Birth ControlSide Effects – The List Goes On and On…
It is through tinkering with hormone levels in a woman’s body that most of
the birth control methods work. While taking these
hormones in the shape of the pills, patches etc, the normal ovulation or
menstruation in a woman’s body is suppressed. Before a woman stops to
take birth control pills, it is necessary that she makes herself aware of the
side effects of stopping the medication. As mentioned above, birth
control pills consist of hormones, and thus alter the normal
functionality of body in one or the other way. Once the woman stops to
take these medications, the hormones introduced in the body by these pills will
be out of the system within some days. However, it may take as long as some
months for the body to start producing its own hormones.
Here are some of the effects, or rather side effects, a woman can expect to
experience after she stops taking birth control pills:
No Menstruation
There are birth control pills that suppresses the menstruation cycle in a
woman and as a result she gets no period till she is on these birth control
pills. When she stops taking these pills, it may take several months before her
normal period returns. It is not unusual for such women to experience post-pill
amenorrhea (absence of monthly periods) due to hormonal changes.
Irregular Menstruation
It is also very normal for women to experience irregular menstrual cycle
after they stop the medication. Some women get heavier bleeding than usual
while some lighter. It can take 2-3 months for her menstrual cycle to return to
normal.
Mood Swings
Periodic mood changes are another common side effect women complaint of
after stopping birth control pills. However, this is very much understandable
given the changes in hormone levels that occur in the body after stopping the
pills. These mood swings usually go away on their own once the body has
adjusted to start creating its own hormones.
Weight Changes
Some of the birth control pills have very high levels of estrogen. This
causes a lot of women to retain water & gain weight. When she stops taking
the pills, the water retention may decrease leading to weight loss.
Reduced Desire
Hormones have to play a significant role in your desire for intimacy with
your partner. Thought not all, but some women on birth control pills talk about
an increase in their desire for intimacy. And the opposite happens, when she
stops taking the pill, which is the desire for intimacy is reduced. In some
cases, this problem can last for several months and in some rare cases this may
affect a woman permanently. Needless to say, it can have quite a negative
impact on the relationship and also on efforts to start a family.
Other Side Effects
There are some other side effects like cramps, breast tenderness and nausea
that a woman may experience.
Symptoms would vary from woman to woman and would largely depend on the type of
birth control that was being used. It is always good to talk to your doctor for
any concerns that you might have before stopping birth control. There are
various ways on stopping birth control side effects.
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