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So girls, I haven’t had my period in 5 months.
No, I’m not pregnant. Yes, I am starting to get a little (a lot) concerned.
I came off the contraceptive pill in January after taking it for over 10 years. Like a lot of women my age, I was told as a 16 year old that it was perfectly healthy, would clear my annoying acne, ease my period pain and create a whole new world of convenience through the ability to “skip” periods.
Oh and of course, not fall pregnant.
And it did all of these things wonderfully.
But now, a decade or so later, a generation of us are starting to come off the pill for health reasons, to start a family or to just “see what happens”.
And what’s happening (or not happening in my case) is scary. I’ve heard stories of women gaining and losing cray-cray amounts of weight, getting full blown acne after years of clear skin and having irregular and painful periods. Or inexistent in my case.
But perhaps the most frightening side effects are miscarriage or inability to fall pregnant. Yes people, infertility.
Which sounds crazy. But think, the pill is designed to STOP you from falling pregnant. And if after years of controlling my cycles, my body still doesn’t “remember” how to menstruate, how on earth could I expect it to not only conceive (say if I wanted to fall pregnant right now) but to also maintain a healthy 9 month pregnancy?
Which is what it is naturally designed to do.
Nat Kringoudis, author of Fertilise Yourself and owner of Women’s Health Centre The Pagoda Tree in Melbourne, writes that…
‘Often women coming off the pill have long cycles or do not see a period return for on average six months… Women who conceive within 6 months of coming off the pill present with less red blood cells and plasma folate levels which can lead to recurrent miscarriage.’
Scary stuff. So is the fact that most women on the pill or who have recently come off the pill are deficient in zinc as it is one of the major essential minerals severely drawn out via the pill. And zinc deficiency can cause major behavioural problems in children, let alone causing prolonged labours, reduced skin elasticity in birth (think OUCH) and cracked nipples. Fun!
You can read more about the pill and fertility on Nat’s blog here.
So after almost half a year without menstruating (my inner 16 year old Claire is going WHAT? THAT’S AWESOME!) I’m starting to get scared.
How did I naively believe for so long that taking this little drug everyday for most of my post-pubescent life was healthy and acceptable?
Well, basically it’s because it’s what we were told. Mostly. I went on the pill after only 12 months after getting my first period and I know people who were on it a lot earlier than that. I sure hope we don’t look back one day and go “Wow, that was a major fuck up in the history of women’s health”.
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I want to have children. One day. And I’ve grown to love the hell out of my body and myself. Which means taking my health seriously and making wellness a priority. Not choosing convenience and letting “Future Claire” deal with the consequences anymore.
So I’m off to the Naturopath this week to suss my hormones and work out this where-the-hell-is-my-period situation. I’ll keep you updated.
Until then, I’d love to know if you have ever come off the contraceptive pill and what reaction your body had. Or maybe you’re on the pill now but have been hearing similar freak-outs and concerns?
Let me know in the comments! And if you know anyone who would benefit from this post too, please feel free to share it.
NOTE: This post has now been updated here and here. (Psssst. I got my period back!)
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If you’re looking at making positive health and lifestyle changes, I have loads of recipes, personal anecdotes and insights in my She Is Radiant eRange. Check it out here. I also recommend this eBook Healing Hypothalamic Amenorrhea by nutritionist Kate Callaghan.
Finally, if it’s PCOS specific information you’re looking for, I’d love to point you in the direction of Dr. Nat Kringoudis’ eCourse Debunking PCOS.
Please remember to speak to your own health professional team before making any significant changes to your lifestyle.
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I came off the pill about 9-10 months ago after being on it for about 10 years. For about the first 6-7 months I had regular 29-30 day cycles which was brilliant and I could tell when I was ovulating. But for the last few months I’ve had extremely long cycles, anywhere between 40 and 45 days and I am no longer getting the tell tale signs of ovulation! Not brilliant since my husband and I have now decided its time for a family. So like you Claire, off to the natropath for me! Fingers crossed for both of us 🙂 x
Hi Jess, wow it sounds like you’ve already taken the first step towards having a healthy baby – being aware and prioritising your health and wellness. Good stuff! It’s so interesting hearing just how different everyone’s experiences with the pill are. Sending you lots of positive baby-making juju gorgeous x
Wow Claire, that’s a scary story. Kudos for speaking so openly about laaaady business!
I have always felt uncomfortable taking the pill, and have now been off it for two years. I was lucky though, as my cycle seemed to normalize quite quickly. It makes me sad that there are so many people out there who are taking it and are not fully informed… If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend the book ‘Accidentally Overweight’, by Dr Libby Weaver. It has the best explanation of female hormones (and their interaction with stress hormones and the rest of the body) that I’ve ever read. She explains everything, then gives you holistic ideas to begin to heal. I actually think the title of the book is kind of unfortunate and misleading, cos there’s so much good stuff in there that’s relevant to all gals, not just those struggling with weight issues… Thanks for sharing! X
Hey Jess! That book sounds exactly like the kind of thing I need to get my hands on *opens amazon in new window* THANK YOU. Thanks for stopping by too babe – I love your work! x
Love this post Claire, a topic we should all be discussing more openly. I was lucky enough to know when we wanted to try for a family (almost 2 years before we started trying) so I went off the pill then, to allow my body to have sufficient time (if there is any) to rebalance and regulate. My cycles came monthly, but they weren’t ‘real’, they mimicked what the pill gave me. 7:30am every 4th Tuesday it came, it went on like this for months – until about month 5 or so when the real one came. Back aches, mood swings and heavy cycle for 7 days. It then took a few months for this to level out too.
I can say there is a positive, once we started trying I was regular and we conceived within 2 months and now have a healthy baby.
I will never be going on the pill again and have spoken to my friends about it who are all coming off it too. It isn’t just our fertility that suffers, but our health – blood clots, weight retention, headaches etc.
Thanks Mon, and YES we need to discuss it more openly. That’s really interesting to hear your experience with the pill too, we are all so different aren’t we? And there is a BIG positive for you! A gorgeous, healthy little boy. Thanks for stopping by lovely x
I am in the same situation however it has been 1 & 1/2 years since my last period! I was thinking that maybe I should book into see a gynocologist but I am a little scared that it is going to be something serious. As well as that, I dont want them to pump me with drugs or synthetic hormones or anything like that either 🙁
I would love to know how you go!
Thanks 🙂 Xxxx
Hi Danielle, oh wow – 18 months hey? It is definitely a little scary, yeah? I really recommend checking out Nat’s site if you have any concerns. I’ll keep you updated for sure after my trip to the naturopath! x
Hi there,
I was on the pill for about 8 years. I stopped taking the pill in November 2011 and I had some very light periods for 3 months and then nothing until July 2012. I was determined not to take drugs. My doctor told me that he thought I had PCOS and that I should take Metformin. I didn’t want to do that so I looked into other natural ways and discovered Dr John Lee and his book ‘What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause.’ He talks about using natural progesterone cream. I decided to give it a try as I felt that I had symptoms of low Progesterone. You put the cream on your skin and it is absorbed into your body that way. After using the cream for about 4 months I have now had my first period since they stopped over a year ago. I hope to continue to use the cream and regulate my cycles over the coming months. I am so happy that I have had a normal period!!
This link has information on how to use the cream, I bought my cream on Amazon.
http://natural-fertility-info.com/progesterone-fertility-guide
I hope this helps lots of other young women out there who don’t know what to do about their irregular or none existent cycles.
Thank you for this info Jenna, have been meaning to look into this myself!
If it wasn’t for the pill I would have never have been able to have a baby. Taking the pill for most of my teenage years prevented the ravages of endometriosis from taking hold so when I did cease the pill I fell pregnant within a year. I didn’t go back on the pill as a preventative so unfortunately I have never been able to fall pregnant again. Even for women without endo it ususally takes up to two years to conceive whether they were taking the pill or not. Over time women’s bodies change and mentrual cycles are affected for all sorts of reasons.
Hi Keryn, thanks so much for your honesty! That’s really incredible that the pill prevented endometriosis from affecting your fertility. Wow! It sounds like you have had a really, really positive experience with being on the pill, which is wonderful. I love hearing that! 🙂
Thanks Claire, 🙂 xx
Hey Claire, I agree with all the other commenters, good on you for talking about this so openly!
I stopped taking the pill last August, after being on it for 9 years, I was prescribed it as a teenager mainly for acne, which it did get rid of beautifully, but then I ended up with a monthly migraine in return and then two years ago actually suffered a mini-stroke! This terrified me (and made me furious – how come my GP and Dermatologist never mentioned this was a possibility??) but I was still shallow enough to keep taking it for another couple of years, until my face started going numb on and off, and something clicked. I then didn’t have a period for 7 months, then when I actually got a period, it lasted for 2 months, with a week in between, which was a relief but also hellish in its own way. So fingers crossed from now it will sort itself out.
Phew, sorry about the super long comment, good luck with everything, and try not to stress yet 🙂
Oh Kim, that was the same reason I initially went on it too! And it worked beautifully. I did come off the pill last year very briefly and my skin went NUTS. So I just went straight back on (so glad it hasn’t broken out this time around!) – a mini stroke?? Oh babe, I understand your anger – how terrifying and confusing that must have been for you. It really sounds like you have had quite the journey since coming off the pill… I’m sending you lots of positive healing juju vibes babe x
I didnt get my period for a whole year after coming off the pill, had been on it for about 7 years. Didn’t really think much of it as had irregular periods before went on it, was also living the good life o/s at the time, not looking after myself too well 🙂 Ended up in hospital with severe abdominal pain, feeling faint etc. Was eventually diagnosed with PCOS (PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome). Gyno didn’t seem to have much info on it at the time (2008) but remember being horrified to discover that the period you get on the pill is pretty much ‘fake’. After researching PCOS a bit myself and talking to others who had it, realised needed to make some pretty big changes if wanted to improve my fertility. Made those changes, most importantly a conscious effort to treat my body better and have seen a massive improvement over the last few years!
Hey Brooke! Thanks for sharing your story lovely, a whole year of waiting hey? Wow. PCOS seems to be popping up more and more lately, doesn’t it? I think it’s wonderful you took time to research it yourself before making whatever decision is right for you and your body. This is KEY. Sounds like you’ve made some very positive changes! x
Oh wow.. This has really hit home for me! I also went off my pill in January, having taken it since I was 14. I have had a niggling fear about infertility since my teen years (I have no idea where this came from, just one of those unfounded things that keep you up at night! …Especially since motherhood is something I have always hoped for!). While in New York late last year I saw a psychic who advised me that he thought I would have trouble having children.
Needless to say this absolutely freaked me out and I stopped taking my pill as soon as we returned home to let my body “breathe”. I pretty much immediately felt a change in my personality (which my partner also noticed), including less PMS-y mood swings, less anxiety & a general feeling of wellbeing. In saying that though, my skin totally freaked out.. This made me wonder what hormones my pill had been suppressing for all of this time without me addressing the issue. I am now trying to get to the bottom of this in a healthy, holistic way, with no medication or toxic skin care involved!!
Nat has also been a big source of inspiration in my decision to stop taking the pill, and also to stop buying into everything our GP’s tell us!! I think it’s so important for every woman to be educated about this, thank you for bringing it up Claire- amazing post as always 🙂
Xxx lots of love
Oh Erin, what a thing to hear from a psychic… That would have freaked me out too! It’s funny how long we all tried to not fall pregnant, then as soon as you start to think about having children, fears of being infertile surface. I had actually come off the pill last year for a month and my skin had the same reaction – I however went straight back on it! (thankfully it hasn’t done that time around) Good for you for seeking natural therapies. Thanks for sharing babe xx
Not a hugely reliable source haha but it kind of made me sit up and go “HUH?!!!!!” , as it was something I feared.. Definitely better to be safe than sorry – I think that we are definitely doing the right thing by our bodies 🙂 x
Hey Claire, what an awesome topic to be discussing, I too am going through very very rare menstrual cycles. And in a way it’s kind of good to know that there are a lot of us going through similar problems, we are such a complex being us women. I came off the pill quite a few years ago, and everything seemed to be working as it should. One thing I did notice was that I felt a whole lot healthier, being on the pill made me feel yuck, bloated and moody. I really look back now and think how this little pill dictated exactly how my body would function and I didn’t give it a second thought during this time as it was just the thing you did. However, now over the last couple of years my periods have become pretty much non existent, after several trips to the women’s health centre I was relieved to now that I didn’t have anything wrong with my ovaries and that I was a very healthy 27 year old, I was told to make a few minor changes to my lifestyle, less stress, more chill out time and try to put a little extra weight on. But after doing all of this my period has still not been regular, it is highly frustrating and I have been given a recommendation to visit a naturopath so I would be very interested to see how you go with your appointment. I feel happy and healthy probably the best I have ever felt but there is just that one thing that is missing, the one thing that brings all those cramps and pains and makes you feel pretty damn awful it’s also that one important thing that will for some of us bring a little ray of sunshine into our lives.
Thanks Claire, you are inspirational! : )
Hi Amy! Wow, thank you so much for sharing your story gorgeous. I am just floored by how different everyone’s experiences have been with the pill, our bodies are so incredible. I love that you took action and prioritised your wellness – good for you! I understand it must still be frustrating for you though, I think back to all the times I complained about having my period – now I’d love for it to arrive, cramps and all! x
Hey Claire, I was only talking to a friend the other day about the fact I wanted to come off my contraceptive. My body feels ready. It is done with it. My doctor says ‘no’ at the moment as I am also on high blood pressure meds and if i did happen to fall pregnant these would cause serious deformities in my baby or miscarriage. I feel so stuck, almost damned if I do and damned if I don’t. And I am scared about what my body will do when I do come off it. So much stuff to think about. Thanks for being so open and honest and bringing this stuff into the light. The reason a lot of us just jumped on the ‘pill bandwagon’ was because it was the done thing and nobody really wanted to talk about it when we should be able to feel open and honest just like this. Nice work lovely 🙂
Hi Jacinta, aren’t our bodies amazing at telling us what they really want? Everyone is different and it’s just so important to tune in to what OUR bodies are saying. Again, I can’t recommend Nat’s site enough for some solid info regarding this topic. Thank you for sharing babe x
I know this is an old thread but Jacinta did your GP tell you that your high blood pressure could be a result of using the pill? Taking the pill when you have hypertension dramatically increases your risk of stroke. I am not a health professional but I have been diagnosed with hypertension I have researched the topic in depth, the health clinic I use refused to give me anymore scripts for the pill, my GP is now helping me choose an alternative contraception. I am surprised that your GP has not taken that into consideration. Just throw your pill out now, try something new, I have no problem with the pill (except that I thought I was pregnant because of the missed periods), but if you mix it with hypertension you are asking for trouble.
Hey Claire,
Thank you for starting a conversation on this!
I stopped taking the pill after maybe 10-15 years on it. I haven’t had a period yet but a month ago I started getting severe period pain which lasted almost 3 weeks which didn’t eventuate to a small amount of spotting on day 1.
I have gained about 5 kg, I am tired all the time and have a constant yukky/nausea feeling. My skin has broken out like crazy – all over my face, neck, chest and back! Its so depressing and I feel so disgusting! My skin and hair are both very oily.
How long do I have to put up with this as its driving me crazy? Are these symptoms normal?
Who would you recommend I should go see as my GP didnt seem to worry much when I saw her last month and told me to come back in a few months if it still the same.
Hi Kate, thank you so much for sharing. Wow – you’ve had quite the journey too. What you’re going through sounds very similar to what I went through last year when I came off the pill briefly. Your symptoms do sound totally normal as it seems a lot of women take 6-12 months (even longer) for their bodies to “balance out”. If your GP isn’t helping you out, I would definitely recommend a visit to a Naturopath who specialises in this area and can even run some blood tests for you to check hormone levels. They should be able to suggest any natural therapies, supplements etc. that will help in this transition. I hope it works out for you soon! x
Hi Claire,
Thank you so much for this article. I’ll put myself in the cue with my story. I am too, being another ‘vicitim’ of taking the pill for 13 years and getting off it 2.5 years ago with a big surprise. It took 1.5 years to get my first period and they are just now, slowly, slowly coming back every 2 – 4 months. I have seen every doctor you can imagine from fertility specialists to Chinese Meds & Naturopaths… taking artificial hormones, natural hormones, every suplement under the stars… nothing helped.
I was so desperate and helpless after my first failed hormone stimulations. The pill was meant to be the safest medication on this planet. How could I not know that they stop your ovaries producing hormones… that female hormones are delicate when disrupted for years without end and for a woman in her mid thirties they don’t just jump back in.
Don’t get me wrong I always felt safe and confident while taking it and it allowed me to live a very free and careless life (unlike my mother and grandmothers) but being 35 years old now I feel a bit betrayed – mostly for nobody telling me that the pill can make you infertile.
Saying that – the last 2.5 years have been incredibly insightful of what I have learned about my body, health, nutrition and psychology. It’s been an amazing journey and I met a lot of inspiring women. I have learned to be more patient with myself and understood that my body will heal itself if I let it. My personal bible has been Louise L Hay ‘You can heal your life’… the best twenty dollars I have ever spent on a book. My daily mantra is that I AM HEALTHY and EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OKAY.
Very reassuring reading these stories.
I have been on the pill for 10years since i was 13 due to having PCOS and every 6months having cysts removed from my ovaries. I recently had a scan and my ovaries where not found, and was explained the pill puts your ovaries to sleep and mine were that far asleep that they were not able to be found which freaked me out and biggest thought will they ever wake up. So i have decided to come off the pill i have had bleeding for the last few days (couple days after stopping ) but confused on whether its a “true period” or break through bleed. At the end day had to make decision keep coming way i am amd risk not being able to conceive or make the change now.
Wow Kaylah – yet another interesting perspective on this whole shebang. I applaud you for making this decision for yourself and your body and I hope it all balances out for you very soon 🙂 x
Hi Claire,
What a great website! So awesome to be able to read everyone’s experiences. My story is much like everyone else’s! Was prescribed the pill at 16 to help with pms pain and heavy bleeding etc.
I was on the pill for 8 years before I started to think about what it might be doing to my body and what long term effects it might have.
This July it is 2 years since I’ve been off it, in that time I’ve had all of two periods.. well two days of needing to use a liner!!! Not even anything note worthy!
I had blood tests done about 6 months after coming off the pill, they said everything was fine and it would just take some time for my hormone levels to balance out .
I’m so pleased I decided to come off the pill at 24, at an age when I wasn’t trying to have kids, I can imagine the pain and anguish some women must face if they leave it until later on.
Most of the time I don’t get hung up on not having periods, I figure if that’s the only thing I have to complain about then I’m doing pretty well!! I’m healthy, I lead an active life and my partner is unbelievably supportive about the whole situation!
Fingers crossed everything levels out soon.. for all of us in this situation! One thing I can be sure of though.. If i ever have a daughter, I’ll be telling her all the bad parts of the pill before she makes any decisions about contraception!!!
I agree Bex, I very much feel for people who are trying to fall pregnant soon after coming off the pill. Thank you for sharing your story, I am sending you lots of healing, relaxing, loving and fertile vibes babe. And yes, my daughter will be seriously informed! x.
Hi Claire,
Thanks so much to everyone for sharing. It’s great to know it’s ‘not just me’ going through this. Ten years on the pill, 16 months off. I had horrific heavy painful periods before taking the pill so I was a little scared they would return once I stopped. Quite the opposite. The sad excuse I have for periods now is nothing to write home about. Yes I’m saving a heap of money by not ploughing through my organic tampons but how I kick myself for abusing my body with such chemicals. I really hope this post reaches some of the younger generation to let them know the realities of long term use. For me I don’t actually wish to start a family but I still like to be in balance with my hormones and function like a healthy, fertile woman. 🙂
“Yes I’m saving a heap of money by not ploughing through my organic tampons but how I kick myself for abusing my body with such chemicals.” Amen, sister! I hope this post reaches more young women too. Thanks for sharing Kathryn x
Hi Clarie
Thanks so much for you and everyone sharing there stories. I have been on the pill for 7 years, since April this year I decided to come off the pill at the age of 30 because of health reasons. The month of April I have spotting, then May nothing, June I had I guess a period for 5 days, then stopped, then week after had some spotting. Now we are in July and nothing again.
But it is very scary what the “pill” is doing to our bodys. I just hope my body finds it way again soon. Because it is very stressfull not knowing what is going on with your own body.
But I am glad that I have found your website and I am hoping everything will be ok. Thanks again 🙂
Most welcome Melissa! I’m glad you’ve found this space too. Sending you lots of healing, relaxing, loving vibes. Will have an update post up very soon on where I’m at. Stay tuned x.
Hello Claire,
Sorry to say this but is good to hear that there are other people out there. I stopped the pill in September last year in an attempt to start a family but it has been a roller coaster since. I never really thought about kids much until one day a switch was flipped and suddenly the desire was there and for four years that desire grew and became a need. It’s in my thoughts daily. I just can’t get over how it became such a priority, like its programmed in…any way the other half finally gave the go ahead and after 10 years I got to stop the pill. The first two months were horrible. I became anxious and stressed to the point where I couldn’t eat. I felt worthless and like a disappointment to my loved ones. I didn’t know what was wrong just chalking it down to stress and then my husband suggested I go see a doctor and sure enough my erratic emotions were all part of stopping the pill. After three months the emotions settled but my once regular periods get further and further apart. I used to get the regular symptoms but now I never know when my period is coming and recently its become very light and lasts 10-12 days. I did go to a gp 5 months ago and they told me that the irregular periods are common for women going off the pill. But with the period changes I have made another appointment for next week. Im terrified that there is something wrong but know that that’s just stressing me out even more.
Sorry for the long msg but there isn’t much information on this topic. Please let me know how things worked out for you.
Hey there Leah. Thanks for sharing your story too babe and please do not apologise! I’m just glad you found a story you can relate to right now. Firstly, don’t stress! It’s a bitch and won’t help with the healing your body needs to do. And you’re not alone. It’s certainly true that it takes time for our bodies to adjust after coming off the pill. Just be kind, patient and aware. Good for you for following it up with your Dr. I’m in the process of writing an update post of where I’m at, so stay tuned OK. xx
Claire, it is such a relief that there are blogs out in the vastness of the internet that are discussing women’s health with such honesty and openness. I applaud you for starting this discussion, and have found myself entranced by the stories I’m reading, as mine is quite similar:
I’m 23, and went off the pill at the end of December, 2012, after having taken it for 4.5 years. Originally I went on the pill because when I turned 17, my once perfectly balanced periods (even from the start when our mothers warn it may be crazy) went haywire. I started getting unbearable cramps, periods twice a month that would last for 8 days each, extremely heavy flows, and my skin was an absolute wreck. The pill did almost everything it promised and I was content.
To be frank, it wasn’t a deliberate decision to go off the pill; My prescription had expired, I was no longer insured, and no longer sexually intimate with anyone as I recently had gotten out of a 6 year relationship- I didn’t feel the need to spend the money on it. Previously, every year while on the pill I’d manage to not get to my doctor in time to renew my prescription and I would be off the pill for a month or two. Each of those times my period would come back with a vengeance, so this January I planned and expected for the worst – but nothing came. I think I spotted for like, a day back in April, but it has now been 6+ months, and still nothing. At first I found it rather odd and feared I could become one of those stories you see on TV about girls who didn’t know they were pregnant. Now after a few months of doing some reading, I’m concerned about what this means. My mother is a (very fortunate) stage 3 ovarian cancer survivor, which recent findings have shown that this can run in families. I’ve also noticed an unpleasant amount of weight gain – 15 pounds over the last 6 months – and I already felt like I needed to lose some before going off the pill. I’ve just now begun making changes to my eating and exercise habits, so I’m curious if things will change when I start treating my body with the respect it deserves, as the things we eat play such a big role in our hormones, but alas, this is all frightening stuff. I fear I’m going to wake up one day after several years of insisting that I did not want children only to find out that I do in fact want them, but I’ve unfortunately fallen infertile!
Forgive me – this got to be longer than I anticipated. Claire, I look forward to hearing about how your appointment went, and do wish you the best! Cheers!
Thank you so much for your honesty Caroline. It seems such a common story these days, as you can tell by the vast amount of comments here. I’m saddened every time I read yet another young woman’s confusion and despair at what her body is or is not doing after coming off the contraceptive pill. I’m in the process of writing an update post on where I’m at. Good on you for making some changes to your exercise and eating habits – that is fantastic! What a wonderful step you have taken right there. Keep me updated, yeah? x
I’m in the exact predicament right now and waiting to hear from my OBGYN about what next steps. I am 26 years old and have been on birth control since I was 15. This is the first time I have been off of it for more than a month. I finished taking my pills in January and visited the OBGYN in February. I received more BC because my husband wanted to try in about one year. Well, seven months later, still no sign of my period so I haven’t started to take BC yet. I realized two things. 1. It’s evident that I put my body through something unnatural and traumatic for too long so I won’t go back on it. Even if that means we have kids sooner. 2. My body doesn’t know how to react any longer and I worry about not being able to conceive after spending half my life trying not to. I’m waiting to hear back after this weekend, but what was the outcome of your experience? I’m trying to remain calm and making positive food/exercise choices in the mean time so that it won’t affect me too much.
I have been on the Yasmin for about 3-4 years and prior to that Microgynon. I started taking it at university when I was in a serious relationship. At the time I thought I was doing the responsible thing i.e. protecting myself from falling pregnant.
I didn’t plan to stop taking it, I basically forgot a few and then forgot to start my new pack so I thought it best to “take a break” and start up again after my next period (as recommended in the pill leaflets). Problem is that “break” is now 3 months without a bleed. I’m definitely not pregnant (although I’ve not taken a test or been to the docs yet to confirm) as I’ve not actually slept with my partner for some time ( separate issue!)
I came across your blog while searching for answers online and found it very informative. It’s great to hear I’m not alone and it has also reinforced my emerging opinion that being on the pill is not necessarily a good thing. I don’t think society should have such a lighthearted approach to pumping women’s bodies with chemicals and disrupting their normal hormone cycle. I think it’s important to understand our bodies and what we are doing to them, short term gain does not necessarily lead to long term happiness.
I’m glad I have taken the decision to stop the pill relatively young at 24 (albeit in a less conventional manner). I want children some day and I want to respect my body.
Apologies for the long message but I felt the need to share!
Claire, at the risk of parroting what all of these other wonderful ladies are saying, thank you for facilitating such a frank, honest and unbiased discussion!
I happened across your page while researching what to expect if I were to stop taking the pill. I’m currently on Yaz – and have been so for the last 2 years – primarily for the contraceptive ‘benefits’, but prior to that, I’d used everything from Yazmin (which ended in me developing Erythema Nodosum, that I initially thought was DVT/ clots – scariest wait in hospital EVER!!) to the Implanon with only short breaks in between. Now at the age of 28 – after having read many stories of the struggles faced by women my own age – I think I’ve heard enough and it’s really inspired me to cease and desist with the pill in order to start making a positive change for my body, before it’s too late!
I’d be lying if I said I was doing so free of trepidation, though – the prospect of falling pregnant right now terrifies me (while it’s on the distant horizon, it doesn’t fit with my fiancé and my more immediate plans and goals for rectifying our financial issues by way of our professional aspirations).
I’m also scared at what I’ll face (physically – in terms of my weight and skin, as well as emotionally) coming off the pill. Like many women, I am self-conscious about my weight (I’m probably 10-15kgs over what’s ideal for my height and frame) and because I’ve always battled with my bulge (and subsequently, with my self esteem) I am really concerned that I’ll balloon out once I stop taking the pill which will obviously resonate into other areas of my life.
All that said though, the fear of what might happen to my body if I stop taking the pill doesn’t out-weigh the reality of what it’s doing to me (and so many other unsuspecting women) right now so I’m resolved to quit!
I’m very fortunate that my fiancé is so supportive and has actually been looking into natural remedies to support my body while it’s detoxing from years of synthetic hormones (he’s a massage therapist and works very closely with those in the alternative/ complementary medicine field). It was suggested to him by a naturopath colleague that I use a therapeutic-grade essential oil blend called Progessence Phyto Plus so I’m expecting that in the mail in the next few days.
I’m really keen to hear how your consultation goes and I’ll also keep ya’ll posted on how the Progessence stuff helps me (from what I’ve read, my cautiously optimistic!).
All the best and thanks again!!!
Cheers,
Nat.
I would like to reassure you that the side effects of coming off the pill you see online are mostly the horror stories! After coming off the pill my mood has been much more stable (leading me to realise that I was actually hormonal when I was on it) and the pounds have dropped off! This is partly because I’m not feeling so artificially pregnant (bigger boobs and bloated/ retaining water), and I also find it much easier to control my appetite! I’m so glad you’ve got a supportive partner it makes all the difference and good luck! X
Hi Claire, thank you for all this amazing information. I am 26 and I have been on the Pill for 9.5 yrs and am due to come off my pill in October after my wedding, but reading all about what its doing to people has really scared me. Myself and my soon to be husband know that we want to start a family straight away, we have been together nearly 10 years and cant wait to have our own family.
I have really struggled this year with stomach problems and did wonder if this is my body telling me enough is enough, I have had scans on my ovaries and blood test and due to have a sigmoidoscopy in a few weeks, I really do now believe that enough is enough and that all these problems could be being caused by my pill.
Yes its convenient and all that but if only we knew what it was actually doing to us!!!. I am really concerned that what if this has caused damage that’s not reversible! I am currently on my 7 day break and will not being taking another pack again! Thank you for standing up and starting this conversation. It has truly opened my eyes! I really wish all you ladies out there all the very best x
The thought of what the pill has done to me terrifies me! I’m young… Only 21 but I never had a proper period naturally. My first one came at 14 but I only had a couple after which were extremely light. I went on the pill at 17 and had them every month after. I was sick of hormonal side effects so decided to come off…Oh and i started to get breakthrough bleeding! I’ve always worried about my fertility so figured its better to start looking into it now because I’d like to have children in a few years… Good news is I’m happier than I’ve ever been, my acne never returned and I’ve lost weight! But no period… I’m terrified! My long term boyfriend and I need to take precautions but I’m put off hormonal contraceptives because quite frankly nobody knows what they’re actually doing to our bodies :/
Have to admit this scared me a little! i’ve been on the pill for a couple of years, Yasmin, for contraception and heavy and painful periods. I also have anemia so a heavy period drains me out more than the usual person 🙁 As far as contraception, i’ve been with my boyfriend for two years and we are sensible but unfortunately i’m allergic to condoms! The non-latex brands are significantly more expensive and being a student, we don’t have much money to spend. however, knowing the risks i often go for a couple of months without the pill, and have successfully had proper periods, the mood swings, aching stomach, insomnia, the works!
Hi Lizzie,
Have you thought about charting your cycles using a basal body temperature chart. Then you should be able to work out when you are ovulating and when to avoid sex if you don’t want to get pregnant yet. You will need an accurate thermometer and there are lots of website out there about it if you’ve not heard of this before. I hope this is helpful.
My sister is allergic to latex also. Can be challenging! Nothing to be scared of Lizzie, just keep observing your body and doing what’s best for you x
This post has helped settle my raging imagination. My partner and I decided we wanted stop preventing and see what life bought our way, we’re ready for a family but wanted to take a relaxed approach to start. So I finished my last pill in June, had my period normally inline with what would have been the sugar pills.
After not getting my period in July we took a pregnancy test today thinking ‘surely it couldn’t be that easy!’ which came back negative. We were ok with that but then I got scared at what’s wrong with me then? Where’s my period? Seeing all the above comments I now see that it seems quite normal for it not to come straight back.
I guess I’ll leave the panic button for now and see what the coming weeks bring. Thanks to all for sharing their stories.
I’m interested to see how you’re going Claire as I’m in the same boat – 9 months off the pill after being on it for 12 years & no periods yet. Just had a blood test & ultrasound done last week which were both fine thank goodness, I was worried something bad was going on. Apparently I’m just in this suspended state of no hormones though! The doctor told me maybe I should put on weight & suggested Roaccutane for my horrible hormonal acne. Ummm no thanks. Going to see a Naturopath next week also. Jade x
Very similar story Jade! I am in the process of getting a few results back also, will write an update post very soon. Let me know how you go with the Naturopath! x
I am 22 and have been on the pill since I was very young (I would say around 8 years now). I have now been in a long term relationship and having a baby has been spoken about and starting a family in a years time or so. Would you suggest I came off the pill now to regulate my body? or come off the pill at the time I want to conceive?
After reading the reviews most ladies haven’t been able to fall pregnant for months or even years after coming off the pill…
I look forward to some suggestions.
I’m having this problem now 🙁 I had a baby 6 years ago then went back on the pill. Stop taking it to try for another one with my new husband 5 months ago and only had one period (3 months ago) since 🙁
I have just read through so many people’s posts and they sound like me! I started the pill for irregular periods when I was 17 and now at 26 am worried about both having synthetic drugs in my body and being infertile when I want to have kids. I’d been thinking about coming off for a while and then misplaced the prescription (very odd for me) so I thought it might be a sign! I would love to go back in time and teach me all about this- as many others have said.
I thought I’d also mention something which has changed my life is getting rid or tampons and pads and using a menstral cup. Best investment I have made and I don’t know why these are not common knowledge 🙂 also makes dealing with irregular periods a little easier. Here’s hoping I have normal periods sooner rather than later.
I am 27 and have been off the pill for almost 5 months now. I was on it for 12 years and always had normal cycles before going on it. Since going off, I have only had 3 periods (which the naturopath suspects are breakthrough bleeds not true ovulation). We are wanting to start a family soon, so I am now taking Chaste Tree and Shatavari to encourage my body to start ovulating on its own. It’s frustrating as every time I asked my GP he said there was no need to go off the pill prior to wanting to concieve, good thing I listened to the naturopath and gave myself a 6 month window to get things figured out!
My GP is currently trying to get me to go back on the pill Elise – frustrating, yes – it is just a matter of research and making our own decisions for our own body! Good on you for doing just that 🙂
Thanks for everyone’s posts! My own story is similar to some – I went off the pill a year ago in August 2012 after 13 years of taking it consistently. I have had only TWO periods since then.
The first one was on time, a month later, the next one was 7 months later in March, and nothing since, 5 months and counting!
I am not trying to have a baby, but wanted to feel what it was like to produce my own hormones as a natural woman. I noticed emotional changes instantly that would describe as ‘feeling more emotionally aware’ – as if I had become more responsive to my surroundings….like a veil had been lifted in a sense. This reveals both good and not so good feelings, but I was happy to be able to experience things more fully! I also noted slight change in my weight distribution, though overall one that is more ‘womanly’ and less ‘teenage like’. My usually controllable acne also became much much more intense and hard to control, though it comes in waves. In January 2013 I changed countries,climates and jobs, so I thought this stress could have influenced my lack of periods etc, but now it’s just getting a bit ridiculous. Another thing is that I had a LLETZ procedure about 2 years ago and am going to request an ultrasound to make sure the scarring hasn’t closed my cervix (a rare complication, but worth considering if relevant to you). Meanwhile I continue to battle things naturally, trying a gluten free diet, no hormones, exercise and good food.
I agree with everyone that doctors need to be more explicit about the incredibly life-altering side effects of stopping the pill. They also need to stop prescribing it like antibiotics. I feel very much in the dark about this, and as if all of us are the experimental guinea pigs of our generation. This is why it is important to share 🙂
Was very good coming across this and everyone story of coming off the pill. I’ve been on the pill since I was 13 and I’m now 30, so that makes 17 years on the pill. I’m getting married in 8 weeks and my partner and I want to try straight away for a family. A little worried reading everyones story’s as to what has happened to their bodies. I was going to stop in the next week, but don’t wanna get acne or gain weight but then leaving it another 2 months might delay it even more from reading on here. I know all bodies are different, so undecided now.
This post has scared me a little!! My partner and I decided that we wanted children but we were going to take the relaxed approach. I came off the pill in Before Christmas, and my period did not appear for 6 weeks. I didn’t think this was a problem, I knew it would take a while. After 2 months I took a pregnancy test and it was positive!! We couldn’t believe our luck! We were delighted how things worked out. Then, at 8 weeks I miscarried. Our world came crashing down. We made the decision to try again right away. 7 months l still have had no period, and no pregnancy. I have had hormone tests which showed normal results and an ultrasound which ruled out pcos. Have I made myself infertile from taking the pill for 5 years?
Hi Jen, I apologise if this post has scared you, certainly my intention has never to been to scare anyone – just generate some more awareness. I’m also sorry to hear of your devastating miscarriage, I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been. As you can see from the comments, there are a lot of people experiencing this same issue. However, everybody is different and reacts different coming off the pill. Lots of people DO find it easy to fall pregnant and have a healthy baby after coming off the pill. That’s great your hormone levels are normal and no signs of PCOD. Stay informed, nourish and listen to your body and give it time. I really hope it all works out for you! x
Thank you for the great blog. I have been on birth control for the past 12 years. I am thirty and not trying to conceive, but wanted to know what it felt like to produce my own hormones. I have only been off the Nuva Ring for 7 days and was doubting my decision. Reading through your blog and all the responses just validated that I am making the best decision. I am nervous about this journey but I want to live holistically. It’s funny because we eat clean and try to keep our environment toxin free, yet I was taking these synthethetic hormones. Time to reset even if the journey is tough and inconvenient.
This website has definitely made me more aware about the possible side effects of the pill after taking it for years! I was only taking it for a year and didn’t get a new prescription in time so was planning on not taking it until my next period like the doctor recommends. I am only 19 and It has been over 2 and a half months since I stopped taking the pill and had my period. Even if I get my period reasonably soon and things get back to normal I think these posts have concerned me enough to not use it again! I am already noticing I have less mood swings since taking it, although I have lost a bit of weight too (which I don’t want!)
Hi everyone, I’m so glad I found this website. I have been on the pill since I was 18, went on it due to heavy and very painful periods, was told by my GP that the pill would be the ‘wonder cure’ for my problems. And to be honest, it did sort out the problem periods and horrible pain. I changed pills about 5 years ago after about a year’s break due to some side effects with the original pill. But I’m now 30 and feel that I need to give my body a break from synthetic hormones so have just made the decision to stop taking the pill. I’m not trying to conceive, just want to let my body regulate itself and be natural. I’m very frightened, though, about what side effects I’m going to suffer after stopping the pill. I’ve heard some real horror stories on websites/forums about hair loss, acne, weight gain etc but I’ve just got to put my fears behind me and see what happens. I now realise that it’s really silly that I always try to eat healthily and exercise to look after my body, yet I’ve been pumping it full of synthetic hormones for nearly 12 years!!
Anyway, sorry for the long post, thanks to everyone for contributing to this website, it makes me feel much better knowing that I’m not alone.
Hi. I am 31 years old and I was put on the pill at 15 to control my cramps. I went off the pill last September knowing that I wanted to get pregnant soon and wanted to start getting my body ready. Well my body apparently has a different plan. I had a normal cycles form October – March and no my period is gone. It has now been 6 months I have been to the naturopath and all blood test came back normal besides my low hormone levels. So I have been taking some herbs and I did start over a month ago for 1 day but patiently awaiting for it to return.
We do need to get the word out because everyone thinks birth control is safe and I am hearing all kinds of stories from my friends that sound just like all of ours.
Good luck everyone.
Amber
So I stopped my period on June 20 2013 and its almost been 3 months since without a period, I am taking vitex to see if that helps I don’t know what to do
Hi there I am 24 now and was put on the pill at 13 years old after my second period due to severe pain and heavy bleeding. The pain got better to a point but when I was 18 I was diagnosed with endometriosis and had surgery and a iud mirena put in they then took it out after 2 years as they said it was causing other problems I was then put back on the pill its been almost 5 years now and my husband and I have decided to have a baby I stopped taking the pill 3 moths ago i had a light bleed for 2 days and nothing since I also have gained weight, got oily skin and systs have swollen up I have done numerous of pregnancy tests and nothing I think im in for the long haul with this one as my body has never had a natural cycle since I was put on the pill from the beginning of my first period, whilst had the iud I didnt menstarte for 2 years and never really did when went back on the pill after that. Never really worried about it until now. Im worried that my body will never go back to normal altho my sister inlaw only ever had one period a year if she was lucky and when trying for a baby was put on some pills to make her ovulate and within 3 months she was pregnant but she had a horrible pregnancy and had to be induced early so her baby was in hospital a ling time so im hoping I can do this naturally. Its a bit shit how the doctors do not warn us of future problems
Wow glad to hear there are others out there in similar situations. I was on the pill for 9 years. I’m 26 now and stopped taking it in May this year to see how my body would be in its natural state-free from the synthetic hormones. I still have not gotten it and I too worry there’s something wrong with me. Hearing that it can take 6 months or longer to get it is reassuring. I’m hoping I get it by the end of the year and will be seeing my doctor if it doesn’t come by then.
I’m in a very similar situation… I went on the pill when I was 15 and stopped in Jan 2013. I still haven’t had a period since then and Claire your article made me face up to some issues around fertility. Although I don’t want children now, I worry about my ability to carry a healthy child some day and if the pill might have done long term damage. My mum was on the pill for about 10 years, and she went on to have two healthy children… so I like to think science only got better since the 80’s, right? I told my doctor I still hadn’t had a period and she kind of shrugged it off like it was perfectly normal. I’m giving my body a December deadline and then I’ll take action to figure out what’s happening with my hormones. In the mean time I’ll keep prepared for the unexpected! Thanks for the article Claire.
Reading this post and all the comments has really helped me through what is probably only the beginning of a period of feeling ‘unnatural’. I came off the pill about 3 months ago and no period as yet. My husband is very keen to get pregnant so I’ve read him a few passages from above to help him understand what’s happening in my body and my head. Fingers crossed I’m back to feeling more natural soon!
Thank you so so much for this post, it has put my mind at ease after much worrying. I started the pill about 18 months ago and all was fine except my period was slightly longer, I changed to another pill but no difference then in June I took a two month break and my first period after a months break was normal so I decided to restart the pill as it has made my periods less erratic and I wasn’t willing to give that up however my next period when I restarted the pill came two weeks after the last and was very light and this month I have had nothing! I wish my GP had told me the consequences of stopping and starting as I would have probably opted to remain on it. I never realised how much it messes with your body and I’m glad someone is raising awareness of the effects it can have!
Hi.
You can take Inofolic/Pregnitude to regulate your cycles naturally after being on birth control for long. It brought my cycles from 35 days down to 29 days.
Unfortunately I had an early miscarriage this month. I really considered going back on the pill, but this site made me think twice. I guess condoms for now…
Hi Claire and all the ladies that have posted here. I, like all of you, am experiencing the same issues having come of the pill. I started taking it when I was 15, when my GP put me on it because I was taking Roaccutane. Being sexually active they want to make sure you are taking something to prevent pregnancy because the side effects of Roaccutane are so bad. I guess that should have been my first warning sign. Being 15 and having terrible acne which made me very upset and depressed, my mother just wanted to help with my self esteem and Roaccutane was the answer.
After I started taking the pill, I stayed on it for the next 13 years, consecutively with no break what so ever. In 2012 I got married and of course the subject of children came up. Both myself and my husband aren’t sure if we want kids, so it wasn’t a decision that needed to be made right away. Then in March 2013 (this year) I decided to come off the pill for my own reasons – I was getting break through bleeding and stomach pains, plus I was travelling a lot and worried about the associated risks with DVT. Needless to say I also thought I might be pregnant, as I’ve never had issues before with bleeding in between. But I certainly didn’t come off it to try and get pregnant.
That was 6 months ago and other than the final “period” I had once I stopped the pill, I’ve had absolutely nothing. No period, no bleeding at all.
At first I freaked out thinking I was pregnant for the first month, but once that was not an option, I started to research how common this is. Also, my acne is back with a vengeance, not only on my face, but my back and chest and it’s soul destroying for me. I feel like I’m 15 again, when I’m almost 29 and feel I’m too old to have this happening!
It’s so heartbreaking and disappointing that noone tells you this could happen when they give the pill out like candy to girls so young without explaining the issues for later on when you want to rid yourself of taking it in the first place.
I feel so much for those women on here that WANT to have children, that must be an even tougher journey than mine.
In the last 6 months I’ve been back to my GP and had blood tests which have come back “normal” i.e no obvious hormone issues, been seeing an acupucturist, doing regular yoga (which I have for years) and recently starting seeing a naturopath. PLEASE, if anyone can give any advice, particularly around issues with skin and acne, I’d be forever greatful, as so far I’ve had no results with anything. Obviously it’s all tied together, but I’m desperate at this point. I’ve even thought about going back on the pill, even thigh deep down I know that’s not the answer!
Sorry for my HUGE comment, but this is something I feel so strongly about and I wish there was more information for woman out there. Makes me think the pharmaceutical companies purposefully try and hide all the bad things about the drugs they make!!
Much love to all ladies going through this xx
Hi Kristyn, unfortunately I don’t have any advice, but my story is almost exactly the same as yours. A long history of moderate to severe acne, roaccutane and the pill. The pill never gave me clear skin, so I decided to go on my own in June this year, after learning more about how the pill affects your body. I changed my diet, avoiding sugar, gluten and dairy and felt better for it to start with and even got a period in August. Since then I have felt a shift in my body, lower energy levels, more feelings of depression than I’ve ever felt before and my acne has gone from bad to worse, to the point of painful. Which is bad timing as I’m getting married in January! But I just wanted you to know you are not alone in your pain! Like you, I also considered going back on the pill, but ultimately it’s a simple choice of longer term health, happiness and fertility rather than worrying about having clear skin in January. I’m certainly aiming to keep improving my insides with diet, accupunture, chinese medicine and de-stressing. I’d love to hear how you go with time and I’ll be sure to keep you informed if I have any breakthrough’s! Goodluck!
Aimee x.
Hi Kristin and all the ovely ladies out there,
My story is pretty similiar to those here. Had the pill (Diane) from 16 because of my acne. Over the years I have stopped it many times because deep inside me I always knew it wasn’t the answer. But I was desperate and at least taking the pill I felt ‘normal’ (getting periods) and beautiful (without acne).
Now I’m 35 and stopped it on March 2013 and and haven’t had a period yet. My acne is back but now trying to have a healthier lifestyle. That means that not only healthy diet and exercise are on the recipe but managing stress, taking natural remedies (Vitex) and supplements (B complex and Macca). Something that I think is doing the trick to control the acne is drinking Apple Cider Vinager mixed with water first thing every morning. I could prove it is working for me because 2 weeks ago I was on a trip and didn’t have for just 2 days and my acne popped out again like crazy. My skin is far from perfect but is much better and at least I’m not getting those painful pimples.
I’m learning every day about how to feel good with myself and how to treat my body in the best possible way. Next challenge is to prepare Kombucha at home!
Hope you feel better and maybe you can try the tip of the vinegar and hopefully works for you.
Good luck!!! x
Hi Claire and all the other amazing ladies,
I just wanted to say that I came off the pill two months ago and have been freaking out about not having a period since then. Although a lot of these stories are quite terrifying, it has been such a comfort to read them all and know that I am not alone.
Thank you so much to everyone for sharing.
Fingers crossed for a period soon, or a baby in some cases, for all of us.
Annabel xxx
Hey Ladies,
I’m so relieved to have come across this blog. I just came of the pill two months ago… Surprise surprise, no period.
I’m totally freaking out, but it seems I’m not the only one.
Thanks for posting this, it’s made me feel better. Guess I just hold tight and wait now.
Good luck ladies x
Hi!
I had been on the pill for 10 years, I have just recently come off it, this will be my second month not taking. I had my period a month later, and it came during the same week it would normally come when I was taking the pill, now it’s been 5 weeks and hasn’t come.. Just quietly freaking out!!
And I’m gettin little symptoms that I would normally get, such as sore boobs, headache little back pain.. Haven’t had really any cramping.. Is this normal?? Is my body still adjusting?? Should I be expecting my period?? Or will it take a while to come back??
Hi everyone!
I’m so glad I found this website. I went off the pill 3 months ago and still no signs of anything, oh except weight gain and oily skin!! Never thought I’d see the day that I miss my period… My husband and I are trying to conceive #1 too which adds to the stress. I called my doctors nurse last week and she acts like there’s nothing they can do at this point but wait. It would be nice if they would at least test my hormone levels or something!