Coming Off Hormonal Birth Control
When stopping hormonal birth control, you may experience some symptoms. Here's what you can expect and why symptoms might occur.
Stopping hormonal birth control can cause temporary side effects as the body adjusts to the change in hormone levels. These side effects may include:
- Menstrual changes: Your periods may become irregular or follow a different schedule. They could also be heavier or more painful.
- Hormone-related symptoms: You may experience symptoms like acne, breast tenderness, food cravings, headaches, mood changes, depression, or anxiety.
Some individuals use hormonal birth control to manage conditions. When you stop taking the pill, these symptoms may return. When stopping birth control, it’s possible to experience the return of some symptoms of health conditions like:
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Irregular periods
- Menstrual cramps
- Acne
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
Once you stop using hormonal birth control, there is a higher chance of pregnancy. However, studies suggest that overall, contraceptive use does not negatively affect fertility. It's important to note that there may be a delay in the ability to conceive for the first few months after stopping birth control.
It's essential to discuss your plans to discontinue birth control with your doctor for guidance on doing it correctly and safely. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.