Stopping Pill

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-29-2004
Stopping Pill
4
Mon, 05-03-2004 - 2:43pm
I'm almost to the point of deciding to go off the pill after 10 years. I didn't have wonderful skin before taking it so I'm wondering if I can expect my skin condition to deteriorate. What do you think? Also, my periods were fairly heavy before the pill. Can I expect the same after I stop? I'm so nervous about this so any advice is very welcome!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
In reply to: wlchaney70
Mon, 05-03-2004 - 5:42pm
Hi wlchaney70, welcome!

Your body might have changed enough over the years that your periods won't be as heavy, or maybe not. There are several of us regulars here who have come off OCs in the last 2 years and absolutely love it! I'm 33 and have been off Ortho Tri Cyclen now for 22 months. Within a week after I stopped I felt more vibrant and alive and my libido, which had gone missing for the last year, came roaring back! Other than almost no libido, I hadn't realized how blah I felt until I stopped taking hormones. I never had problems with my periods and they stabilized in about 6 cycles. I couldn't be happier! If you decide to stop taking hormones I hope you have as positive an experience as I've had. You'll let us know what you decide, right?

The best to you,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-03-2004
In reply to: wlchaney70
Tue, 05-04-2004 - 10:20am
Void. Some how I wound up posting here on accident.

-Crystal


Edited 5/4/2004 10:23 am ET ET by babyreblin

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-28-2004
In reply to: wlchaney70
Tue, 05-04-2004 - 3:29pm
I'm just a lurker here but I noticed your question and had to reply. I came off Loestrin 14 months ago after 8 years. I had horrible skin before starting and it never really improved during those years. However, since coming off Loestrin my skin has been much clearer than before. I still get a breakout on my jawline and chin every month but not nearly as bad as when I was on the pill.

As far as the heavy periods, I wouldn't expect them but don't rule them out. Mine are the same as before. The biggest change was that prior to going on the pill I would have debilitating cramps. I don't have those anymore.

I have had a very positive experience going off the pill. I'm very glad I did it. I hope you will be too!

Best of luck!

Danielle

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: wlchaney70
Tue, 05-04-2004 - 5:33pm
De-lurking.....

I had a harder time coming off the pill...I had terrible mood swings, I had to stop listening to the radio altogether because the "funny" DJ's made me cry when they would make fun of people! It sounds funny, but I'm not a "crier" and I am just not generally an emotional person much at all. That lasted about two months. My skin has gotten a whole lot worse since going off the pill--I have given it since October to straighten itself out and every month it seems to get worse, even with regular dermatology appointments.

All in all, while I really like the convenience of the IUD that I'm on, I wish I hadn't gone off the pill. I think that if I had it to do over again, I would have gotten a prescription for a low- or mid-dose pill (I was on a very high dose) and "stepped" off instead of going off cold turkey. The reason I had to switch was because another med that I really NEED for a chronic condition significantly reduced the efficacy of the pill in every medical trial it was subjected to, so the decision had to be made relatively quickly, but I would have rather had a month or two of condoms and not felt as whacked out for so long...

That was my experience, I just wanted to give it some balance. I hope it works out better for you!

gypsy