What to expect after stop Birth Control?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2004
What to expect after stop Birth Control?
5
Tue, 04-27-2004 - 9:57am
I am 29, I have been on birth control for nearly 10 years. My husband and I are ready to start a family so I recently stopped taking them.

What changes should I expect now that I have stopped? I realize my period could drastically change, I'm more curious about physical changes (weight, etc.).

I am very active and in great health. Thanks!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2003
Tue, 04-27-2004 - 12:23pm
I stopped the pill last summer after nearly 10 years. How stopping will affect you is really up to your body!!!

It is good that you are expecting your period to change. Mine is now a little heavier, but fewer days & a longer cycle than on the pill, so I'm happy with it! My cramps & PMS are also practically non-existent, which is a nice change!

Weight wise & skin wise, I noticed no change.

Libido & lubrication are much better than before! I also feel better in all kinds of little ways I can't describe.

All in all, I love being off hormones, I hope you do too!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Tue, 04-27-2004 - 6:12pm
I will say it again, happyjusttwo and I are the posterchildren for being off the pill! I stopped the pill August of 2003 after 20 years on the pill, minus 2 pregnancies(4 straight years off the pill during that time). When I quite my sex drive skyrocketed, I had more energy, no more headaches, and I lost weight. All of this happened basically overnight! Honestly! As far as my periods go they are a little heavier and I have a little more cramping but nothing to slow me down. I recently have been having some trouble with spotting several (about 8-10days) before my period. But my age probably has alot to do with it; Im 39. You should do just fine. May I suggest that you start taking a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin with at least 400mcg of folic acid(most multivitamins have that much but prenatal usually have 800mcg). Good luck ttc and let us know what happens!

~Josie

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2004
Mon, 05-03-2004 - 1:22pm
Thanks for your posting.... During what would have been my first week of my next pill cycle, I experienced cramps (nothing more). They have subsided (thx goodness), and I'm feeling back to normal. I agree with you, more energy... hope I lose weight too (especially in my chest!) ;)

Thanks

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2004
Mon, 05-03-2004 - 1:23pm
Thank you!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-15-2004
Thu, 05-06-2004 - 1:14pm
I just got off BC 3 weeks ago that I had been on for 10 years as well. I was on Norplant which contains progestin (had 2 implants back to back). I'm almost 27, been married 2 years but not quite ready to TTC. Almost immediately I felt more energetic & not depressed. My sex drive has slowly been coming back as well. No substantial weight loss yet but at least now I have the energy and positive attitude to exercise on a regular basis. I have noticed my metabolism seems to be better because I can eat something not so good for me without automatically gaining the weight:). I am also not retaining water anymore. Before when I was on BC I always felt bloated because I was retaining water. So you might not lose fat right away but water weight gain. I have noticed my skin isn't so dry which is good but I now have to be careful with moisterizing because I'm breaking out more easily.

As far as my 1st cycle after BC.....I had bad cramping and pmsing a week before I was supposed to get my period, didn't get it on time, spotted for 3 days, then finally got period 6 days late. My temps. have been up and down and cervical fluid irregular for now while it adjusts. For me my body is going back to way it use to be when I wasn't on BC with painful cramping and longer, heavier periods. On BC I had no cramping and periods were very light only lasting a few days. To me it is worth it though to have my body back. I felt like I was in a coma on hormonal BC. I will NEVER go back on hormonal BC even after we have kids. Instead we are using nonhormonal methods such as condoms, spermicide, a diaphragm, and charting. I personally have had good and bad effects coming off BC but overall feel it was the best choice health wise. Charting might be something you would be interested in especially if you plan to TTC soon. Best luck to you on the baby making!

~Julss