What side effects did you experience when you went off bcp?

[Anonymous]

I have been off bcp for two months, and it has been a rough two months. I have had headaches, mild nausea, muscle pain, crying spells, blurry vision in one eye, and no period at all. (I am not pregnant!)

Did you have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms? Did getting your period help?

[Anonymous]

No withdrawal symptoms for me, but my period came back within 30 days.

[Anonymous]

My period was nine days late (39th day). I was sure I was pregnant. No symptoms, but my period is much easier to handle on the pill. Now I have strong cramps, nausea and diarrhea each month to warn me that my period is coming. Six cycles and not pregnant yet.

[Anonymous]

My first 2 cycles off the pill were 28 days but I had a lot of stress during cycle 3 so from that cycle on they were anywhere from 30-35 days. My periods are very heavy, I get awful (like take a sick day) cramps, and sore breasts. I am also definitely more emotional as well. It's been 11 months since I stopped BC and I've noticed those symptoms have eased up a bit recently though. And still not pregnant.

If you've gone 60 days with no period, I would call you doctor. No reason to panic, as I know this is common, but certainly worth investigating. GL!

[Anonymous]

The first couple months my period was 42 days apart and extremely heavy bleeding for 6 days. Fourth month (28 days apart), now medium bleeding for 2 days and 2 extremely light days. So far so good.

[Anonymous]

I'm OP. I went to the doctor and she said to wait another three months (for a total of @5 months) and come back in if I still don't get a period. DH and I are nervous about starting to ttc, but I'm 35 and not getting any younger! If I knew I could have a baby at 38. . . .But who knows?? And the lack of period now is not reassuring, though I know it's fairly normal.

[Anonymous]

I didn't come off the BCP, but coming off nuvaring, I had NONE of those issues. Interesting (I was on it for 4 years).

I did want to have sex ALL the time.

[Anonymous]

Felt like a zombie for about a year.

[Anonymous]

I had horrible acne and my period started 14 days after I went off the pill. It was lovely.

[Anonymous]

10:20, what do you mean by "felt like a zombie"? How long had you been on bcp? (I hope you're feeling normal again!)

[Anonymous]

It took me 4 months for my period to return when I got off the pill. Have not had a regular (28 day) cycle since, but I was irregular when I went on it. No other side effects.

[Anonymous]

PP who felt like zombie.... my period went from 28 day cycles to 25-27. My hair was not as nice (greasier and not as shiny) and I got some acne/ greasy skin. Had stronger cramps. I just felt weird- I felt like my hormones/ personality was out of whack. I made a conscious effort not to be an arse to my now husband but I was all over the place emotionally, had difficulty concentrating, mood was off- not depressed but not happy- could have been the acne and the greasy skin/ hair. I am fine now- 2 years later. Well as fine as a 38 year old with decreasing ovarian function can be (totally surprised by my numbers as was the RE). I was on BCP from age 18 to age 35, with a one year break age 26-27. My opinion, my body was so used to functioning on the pill- at that point I had been on it while menstruating more than I the time I wasn't on it.

[Anonymous]

none

[Anonymous]

16:13--omg two years! I can't take it! And I was on bcp almost as long as you were (12 years with a few months off when I ran out of pills and didn't get my period--needed a progestin challenge to be able to get back ON bcp!).

[Anonymous]

16:13 here, op my period was regular immediately. It was all the other stuff which took about a year to stabilize in my opinion. I was shocked at how I felt but I am also a person that it is sensitive to any type of medication. I think everyone has different experiences. It wasn't overwhelming I just felt off for about a year.