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Birth control pills
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Questions about going off of birth control pills
Originally Published: August 06, 2004
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Dear Alice,
I've been taking birth control pills for almost seven years and decided to stop taking them as of my last cycle last week. What kind of changes should I be expecting? How long will it take for my body to get used to not having the hormones? In the past few days, I've been feeling very edgy, tired, and with on and off headaches. Is it true that once you withdraw from birth control pills, you may actually lose a few pounds?
Sincerely, Dear Stella, It usually takes between one and three months for your body to begin producing its own hormones again. During this time, your menstrual cycle will return to its pre-birth control pill state. The "changes" that you see will actually be a return to your earlier pattern of menstruation. If your periods were irregular before you began taking birth control pills, you will again have irregular periods once you stop. If you had regular periods, you will return to a regular cycle. Any increased cramping or bleeding will not be caused by going off the pill. It is simply your body going back to its previous state. Different women report different "side-effects" after discontinuing use of their birth control pills. You say you have felt on edge, tired, and have had headaches for the past few days. Other "side-effects" may include nausea and breast tenderness. It is possible that what you are experiencing is caused by hormonal changes. However, they could be caused by your anxiety about being off the pill. As far as weight fluctuation is concerned, it has been shown that birth control pills that are higher in estrogen may cause weight gain through water retention. Therefore, if you have stopped taking your pills, your body will adjust and some weight loss may occur as water retention decreases. Women experience differing amounts, if any, of weight gain or weight loss. Why the sudden decision to stop taking birth control pills? Are you and your partner planning a pregnancy? Do you need a change of method? Do you just want to give your body a rest? Although it may take a few months for your hormone levels to return to normal, you may possibly be able to get pregnant during your first pill-free cycle. If you aren't interested in getting pregnant at this time, then alternate birth control methods are recommended. While other contraceptive options are available (see the Related Q&As listed below), condoms are the only form that can help prevent the spread of most sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Related Q&As
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