Questions about STOPPING birth control (not for TTC)

I was on a low-dose combination pill for 8 years and then it was discovered that my estrogen levels were high which was causing side effects, some unwanted like weight gain, irritability etc., and some unhealthy like high blood pressure. I decided to try the progestin-only pill. I liked it for the first month but have started to notice really unpleasant side effects (VERY dry skin, dandruff, acne I've never had before...) plus it stops my periods altogether which, contrary to most people, I really don't like.

So I decided after talking to DH about being careful with other contraceptive methods, to just go off the pill totally.

My question is: what was this like for others? Any "side effects"? Are you happy you went off? How did you do it...just stop taking them, finish a pack? Any tips are appreciated, thanks!

Re: Questions about STOPPING birth control (not for TTC)

I went off mine way before we even were married because I was on the mini pill and I was bleeding 2x per month. I was never so happy after. My periods went back to 28 days and I was just overall happier. We used other methods until we started TTC.

Re: Questions about STOPPING birth control (not for TTC)

I just went off of mine, and the thing that sucked the most were the cramps!! I forgot how much milder they are with the pill! When I got my period, it was pretty normal (as it was on the pill), but the cramps were much worse.

I also noticed that my skin was a bit more prone to pimples after I went off. Not sure if that's related or not, but I've never had acne or anything, and since being off, I've had a few pimples.

When going off BCP, you have to finish the whole pack. So you'll get your period, and the last pill of the pack will be your last one.

Re: Questions about STOPPING birth control (not for TTC)

Always check with your MD before just stopping medication.

I agree, the cramps are horrific when off the pill. I went off because I got daily headaches and a migraine that sent me to the er; neurologist said migraines and the pill can lead to strokes so I said sayonara.

Sounds like you are making the right decision tho!

Re: Questions about STOPPING birth control (not for TTC)

i cant help you cuz i stopped BCP and i hated it!! I found out i had pcos which i guess was a good thing that i stopped cuz otherwise i wouldnt have known.

being off of it, i had really bad cramps, boob soreness, i gained weight and my hair and skin were greasy.this could partly be attributed to pcos but im not sure. im back on it for a few months until we start TTC and im not looking forward to getting off of it.

sorry im no help lol

Re: Questions about STOPPING birth control (not for TTC)

I went off the pill 'unexpectedly' as it gave me blood clots and almost killed me. So far only difference is my boobs are so sore...

Re: Questions about STOPPING birth control (not for TTC)

After going off the pill my cycle was a bit unpredictable for the first few months and my skin broke out. I never had acne in my life and three years later I am still breaking out. Other then these minor annoyances I had no real side effects. I have a paraguard IUD now and I love it...the only time I think about BC is the day after my period ends b/c I have to check for the IUD string.

Re: Questions about STOPPING birth control (not for TTC)

I was so, so, so happy when I went off the Pill. I was on it for 11 years. Went off it when we were ttc.

Within about 2 weeks of being off the Pill, I lost about 5 pounds. I didn't realize how much bloat I was carrying in my belly and my b00bs. So I felt so much lighter physically but also emotionally - within a month or so, I was just a happier person. It helped that I actually wanted to bd with my DH again for the first time in a long time - turns out the Pill had kind of stolen my libido. I'd read up on it that that could happen, but didn't have any idea the extent of it until I went off the Pill. I had NO IDEA how much the Pill affected me until I just stopped taking it. I don't know if I'll ever go back on it, to be honest. And I was on 4 different brands, so it's not like one brand was bad for me.

If your experience is anything like mine, you'll only be happy to be back to your "old self."

Re: Questions about STOPPING birth control (not for TTC)

I was thrilled to come off of BCP!

First of all, my libido skyrocketed from 0 to ... a lot higher than 0.

I stopped feeling so lethargic. I had chronic headaches that ended. I felt like a human being again.

My cramps were worse and my flow was heavier, but it was a small price to pay.

Re: Questions about STOPPING birth control (not for TTC)

I stopped mid-cycle. My period was a couple of weeks later the first time but then went back to normal. My cramps are much worse now, but that's about it.