Going off of Ortho Tri-cyclen - Birth Control Message Board

LegitimateQT · 01-25-2006, 09:55 PM

Hi, I'm a 20 year old in fairly good shape. I just went off the pill after being on it for 1 1/2 years about 3 1/2 weeks ago after I failed to fill my prescription in time. I was planning to go back on OTC after my period this month, but since stopping the pill my sex drive has gone back to normal, so I'm reluctant to start it up again. Some people have suggested getting on Ortho Tri-cyclen lo, and I was curious as to whether others found it actually made a difference in keeping their sex drive normal.

My second concern has more to do with the after affects of going off OTC. Since I stopped taking the pill, my breasts have been continuously sore and swollen and I've gained a few pounds. I've been moodier and experience anxiety and depression for no reason (I've never had this problem before or while being on OTC), and my appetite has increased dramatically (to the point where I'm near starving every three hours after eating a fairly normal sized meal). This increased appetite has probably had something to do with my weight gain.

I broke out almost immediately afterward, and the acne doesn't seem to be getting much better. I've also experienced cramping and bloating for the last week and a half, and for some reason I need to urinate about every 45 minutes - 1 1/2 hours. I never really feel like I'm 100% on my energy level, no matter how much sleep I get.

I've been doing some research on going off the pill and it seems like many of these things are common side effects of going off the pill, while others I haven't seen mentioned anywhere. On the other hand, some of the symptoms also appear to be early signs of pregnancy. Even though it seems highly unlikely that I'm pregnant (my boyfriend and I have been using protection since I've been off), I took an early response home pregnancy test a couple days ago, which came back negative. Aside from that, a couple of the preggie symptoms are supposed to occur later on.

I was expecting my period today, but it hasn't come yet. Normally this wouldn't be a big deal to me, but granted all the weird behavior from my body, I can't help worrying. It also doesn't help that I feel anxious anyway.

Everything I've been experiencing is so uncharacteristic for me and it's freaking me out! I'm wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience or can offer any imput. Thanks!

heidimichelle · 01-25-2006, 11:21 PM

I just thought I would let you know that I went off of Ortho Tri-cyclen a few months ago because my husband and I want to have a baby. I had all the same symptoms that you are having too. It is your body trying to regulate it's hormones again. Your body didn't have to produce any hormones when you were on the pill since the pill provided them for you and now that you are off of it it is trying to produce them on their own. It takes some time to get back to normal levels, but the flucuation of hormones is what is causing havic on your body. I also have irregular periods now (my last one was Nov 17th and negative on the pregnancy tests too) so that is normal unfortunately. I have also experienced the acne at first... but it has since calmed down. I did gain weight with my appetite being increased and mood swing binges. So... It isn't in your head. It happened to me too. However... I do think that once you start your period again and go back on the pill again you will go back to your normal self. For me... I have to hope my body adjusts to no pill and starts to get a normal cycle so I can have a baby. Hope all goes well for you and hope this helped some.