Quitting pill (for a few months?) - Women's Health Message Board

sre · 06-11-2003, 01:09 PM

I was on OTC for three months and had horrible side effects, so I switched to Lo Ovral (only been three months also) which has worked well except for the fact that I have gained about 12 pounds and it doesn't seem to be stopping. I'm mainly on the pill for irregularity, but I'm starting to think I'd rather be irregular than balloon up uncontrollably.

My question is has anyone had this and then stopped taking the pill for a couple of months to take the weight off and then start again with the knowledge that there could/will be weight gain and really try to stay on top of it (by exercising, etc.)? I just think if I can get back to my normal weight then I could possibly control it this time (it seems to have sort of snuck up on me this time). I'd appreciate any feedback. Also, if you did stop (and had weight gain) how long did it take for the weight to come off? Also, I just have until Sunday of the regular pills to take, then the week of the placebos. If I am going to quit, should I finish out the pack (even the placebos)? (I know there are others posts similar to this, but I had several different questions, sorry if this is too repetitive.) Thanks so much!

myname · 06-14-2003, 05:25 AM

Well I'm not sure how good it is to get off the pill just to lose the weight and then get back on it again. I'm just not sure what the fluctuation in hormones will do. I will say however, I also think it's better to be a bit irregular than to blow up as you put it. I've been on bcp's for around 16 years and I've decided to give them up in favor of other methods.

Whatever you decided, good luck and I hope it works out for the best!

jessilynn68 · 06-14-2003, 07:02 AM

Hi there -

Unfornately, I have been here too, and don't have good news. Once the weight is there, even from bc pills, its there. It doesn't drop off like magic when you go off the pill. My suggestion would be to stay ON the pill - the hormone fluctuations could be a lot worse than you think, and start exercising and eating right and the weight should come off. And its never a good idea to play with bc pills - just starting and stopping without talking to your doc. And the exercise might help with regulating your period, too. Good luck.