisions

Listener Takeaways for Understanding the Pill & Fertility Awareness

Coming off the pill can reveal cycle patterns and side effects that were previously masked
Fertility awareness often brings a deeper understanding of one’s health and hormonal rhythms
Personal experiences with hormonal contraception can influence how practitioners support their clients
Body literacy is a skill that can be developed at any age and stage of life
It’s common to feel a sense of loss when realizing how long one was disconnected from their cycle
Self-compassion plays an important role when reflecting on past reproductive health choices

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Timestamped Breakdown: Coming Off the Pill & Embracing Fertility Awareness

Why did Nikki feel disconnected from her cycle? ( 01:12 – 08:27 )

Nikki shares her journey of starting hormonal birth control as a teen, how it disrupted her connection to her body, and her experience returning to cycling after years on the pill and breastfeeding.

What cultural messages shaped Nikki’s early view of menstruation? ( 08:27 – 14:19 )

Nikki and Lisa reflect on shame-based menstrual education, teasing at school, and the lack of body-positive role models during puberty.

How did the pill affect Nikki’s mental health? ( 15:20 – 21:22 )

Nikki opens up about struggling with depression while on the pill, the lack of informed consent, and her retrospective realization of how it altered her emotional well-being.

Why is body literacy essential before choosing birth control? ( 25:00 – 27:31 )

Nikki emphasizes the importance of cycle education before discussing contraceptive options and how she’s raising her daughters in a menstrual-affirming home.

How did fertility awareness transform Nikki’s perspective? ( 32:49 – 36:33 )

After discovering menstrual cycle awareness, Nikki describes the relief of understanding her cyclical nature and how this fueled her passion for supporting others.

What led Nikki to deepen her work with FAMM? ( 39:04 – 44:04 )

Nikki explains how her growing curiosity about the physiology of the cycle and her desire to better support women inspired her to join the FAMM program.

How did the FAMM program impact Nikki’s work? ( 44:04 – 52:04 )

Nikki shares how FAMM gave her the tools, structure, and confidence to serve her clients more effectively and integrate both scientific and intuitive aspects of the cycle.

What kind of programs does Nikki offer? ( 52:04 – 55:36 )

Nikki outlines her mother-daughter workshops, full-day red tent events, and her plans to bring FAMM charting into her existing body literacy programs.

Full Transcript: Episode 486

Lisa: Today I’m sharing a brand new episode in my FAMM practitioner series. I’m joined by Nikki Zavitz, who opens up about her experience on the hormonal birth control pill, how it affected her health and mental well-being, and how that experience ultimately led her to fertility awareness.

Nikki: Thanks for having me. This has been a lifelong dream—bucket list item, checked!

Lisa: Let’s start with your story. How old were you when you got your first period, and what led you to fertility awareness?

Nikki: I was a late bloomer. I got my first period at 14, just before high school. I didn’t talk about it with anyone—not my mom, not my friends. I remember feeling scared and ashamed. Sex ed at school didn’t help; it was confusing and uncomfortable. I went on the pill very early, before even cycling for a full year. I was on it for about 10 years.

Lisa: That’s a long time. How did you feel while on it?

Nikki: At the time, I didn’t realize what was happening. I struggled with depression, but never made the connection to the pill. Looking back now, I see a clear shift. There was a constant gloom, a sense of being disconnected from myself. I didn’t know who I was before the pill, so I couldn’t even recognize what was lost. That’s part of what fuels my work now.

Lisa: You’ve mentioned grief about those years. How do you process that now?

Nikki: I’ve made peace with it. It was a different time, and I did the best I could with what I knew. Now, I focus on creating menstrual-affirming spaces for girls and women, so they can grow up with the knowledge and support I didn’t have.

Lisa: When did you discover fertility awareness and cycle charting?

Nikki: After having three daughters, I cycled naturally for the first time in my mid-30s. It was overwhelming—so many emotions. That’s when I found the book *Wild Power*, and it changed everything. I trained with Red School, then found your podcast and book. Eventually, I joined the FAMM program to deepen my understanding.

Lisa: You come from a teaching background, right?

Nikki: Yes, I was a teacher for 10 years before having kids. I also have a background in art, which informs how I create and facilitate workshops. My work now blends education, creativity, and body literacy. I run mother–daughter programs, workshops, and Red Tent circles.

Lisa: What has your experience in FAMM been like?

Nikki: Life-changing. Every assignment has been relevant. My confidence has skyrocketed. I now feel equipped to support clients on both the emotional and physiological levels. The balance between science and cycle awareness has been so valuable.

Lisa: What’s next for you?

Nikki: I’ll be integrating cycle charting into my practice, offering one-on-one and group programs. I’m also expanding my Red Tent work and continuing to support mothers and daughters in understanding their cycles.

Lisa: Where can listeners find you?

Nikki: My website is [prettyriverredtent.com](https://www.prettyriverredtent.com) and I’m on Instagram at [@prettyriverredtent](https://www.instagram.com/prettyriverredtent). I offer both in-person and virtual programs for women and girls at all stages of life.

Lisa: Thank you for being here and for sharing your story. This was such a powerful conversation.

Nikki: Thank you so much, Lisa. It’s been an honor.

Peer-Reviewed Research & Resources Mentioned

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Educational Notice

The information shared in this podcast episode is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The Fertility Friday Podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and the content is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare professional.

Topics related to fertility awareness, menstrual cycle health, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle factors are discussed at a general educational level. Individual health histories and needs vary, so what applies to one person may not apply to another.

If you have questions about symptoms, medications, fertility, or your personal health situation, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Any guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Fertility Friday or its host.

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Lisa Hendrickson is a certified fertility awareness educator and holistic reproductive health practitioner with over 20 years of experience. As the host of the Fertility Friday Podcast and author of The Fifth Vital Sign, Lisa helps women and practitioners understand the menstrual cycle as a powerful diagnostic tool for fertility, hormone health, and overall well-being.