Hi,

I am going to stop taking the pill (tri-levlen) after 8 years. I am worried about the "withdrawal" symptoms I may experience. I had bad reactions when switching brands and even missing a couple of days! I felt very "spacey", headaches, somewhat nauseous, etc... I worry how my body will react when going off them completely.

- What type of symptoms will I have?
- How long will it last?
- Is there anything over the counter that will help with the symptoms?

My OB/GYN suggested exercise, eating good (no nitrates) and Soy.

If you've successfully gotten through this period, I would SO APPRECIATE any input! I'm really concerned how I will manage and how long it will take til I start feeling normal again.

I would also love to hear how you benefited from being off the pill. Sorry so long!

Thanks & Healthy Wishes,
Jen

Thank you Harlee and StenoLady1 for your responses. I really appreciate you taking the time to go into detail.

StenoLady1... its good to hear things went smoothly for you. I wish I would have done this sooner too.

My last pill is tomorrow... YIKES!!!

I am going off for two reasons. One, we will be starting a family soon :) . Two, I just started seeing a therapist for my panic attacks who suggested the pill may have something to do with my anxiety. WHAT A REVELATION! I've been having panic attacks for as long as I've been taking the pill. This is such bad stuff. If I knew then what I know now!!!

You might have no "side efffects" at all. I was on the pill 20 years, went off a few months ago, and the only side effects/withdrawals I've felt are not dealing with all the side effects of the pill, lol, i.e., no headaches before my period, no cramps, no moodiness/irritability, very easy periods compared to what I had on the pill, no backaches the first few days of my period. The best side effect of going off has been my libido is back full strength...something I haven't felt in years.

The day my period ended, that Sunday I would have taken a pill from my new pack, my period arrived exactly 21 days later. My doctor told me that as long as I had been on the pill, not to freak if I don't get a period for a year or have my period for months. It's perfectly regulated on its own, and it was immediate.

Everyone is different. Don't just assume that because you've been on it a long time, you'll have a hard time. This had been my hesitation regarding stopping over the past few years. If I'd known it would be this easy, and I'd feel sooooo much better, I'd have gone off years ago.

Best of luck!

You're welcome, Jennifer.

Let us know how you're getting along without being on the pill & best of luck starting a family :)