What to expect when coming off birth control - Birth Control Message Board

jnguyen115 · 06-01-2009, 08:24 AM

After some thinking, I've finally decided that it's time I get off birth control. I've been on it since I was 17 (21 now) and have only taken a 1 month break from bc during these four years.

What did you experience when coming off birth control? Please post both positive and negative experiences as well as what pill you were on.

EllieFrog · 06-01-2009, 08:47 AM

Well, I used to be on OTC Lo for about two years. At first I thought that the pill was okay and worked for me until I quit and realized that it had totally affected my life in negative ways. Firstly, it made me crazy... I had constant, irritating, unnecessary moodswings, and EVERYONE noticed. Second, I gained about 10lbs on the pill and basically hated myself the whole time I was on it because no matter what I did I couldn't lose the weight and eventually I lost motivation to do it anyway. And finally, even though it regulated my periods pretty well, there were a few times when my period wouldn't come till the end of the placebo week, or it was longer than usual. Thankfully that didn't happen a lot but it made things even more stressful.

After I quit it took a really long time (months) to get back to normal. I was off that pill for at least a year till I finally started to feel like maybe I was back to normal. The weight came off, my moods went back to normal, but my periods were even more irregular than ever. So I then I went on a different pill (Necon) and I can't believe how much better this pill worked out for me. There is no weight gain, no mood swings, my periods always come on the same day and last the same amount of time. I am much happier with this pill.

So basically, if you are not completely happy with the pill that you're currently taking than you should either quit taking it or switch to a different one. Four years isn't really that long to be on the pill so I don't think that you absolutely need a break, but that is your choice, of course.

mazc1973 · 01-31-2010, 03:25 AM

Hi, I came off the Microgynon pill in dec 2009. I was on it for about 6 years and before that 4 years on Dianette with no break.
During my first cycle I was convinced I was preg as I had every symptom, painful breasts, bloating, tiredness, nausea, felt really crap for 12 days. My period arrived on day 29 and all symptoms disappeared. Now I am in my second post pill cycle, and just into the pre menstral phase, I don't so far have these awful sympoms. I guess it was pill withdrawal? I am trying to chill about getting preg, but its hard....
First period off pill very very heavy by the way! Glad periods returned bang on time, hope this month is same or I'm preg xx

Nona33 · 01-31-2010, 12:40 PM

Was on one years ago, for about 5 months. Nothing was different when I stopped. Been on Aviane (lowdose) for about 5 years, am stopping for a month to see if I'm menopausal, nothing different this time either. Guess i am just lucky.

NoMoreBCP4me · 02-14-2010, 03:59 PM

I was on Seasonique for over 5 years and stopped it on Jan 10. It took me almost 5 weeks to ovulate, so my period will probably come about 7 weeks after stopping the pill, which is a little late! However, I feel so much better not being on the pill. While on it, I was super moody and irritable and just felt so down most of the time. I didn't really have any negative effects except for a few headaches during the first week or two, but they weren't bad! I hope your experience has been/will be as positive as mine