Side effects of going off Pill????

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2004
Side effects of going off Pill????
4
Thu, 04-22-2004 - 11:51am
I am 40yrs old with no kids. I have been on the Pill continuously for 22yrs. I want to go off them but curious how my body will react. Specifically weight gain/loss, skin changes, emotions, PMS, periods. Any experience you can share will be greatly appreciated.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2003
Thu, 04-22-2004 - 12:22pm
I went off the pill last summer at the age of 30, I had been taking the pill for just a few months less than 10 years. I also have no children.

For me, it is wonderful!!! I will never go back to putting artificial hormones in my body, I enjoy how I feel with my own hormones working way too much!!!

For me, my cycles are long (30ish days) with short flow (4 or 5 days, 2 or 3 of which are light spotting) a couple of those days are heavy flow, but I can deal with that! While I was on the pill, I still experienced PMS & cramping, though not as bad as I had as a teeneger. My cycles weren't perfectly regulated by the pill & I would bleed/spot for anywhere from 1/2 hour to two weeks or so per month. Now is better!!! I have little to no cramps or PMS now, which is great.

Skin, weight, haven't had a significant change. I have lost about 7 pounds since Christmas, but that is because I got exercising again & I feel great. My skin is always so-so, & that hasn't changed.

I feel so much better, every day, in little ways I can't describe. I didn't know I didn't feel right, until I stopped the pill & started feeling right!!!

Good Luck, whatever you decide. There are a few of us here that have ditched the artificial hormones, so if you want more advice, we're here to help!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2004
Thu, 04-22-2004 - 12:44pm
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-15-2004
Thu, 04-22-2004 - 1:23pm
I've been off the pill for about three weeks now. I haven't noticed any significant changes except that I feel less depressed and more able to deal with things (My life is really stressful right now so it's not the best barometer of how I'm feeling). I haven't noticed any negative side effects except that I've had some itching/irritation which I'm guessing is due to my body trying to correct the hormones since I'm not taking artificial ones anymore. I haven't gone through a period yet so I can't offer any experience about pms, cramping, flow, etc.

I labored over the decision to quit the pill and so far I'm happy with it. Of course, it's only been 3 weeks and you're probably better off listening to someone who's been off of it longer. :) Best of luck to you!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Thu, 04-22-2004 - 2:17pm
Happyjusttwo and I are the "posterchildren" for going of the pill! I was on it for 20 years(minus two planned pregnancies). I quit in August of 2003. Instantly(yes,instantly!),

no more headaches, my mood dramatically improved, Ive lost 10lbs initially plus about 5lbs more that I couldnt lose while on the pill, and my sex drive skyrocketed! My skin broke out on OTC Lo and that has improved slightly, but I use acnefree sold at walmart and have no problems. PMS really isnt a problem. I have a little bit of cramping and I might be a little edgy a week before but nothing to make a big deal about. My periods are between 24-29 days with 2-3 days of spotting and 2-3 days of an actual period. One thing I will say that might affect you also is a couple times I have spotting for 8 days before my period. I am 39 and my dr said it was probably due to my age and decreasing hormones. So you being 40, you may have some irregularities also. I have never felt better! Let us know what you decide and how you feel!

~ Josie