Coming off the pill

meerkat70
meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
edited October 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
OK, not generally one to complain about 'female problems', but just looking for a bit of insight into what's going on with my body. I stopped taking the contraceptive pill about 2 or 3 weeks ago (not for any particularly exciting reasons!). I've been physically very uncomfortable ever since - bloated, gained weight, constipated, very sensitive skin, and just generally feeling grim. Still no sign of a period. I feel so unwell, though, and obviously these symptoms are also having an effect on my motivation for weight loss and fitness, and on my general feeling of wellbeing.

I wondered if anyone else had gone through this, and just how long I can expect this to go on for? Particularly I wondered about experiences of coming off the pill while trying to lose weight. And also whether there's anything people can suggest that might help?

Replies

  • Dexy_
    Dexy_ Posts: 593 Member
    Your body is going through a fairly weird change. As you know the pill works partly as an extra ovary that tells the real ones not to do their job, because this fake ovary is. Hence not releasing eggs ect ect. So when you come off the pill, your lady parts now have to start doing their job again. I don't really have any advice but to ride it out, your body should settle down but if your discomfort gets worse, or is very bad or constant go see your GP to make sure everything is fine.
  • CARNAT22
    CARNAT22 Posts: 764 Member
    I twas purely coincedental but I stopped taking the pill in Mid Feb (and I signed up here on Feb 2nd)

    I had no side effects that I can recall.

    Have you been poorly hun? I don't suppose there in any chance you may have conceived?
  • Dexy_
    Dexy_ Posts: 593 Member
    I don't suppose there in any chance you may have conceived?

    I was thinking that too ;)
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    I don't suppose there in any chance you may have conceived?

    I was thinking that too ;)

    noooo :-D
  • randa_behnam
    randa_behnam Posts: 488 Member
    everyone is different and it also depends on the type of pill. when i had a break from the pill, the first two months were horrible, i gained weight, my skin was dry and spotty and i looked like a balloon. also not to mention cramps from hell (which is why i went back on it)

    its your hormones making changes. they say it can take between 6 months to a year to get the effects out of your system. once your body has had a chance to adapt to the change in hormone levels you should start to balance out :o)
  • nickymaire
    nickymaire Posts: 138 Member
    think about how long you have been on the pill, that is how long you have been pumping your body full of hormones. it can take up to six months for your body to adjust or for you to even get a period. or you may find that you get your period every week. ... just depends. give it time and your body will hopefully sort itself out... if not you could go back on it.
  • Puddykat1026
    Puddykat1026 Posts: 164 Member
    I had side effects for about 4 months until it was completely out of my system. I was taking Yaz for over a year & decided to get off of it. I had headaches, and PMS symptoms 2 weeks before my cycle started for the entire 4 months. It's been about 9 months now and I'm dealing acne right now (that is something that Yaz also treats) so I'm trying to fight it effectively without more meds. You're body will go through changes with your hormones changing, so either visit your doctor or ride it out, whatever makes you feel comfortable. Everyone's body is different, but the changes shouldn't cause concern. If in a few months you don't feel normal, contact your doctor (you always need time for your body to come off any meds). Good luck!
  • icemaiden17_uk
    icemaiden17_uk Posts: 463 Member
    Things you should take into consideration are

    your age,
    the pill you were on
    and how long you were on it for

    You are going through a major hormonal change and it can take up to a year for your body to return to normal. Be patient with yourself and if it becomes a real problem or you are concerned go and see you GP or local Family Planning!

    Good Luck!!
  • Pangea250
    Pangea250 Posts: 965 Member
    I used to advise women on fertility issues in the past, so.....

    Unfortunately, coming off the pill can have unpredictable results. It is *possible* that you may not ovulate for 6 months to a year (or sometimes longer, but that would indicate other issues). During the time that you are anovulatory (not ovulating), you will feel the symptoms you describe. Sooner or later, though, your body will normalize itself, you will ovulate, then have a period.

    There isn't anything to do but let time pass. If you are interested in charting, I can help you with that. It's a great way to know exactly when you are ovulating and when your period is about to start.
  • thibautseeker
    thibautseeker Posts: 69 Member
    When I came off the pill it was a year before I ovulated for the first time, it can take a while for your body to get rid of the effects of the pill so I think you've just got to ride it out.

    For constipation I'd recommend Aloe Vera juice (taste is quite strong must admit when I first started having it was revolted by the taste but persevered and now I actually love it).
  • _tiifyjo_
    _tiifyjo_ Posts: 118 Member
    I had similar issues for a couple months after coming off the pill. My period and Pms are still messed up and I came off it in like May.
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    Thanks everyone. Not too bothered about ovulation, as I'm not ttc, just want a break from the pill. (Partner has had the snip, so really was just on it to manage periods.) I'll give it a few months, but if it doesn't settle then I reckon I'll go back on it. I'll give aloe vera juice a try.
  • Maryfullofgrace
    Maryfullofgrace Posts: 342 Member
    I used to advise women on fertility issues in the past, so.....

    Unfortunately, coming off the pill can have unpredictable results. It is *possible* that you may not ovulate for 6 months to a year (or sometimes longer, but that would indicate other issues). During the time that you are anovulatory (not ovulating), you will feel the symptoms you describe. Sooner or later, though, your body will normalize itself, you will ovulate, then have a period.

    There isn't anything to do but let time pass. If you are interested in charting, I can help you with that. It's a great way to know exactly when you are ovulating and when your period is about to start.

    Charting is a great thing! If you go to a doctor who supports charting it is even better! (I've had some doctors who want to make copies of my charts and some who don't even want to see them. Needless to say, I've stopped going to the doctor's who don't want to see them.) Charting shows a wealth of information about you! You will feel so much better and really get to know your body!
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