Benefits of Getting Off Birth Control: A Research-Based Overview
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
[Total: 13 Avg: 3.4]
Get more insightful and
helpful tips to
treat Diabetes for FREE
Register to Avail the Offer
Send OTPBy continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
The first pill to avoid having babies was formulated about in the early 20th century. Since then, birth control has become a common way to plan families. As of today, many options are available for family planning. People weigh the pros and cons of hormonal birth control as compared to these other options now. Some have even quit it all together. In this article, we will go through the research on the possible benefits of saying no to hormonal birth control.
As we move along in this article, we’ll examine how hormonal birth control impacts your body. We’ll talk about the benefits you might experience by quitting it. We’ll look at dealing with the transition and explore other ways to avoid pregnancy. While each person’s experience is different, the information here will make things clearer. Lastly, we will answer some commonly asked questions regarding the topic.
In my experience, after stopping birth control pills, some women may immediately resume their regular cycles, while others may experience a three-month interval before their periods return. The doctor recommends being patient and monitoring your period. Make an appointment to visit your doctor if, by month three, your menstruation is still unclear.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Hormonal birth control’s job is to avoid pregnancies by changing certain hormone levels in our bodies. However, while it does so, it can affect how you feel. This is discussed below.
Hormonal birth control, say pills, patches, or injectables, are used to avoid pregnancies. This is achieved by stopping the egg release process, making it hard for sperm to fertilize an egg. Even if fertilization does occur, the hormones thin out the uterine lining; thus stopping the fertilized egg from latching to the uterine lining. Here the natural and synthetic preparations of hormones estrogen and progesterone are given as external medicines which start affecting the body’s own ability to make hormones in the long run.
Hormonal birth control does have side effects which vary based on the kind of birth control used, the dosage given, and how each person reacts to it. This is discussed in depth below.
It’s common to gain some weight on hormonal birth control. The hormones given from outside can cause fluid buildup and make you feel hungrier.
Hormonal birth control could affect your mood. It increases the chance of mood issues. The hormone changes affect brain chemistry. This, in turn, may stir up emotional shifts in some users.
It may work both ways. Some pills may help cholesterol profile. While others, not so much. That’s because hormone levels can change how cholesterol breaks down in the body.
Hormonal birth control could raise blood pressure a bit. Especially, if you already have high blood pressure or other heart disease risks. That’s why you must speak to your doctor before opting for a hormonal method of contraception.
Hormonal birth control could raise the chance of blood clots. Smoking, being over 35, or if you already face other clotting risks, may add to your chances of developing blood clots.
You’re probably used to having lighter and shorter periods if you’ve been taking the pill for a time. However, you may discover that your period is heavier, lasts longer, and has changed in intervals after stopping the tablet. To my knowledge, all of this is common.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
There are several potential benefits to stopping hormonal birth control.. These could be healthier physical, mental, and reproductive wellness. These potential benefits are discussed below.
Hormonal birth control alters your body’s natural hormone-making process. So if you stop it you’ll get your natural periods back. However, your body will need a few months to adapt to the change.
Once you quit, your hormones begin to get restored their natural rhythm of production and balance. As a result, many people notice positive shifts in mental health and mood. You might experience lesser anxiety, sadness, or moodiness as well.
Quitting hormonal birth control gives your body a chance to resume its natural egg-release process. For people trying to get pregnant, this is important. It might take varied times for all to regain fertility. Yet, many may be ready to conceive quickly after quitting.
It’s normal to feel more irritable or cranky before your period, or to feel as though your breasts are more sore. Birth control helps control hormonal symptoms and cycles. Before they start their period, some women may also experience the recurrence of a menstrual migraine.
Dr. Smita barode, BAMS
If ovulation picks up, it’s possible to get pregnant right after. However, at times, it could take a few months for periods and ovulation to get back on track. Especially with injectable hormonal birth control, it takes several months for normal cycles to return; thus fertility picks up several months after stopping the birth control.
So, stopping birth control pills could lead to lesser fluid buildup and lower hunger levels too. Some might even lose some kilos.
Long-term use of hormonal birth control could increase the risks of some cancers. For example, cancers of the breast or cervix. Quitting could help lower the chances of getting these conditions.
Studies suggest at higher gut issues and changes in the gut bugs with the usage of hormonal birth controls. On stopping it, you may experience better gut health.
Stopping hormonal birth control can be easy for some. For others, not so much. It’s good to be aware of possible side effects. Learn how to balance your hormones naturally. Reach out to health professionals for guidance.
Quitting birth control could lead to some side effects. Changes in periods, hormone-linked acne, hair loss, and post-pill troubles are quite common. These are discussed below.
Post-quitting, your periods might take a few months to get back to normal. In this phase, periods may not be regular or can last longer.
Acne breakouts could occur once you’re off the pill. Especially, if you’ve struggled with acne before. Regular skin care and consultation with a dermatologist could help.
Hair shedding might increase as you quit hormonal birth control. If you’ve had thinning hair or baldness runs in the family, be cautious. Eat right, manage stress, and care for your hair gently.
After quitting some may experience post-pill troubles. Mood changes, menstrual issues, hair loss, and acne could happen, all these together are referred to as post-birth control syndrome.. Healthy eating, stress control, and a chat with your doctor could do the trick.
How can you support your body’s hormone balance after quitting is described below.
Talk to your health team when trying to quit the pill. From primary care doctors to gynecologists, their advice could be crucial in making the transition easy.
If you have a hormonal IUD in place then you’ll need professional advice and removal.
If you’re experiencing more side effects or if they’re getting worse even after stopping the pill, reaching out to a health professional is a must. They can help manage these health concerns and address any health worries you have.
Other ways to avoid pregnancy are as follows.
Barrier contraception like condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps block sperm from meeting an egg.
Natural family planning relies on cycle tracking and knowing when you’re fertile. Skip sexual intercourse or use a barrier on those days.
The copper IUD offers no-hormone, long-lasting birth control. A health professional places a tiny copper device inside your uterus. The IUD stays for several years, offering constant protection.
Tubal ligation for women or vasectomy for men offers long term effects. If you’re done with kids or don’t want any, this could be a choice worth considering. These are permanent and need surgery, so asses carefully and discuss with a health professional about it.
It is to be noted, that before starting any type of birth control your doctor needs to be consulted to advice the best type of birth control for you.
Quitting hormonal birth control is a personal decision. But, if you do quit, you may enjoy several physical and mental health benefits. It’s always wise to discuss with a health professional, explore other contraceptive methods, and think of possible side effects before making the shift.With a clear understanding of what may happen, you may make an informed decision.
Everybody is different, so everyone’s experience is unique. When you quit birth control, side effects may or may not happen. Always keep an eye out for changes and reach out to a health professional if you’re worried.
Timeframes may differ. On average, people get back on track with cycles and hormone balance in a few months of quitting.
A healthy diet, stress management, and good sleep may help manage side effects. For specific symptoms, you must consult your health professional for sound advice.
In most cases, periods tend to go back to normal once you quit birth control. Be patient, it may take several months or more based on how your body adapts to the change.
Once ovulation restarts, pregnancy could soon follow. However, your periods might need several months to normalize. Some people might face delayed fertility too.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Comments