Impact and Solutions for Discontinuing Contraceptives: Potential Complications and Their Resolutions
After making the decision to discontinue hormonal birth control, many individuals may experience a range of temporary side effects as their bodies readjust. Here's a guide to understanding what to expect during this transition.
Upon stopping hormonal birth control, it typically takes up to three months for the body to readjust, during which irregular periods, acne, mood swings, hair loss, breast tenderness, and changes in libido are common. These symptoms are often described as post-birth control syndrome (PBCS), though it is not formally recognized as a medical diagnosis. Headaches and mood instability can occur, especially if the birth control contained estrogen and hormonal levels fluctuate more after stopping a steady dose from monophasic pills.
Hormonal birth control suppresses natural hormone cycles, and discontinuation leads to the restoration of these natural rhythms, which can affect mood and menstrual patterns. Birth control can also shift immune system balance and impact thyroid health, potentially perpetuating autoimmune conditions while the body was on the pill. After discontinuation, immune and thyroid function may also fluctuate, though more research is needed on long-term recovery.
Long-term use of some hormonal contraceptives, like Depo-Provera injections, is linked to bone thinning (osteoporosis). This risk may persist for some time after stopping the drug, requiring attention to bone health. The risk of cardiovascular issues such as blood clots and stroke decreases once hormonal birth control is stopped, especially if other risk factors (like smoking or age over 35) are present.
Birth control pills have been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers (breast, ovarian, liver) during use, but these risks generally diminish after cessation.
Hormonal birth control can influence sexual desire by suppressing testosterone; after stopping, libido may increase but can also fluctuate during adjustment. Changes in gut and vaginal microbiomes caused by birth control may normalize over time but could initially cause symptoms such as yeast infections upon discontinuation.
It's essential to consult a doctor before discontinuing birth control. After stopping hormonal birth control, a person's menstrual cycle may return to its pre-medication state. The specific effects of stopping hormonal birth control may depend on the type of birth control and factors specific to each person. Once a person stops using hormonal birth control, there is a higher chance of pregnancy.
In some cases, a person may have a fever, chills, or heavy bleeding following an IUD removal, requiring immediate medical attention. An individual with a NuvaRing can remove it themselves. IUD removal is typically not painful, but can be uncomfortable, and may cause bleeding or bloody discharge. Some people may experience postpill amenorrhea, where they miss their period right after going off the birth control pill.
It can take a few weeks or months for the body to adjust after stopping hormonal birth control, during which some people report symptoms such as acne, weight gain, headaches, heavy periods, a lack of periods, and mood swings. The side effects of stopping hormonal birth control are temporary and most disappear over time without treatment. After IUD removal, a person should receive immediate medical care if they experience a fever, chills, or excessive vaginal bleeding.
If periods do not return within 3 months of stopping hormonal birth control, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. If heavy periods and PMS were issues before starting hormonal birth control, they may return after stopping the medication. For someone with an internal device, such as an implant, discontinuing use requires a minor medical procedure to remove it.
A person can manage individual side effects, such as applying cold compresses for sore breasts or taking pain relief medication for headaches. The advocacy group Planned Parenthood lists potential benefits of coming off the pill as improved mood and increased sex drive. The benefits of coming off the pill may include clearer skin, lighter periods, and the ability to get pregnant as soon as you stop.
- After ceasing hormonal birth control, an individual might experience various temporary symptoms like irregular periods, breast tenderness, and mood swings, collectively known as post-birth control syndrome (PBCS).
- The end of hormonal birth control initiates a restoration of natural hormone cycles, which can influence mood and menstrual patterns.
- Hormonal birth control may cause shifts in the immune system balance and affect thyroid health, potentially worsening autoimmune conditions during use and triggering immunological and thyroid function fluctuations post-discontinuation.
- Long-term usage of some hormonal contraceptives like Depo-Provera injections could lead to osteoporosis, requiring special attention to bone health after stopping the drug.
- Cessation of hormonal birth control decreases the risk of cardiovascular issues such as blood clots and stroke, especially among smokers or those aged 35 and over.
- Hormonal birth control can affect sexual desire by suppressing testosterone levels, resulting in increased libido after discontinuation but with potential short-term fluctuations.
- After birth control discontinuation, changes in the gut and vaginal microbiomes might cause initial symptoms like yeast infections.
- If a person's menstrual cycle fails to return within three months following the cessation of hormonal birth control, it is advisable to seek consultation with a healthcare professional.
- Following the removal of an IUD, some individuals may experience a fever, chills, or heavy bleeding, necessitating immediate medical attention, while removing a NuvaRing is self-administered.
