long term pill use

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2007
long term pill use
4
Wed, 03-28-2007 - 4:23pm

I've been on the Pill for at least 10 years straight. (I'm in my late 20s now.) Has anyone been on the Pill this long? What can I expect if I go off it? I feel like I need to reset my hormones to their natural levels. Could being on the Pill this long cause a decrease in sexual desire?

Thanks!

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-19-2005
Wed, 03-28-2007 - 4:58pm
I've been on the pill 15 years. I can't say what to expect if you go off it, because I never have. I've heard for some women it can take a couple of months for your cycle to establish itself again, and since you've been on it a long time, when it does settle back down, your cycle may different from what it was before you started because you are older and your hormones have probably changed since you went on them. There really isn't a medical reason to reset your body or take a break from the pill, unless you have a unique personal medical concern your doctor is adressing. The pill can decrease libido, and sometimes switching formulas can help. Even if you haven't had libido problems before, your body does change over time, and your underlying hormonal levels may have changed. But, that would be an issue of the pill's formula and your body, not really an issue of how long you've been on the pill. You should also consider other reasons your libido might have changed. There can be medical reasons, like problems with other hormones, or environmental factors, like stress, lack of sleep, or relationship issues.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2005
Wed, 03-28-2007 - 8:19pm
started the pill the summer of my 18th birthday (right after high school) and was on it up until I got married and was ready to have a baby at around 31 years old....I was off for a few months in between those years due to being out of jobs and no health insurance.From my experience when I've not been on the pill my periods were heavier and much more of a PITA to deal with.As far as other symptoms,I don't really know.That was my main reason for being on the pill----easier periods and regulation of them.
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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 03-28-2007 - 10:55pm

I was on hormonal birth control for nine years before I took a two month break.

Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2007
Thu, 03-29-2007 - 12:25pm
Thanks to the ladies for responding with your advice! It sounds like it can be problematic to go off the Pill. I'll definitely consider your experiences when deciding what to do.