3 things you need to know about coming off the pill…
Coming off of hormonal contraception can be a daunting event for many women who have spent many years consistently taking it, or for those who started taking in order to help treat other symptoms.
1) The first thing to note is to be patient, your body will likely need time to adjust once you come off of it and your cycle may take a few months to return (depending on the individual, the average tends to be 1-3 months). For many women coming off of the pill is a way of assessing their female health to establish how regular their cycle is or if they even have one. It is also important to understand the first period you experience after coming off the pill is known as the “withdrawal bleed”. This is not the same as your normal period and normally lasts up to about seven days. Usually your second bleed will be your normal period. Even if you do start your periods soon after coming off of the pill they may be irregular for a while, especially if they were irregular before you went on the pill. Some women experience spotting before they have an actual period, and others notice heavier or lighter menstrual bleeding than they previously had. Don’t worry, though: over time, your cycles should settle down into something more familiar, this is person dependent though and is a good reason to come off of the pill so you can establish what your cycle is like and then potentially work on improving lifestyle and dietary practices around it.
2) The next thing to note is that post pill side effects (as you experience fluctuations in your hormonal levels) can be similar to PMS symptoms. This can include things like cramps, bloating and mood swings, just keep in mind that these can be more intense than your average PMS episode on the pill as the fluctuation in hormones can be more extreme.
3) If you were taking the pill for certain symptoms the most common of which is acne, there is a good chance it may return. Some people find on stopping their combined pill that their acne or spots return or worsen initially, as their skin is no longer benefitting from the oestrogen effects of the combined pill.
Thinking about coming off the pill? Sign up to our program today! With the help of your very own 1:1 coach, we will evaluate your lifestyle and provide you actionable insights and guidance to rebalance your hormones during your transition to a natural cycle.