Facebook Pixel
Q: 

What is the process for coming off the birth control pill?

By HERWriter July 24, 2019 - 9:23am
 
Rate This
Birth Control related image

Hi! My neurologist and dermatologist both suggested I come off my birth control pill due to some health problems it might be causing.

I was just wondering what the process is like? Will my doctor tapper me off and will there be any withdrawal side effects?

Also, how might my body react. What are some common issues with women coming off the pill. I have been on it for over 10 years.

Add a Comment3 Comments

HERWriter Guide

Hello Catherine Taylor

Thank you for writing!

There is no need to wean from birth control pills. You simply stop taking it and your period should arrive between a couple of days and several weeks - all women are different. However, it's very likely you will have your first bleed within a week.

There should be no major side effects although since the birth control pill mimics pregnancy, you may find a slight breast size reduction (if they got bigger while taking it) or some weight loss. If you are prone to acne, you may see a return of some of it. Your period may be irregular for a few months as your body gets used to not being on hormones anymore. Your period may be heavier.

Be careful to choose and use other forms of birth control if you do not want to become pregnant. Condoms are an obvious choice but your doctor can help you decide, if you choose to use birth control.

Best,
Susan

July 24, 2019 - 1:11pm
HERWriter (reply to SusanC)

Thank you so much! Just out of curiosity, is taking spironolactone for acne still necessary if I am not taking birth control? I know it is a hormone balancer so not sure if that was used to combat the birth control effects of acne.

July 24, 2019 - 1:24pm
HERWriter Guide (reply to Catherine Taylor)

Hi again!

Were you taking spironolactone along with birth control? Or were you taking both simultaneously? My advice would be to talk to your doctor but perhaps see how your acne is 3 months after coming off birth control (if you are taking nothing else). Depending on how old you are, your acne may have naturally cleared during the past 10 years.
Unfortunately at 49, I am getting wrinkles and still have acne if I don't take meds for it. So not fair to have both!
Best,
Susan

July 24, 2019 - 1:51pm
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment

All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.

Birth Control

Get Email Updates

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!