Did going off the pill mess up my body?

[Happy Yogi]

I went off the pill last November (2014) so that my husband (age 29) and I (age 28) could start TTC. After 10 years of being on the pill (and being super careful to NOT get pregnant), as healthy, young adults, we were thinking it would be super easy now that we’re ready, and that we’d conceive in 1-2 months (3 the most). Well, 5 months later, still nothing – and I’ve been experiencing weight gain, hair loss, extreme fatigue (usually in “episodes”), craving sweets more than usual, difficulty focusing, and have felt overall unwell, not myself. This has been going on since late February, just before my last period (I’m currently almost a week late), and I’ve been tested for anemia, hypothyroidism, lyme, and auto-immune disease. All tests were negative (as well as several pregnancy tests). I’ve had 4 periods since going off the pill – and considering the long cycle I had before going off it, that is pretty normal for me.

I can’t help but wonder if this is my body trying to regulate after going off the pill, even though it’s been several months. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[butterbaby]

I hate to confirm your fears but it's possible that it is your body working to regulate your hormones. After having the job done by a pill for so long the body has to remember how to work smoothly again. I don't think it happens to everyone, but it seems to be quite common. I wish they made this more well known as I also was under the impression that I had to be super careful to prevent pregnancy and that my body would be ready when I was. I've been off BCP for about a year but only actively TTC the last 3 cycles. When I first went off the pill I felt some of the symptoms you mentioned and generally felt off. After using vitex as prescribed by a naturopath, I've started to feel better but still feel like there's room for improvement. Hopefully you adjust faster than I do!

 

[Happy Yogi]

Thank you so much for your response. I would actually feel better knowing that's what it is - its the mystery that's frustrating me now. So I already feel better because of your feedback.

And thank you for the comment about being "under the impression that I had to be super careful to prevent pregnancy and that my body would be ready when I was" - that's where I am. I have to keep bringing myself to love my body instead of resenting it - but its tough to not know what's going on!

Best of luck to you!

 

[FarmWife28]

Your symptoms sound exactly like mine when I came off the BCP after 8 years of taking it! I stopped the pill April 2013 and I feel like maybe I am finally going back to normal. The hair loss has stopped now and I was able to lose the 10lbs I immediately put on after stopping the pill. My cycles are still long ~40 days. I finally got my BFP this weekend, only for it to sadly end up as a chemical pregnancy (at least I finally know I am able to conceive). I can't offer much advice for you, but I do know it's nice to have someone in the same boat!

Good luck with you TTC journey!

 

[Bee Bee]

I'm sorry you are having issues First of all, just know that it can take up to a year for you to fall pregnant. So there's that.

BUT, with that being said, have you gone to the doctor yet? I'm not sure if it's an issue with going off BCP or not as I didnt react that way when I did. I will say that it sort of sounds like a thyroid issue in all honesty. When I first had issue with my hypothyroidism, I experienced ALL of those symptoms.

So, either way, it sounds like a hormone issue for sure. I would definitely go to the doctor and have them do full blood-work to test for possible BCP hormone issues or thyroid issues. It really sounds like it could be either

 

[Happy Yogi]

Thank you for your response. I really appreciate it - I was starting to think it was all in my head.

I'm so sorry to hear to hear about your chemical pregnancy, but it is great news that you are able to conceive. Best of luck to you!

 

[Happy Yogi]

I'm sorry you are having issues First of all, just know that it can take up to a year for you to fall pregnant. So there's that.

BUT, with that being said, have you gone to the doctor yet? I'm not sure if it's an issue with going off BCP or not as I didnt react that way when I did. I will say that it sort of sounds like a thyroid issue in all honesty. When I first had issue with my hypothyroidism, I experienced ALL of those symptoms.

So, either way, it sounds like a hormone issue for sure. I would definitely go to the doctor and have them do full blood-work to test for possible BCP hormone issues or thyroid issues. It really sounds like it could be either

Thank you, it sounds exactly like a thyroid issue but my bloodwork came back negative for it (the doc tested for that, lyme, autoimmune, and anemia).

 

[DannaD]

I'm sorry you are having such a tough time
Maybe it is your body still regulating itself, or have you been tested for PCOS?

 

[Happy Yogi]

I'm sorry you are having such a tough time
Maybe it is your body still regulating itself, or have you been tested for PCOS?

Thank you, and PCOS is a possibility to consider. I'm starting a more strict diet to help my hormones balance and starting some supplements - we'll see if that does the trick but if not, then time for more testing!