This archive report was first published on 6 September 2019.
What To Expect When You Stop Taking Birth Control Pills ¶
Birth control pills have become a staple in many women's lives, providing a range of benefits from preventing unplanned pregnancy to regulating menstrual cycles. However, when it's time to stop taking them, women may experience a variety of symptoms. According to experts, these symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include acne, mood swings, and irregular periods.
“The decision to stop taking birth control is a personal one,” says Nicole Noyes, MD, Chief of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Northwell Health. “Some people stop taking the pill if they learn they’re at an increased risk for rare, but serious complications related to the Pill, such as blood clots.”
One of the most common symptoms women experience when stopping birth control pills is acne. According to Alyssa Dweck, MD, OB/GYN and co-author of V Is for Vagina, when women are on the pill, their testosterone levels dip, leading to fewer breakouts. However, when they stop taking the pill, those levels go back up, and acne can worsen.
“My sex drive kind of increased and decreased when it wanted to,” says Melissa F. from Louisiana about going off the pill. “It's like it was all out of balance.”
Another symptom women may experience is mood swings. According to Mary Jane Minkin, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale School of Medicine, when women stop taking birth control pills, their hormones can become unbalanced, leading to mood swings.
Irregular periods are also a common symptom women experience when stopping birth control pills. According to Dr. Edelman, it can take months for a woman's period to regulate after stopping birth control pills. And, it may never be the same.
“Many women forget that our periods change throughout our lives,” says Dr. Edelman. “Just because your period was always regular before you started birth control doesn’t mean it’ll be regular afterward.”
Lastly, some women may experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a condition that causes depression, irritability, and tension before menstruation. According to Connor D. from Virginia, who has PMDD, quitting the pill made her symptoms worse.
“My PMDD came back full force: extreme emotional changes, unexplained sadness, anger, anxiety,” says Connor. “I only had one good week per month.”
It's essential to note that everyone's experience is different, and not all women will experience these symptoms. However, being aware of what to expect can help women prepare and make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
