Going off the pill symptoms and conditions

My symptoms are

Massive hair loss by the roots, which started about 2 years after going OFF the pill and hasn't stopped. Some hair still hasn't grown back yet.
Bloating with water retention (this is where the bigger boobs come into it).
Leg Cramps
Pins & Needles in legs and toes
Cold/numb spots on one leg
Can go without sex for long periods

However, the benefits are:
clear skin, no mood swings. No depression.

I have been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for 9 months. I went through a major depression last spring. I was diagnosed with MAJOR DEPRESSION and went on anti depressants and on sick leave from work. Now looking back it seems there could be a link with the birth control pill. Around the same time I started taking it, I started having such bad MOOD SWINGS, ANGER control problems, ANXIETY and fatigue. I was always getting angry at my boyfriend and picked fights. No more sex drive either. I spoke to my GP, to a psychiatrist and to my pharmacist. I asked them "should there be a link with the pill?". Each and everyone said "no", "highly unlikely". Nobody suggested I try stopping the pill BEFORE starting anti depressants. I got a second opinion from a other doctor. THIS is what he said to me:" you'll be very depressed if you get an unplanned pregnancy." the thing is ladies, they DON'T WANT YOU OFF THE PILL BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT UNPLANNED PREGNANCY. THEY DON'T WANT YOU OFF THE PILL BECAUSE IT PAYS A LOT MORE TO PUSH PILLS THAN TO RECOMMEND OTHER METHODS (pharmaceutical companies giv big incentives and gifts to doctors). THEY DON'T ENCOURAGE YOU TO LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.
I'm going off the pill at the end of my pack and am giving myself a couple months to see if I feel better. then I am going off the anti depressants.

The worst birth control i have ever been on in my life. I started this pill about a month and a half ago and its been hell since. First off, I gained 15 pounds in a month. I talked to my doctor and she said that it does increase appetite but the pill itself should not make you gain more than three pounds from water weight. BULLSHIT. I am constantly tired, moody, and anxious. My appetite is crazy, i am always starving and feel like i haven't eaten enough. My boobs are uncomfortably larger than they have ever been and are always sore. I am mood swing central and its like my brain is switching gears constantly, one second happy, the next angry and miserable. I am finishing up this months and will be going off the pill completely. Its not worth it to have all these unhealthy side effects.

I was put on Yasmin for perimenopausal symptoms. I took it for three years. For the first two I had no issues at all. Then I began having intense anxiety/panic issues, dizziness and worsening migraine headaches. My doctor advised me to get off of the pill due to a chance of stroke related to the migraines. Since then the anxiety has greatly improved but I am gaining weight like crazy even though I'm eating less. For the first four months after stopping the pill my migraines were horrible and occurred about half of the month. Now its starting to level off as my own hormones start kicking in. I am having my adrenals tested as my doctor feels there is an issue there but no direct link to Yazmin to this. I know the weight gain is related to me going off the pill. I wouldn't recommend this pill to anyone.

I am extremely bloated on this pill, my pants don't fit anymore. Although I find that this happens with all BC pills, even Yaz that had a diuretic, so I am now going off the pill, I wish men could take pills.

Pulmonary Embolism - blood clots in my lungs which were caused by a presumed blood clot in my leg, which was caused by my Yaz. This is a very dangerous situation, and I was very lucky.

I have been on Femcon for one month and just started the second month. I have experienced many of the side effects that are mentioned in this post, but one other I have it a severe pain in my right breast. It is almost like a burning sensation when I move a certain way. I have been to the Dr. and tested and assured it was nothing but hormonal. The only change is the Femcon. Has anyone else experienced this? I am stopping Femcon tonight and hopefully I will finally get some sleep!!!!

Yasmin - Sudden Panic/Anxiety-

I have been on Yasmin for 7 years. I started a new box and pack 3 weeks ago and 72 hours later had what I thought was a "panic attack". I had never suffered panic or anxiety before and I am 32. Then, the chest pain and anxious feeling wouldn't go away (not normal with panic I hear). I went to the Dr and my bloodwork was all "great". I went to a cardiologist and they tested my heart. It was indeed beating "extra" so I had to be one a monitor. Still, the entire time I was miserable and wondering what the heck had happened to me. How could I go from being a normal, well adjusted women to a crazy lady in one day. I was crying and couldn't function, concentrate or eat. I felt like an "out of body" type of experience almost, like it wasn't really me who was feeling all this. Very disoriented feeling. Well, the Dr gave me anxiety pills and I was going to take them. But, in the meantime I went on the "sugar pills" of my Yasmin and guess what? 72 hours after I stopped the pills I felt normal again!!! I'm still not 100%, I'm 90%. Now I have no hard evidence that Yasmin caused this, particularly since I've been on it so long but I can't help wondering if they changed the dosages or something. I have NEVER experienced any level of anxiety or panic before this and going off the pills was the only thing I changed when I started feeling better. Sounds like more than a coincidence to me.

Has this happened to anyone else recently???

Crikey - I've been thinking about taking the NuvuRing on advice from the Family Planning Clinic. Thank you for everyone for sharing their experiences. I definitely won't now! While most people probably have great experiences, there are countless examples of side effects listed below that are too extreme to even risk having a good experience (blood clots, black outs, migraines, numbness, insomnia, lower sex drive, depression/suicidal thoughts, body swelling, painful sex/sexual organs, candida, weight gain and the list goes on and on). It's incredible that this is on the market and has gotten through the testing stages.

I took the pill for about a decade and went off it three years ago, mostly because I was over taking something every day and felt I was gaining a bit of weight and had a slightly lower sex drive. After going off it, sex changed (slightly elevated sex drive and easier organsms but less intense) but no change to weight (damn those extra three kilos!). I did lose the horrible brown pigmentation stain on my forehead (which was my initial only conern with the NuvaRing can you believe!) and my skin has remained clear. I have been much more sensitive to thrush/candida though since going off the pill, which my Dr said was due to changed hormonal levels due to such a prolonged time on the pill (10 yrs).

Since '05, I've been using a diaphram which has been fine. It's annoying to have to stop for that 60 seconds and put it in before sex, but I've had no major problems with vaginal skin irritations (very minor) and can feel it slightly during sex, but no where near the extent of condoms and the feeling is about 90%+ as good as without. Noting the issues raised on this site, I think I'll stick with the diaphram as I think I want to stay away from hormone options and the fiddliness before sex is a small price to pay by the sounds of things.

Sounds like the decision to take use the NuvaRing should be a carefully considered one.

My 20 yr. old daughter was on Loestrin 24 Fe for almost a year with seemingly few side effects (except larger breasts). When her Rx ran out, the doc would not prescribe more until she had an exam. She ended up going off the pill for a couple of months, which was okay because there was no boyfriend or sexual contact during that time. She then got a prescription refill and went back on it. Within about 3 weeks she started experiencing random panic attacks including, headaches, nausea, rapid heart beat, sweaty hands and dizziness. At first she wrote it off as stress, but now they are happening ALL the time and are interfering with her life. She is a college student and is becoming paralyzed by the anxiety and the fear of a panic attack. She can't go to class, can't drive and is worried all the time. This is soooo unlike my happy-go-lucky daughter. She feels like she is going crazy. I talked to the GYN and she thought that the pill could definitely be enhancing these symptoms, but didn't feel they were the main cause. I now have a completely different opinion from her since reading all the posts on here describing the exact same symptoms while on this pill. My daughter has now stopped taking them (it's been about a week) and the doctor said it could take a couple of cycles for the drug to be completely out of her system. I'm praying that these symptoms go away after the hormones are flushed out....anyone have any experience with the anxiety going away after going off the pill??????

Hey everyone,
I stopped taking the pill now and have been off it for about 2 1/2 weeks (I was on it for about 2 1/2 months). I did try to stick it out like my MD suggested but I couldn't the weight gain was probably the worst. I wasn't even really eating, but gained about 5 pounds (or more) but the worse part was that it was all in my tummy and breasts (the breasts I didn't mind so much). It really looked as if I was pregnant (which luckily I knew I wasn't). Nothing was fitting my tummy. Well, anyway, I already posted about all of that. I am posting now to say that since I have been off the pill, things are getting back to normal. My weight is going back down, although I still have 3lbs or so to loose. But even though I still have some weight, my tummy is shrinking back to normal size. My breakouts have stopped; I am still dealing with what I got from the pill but no new breakouts. And the moodyness/ sadness has seemd to have diminished. I actually have not started any other pill yet. THis is the first time in about 14 years I have not been on any pill! I didn't want to go back to something right away in fear I would have more side effects. So I wanted to let you all know that the symptoms do go away after you stop (at least for me). And since I have not started another pill and have not changed anything except going off the pill, I can pretty certainly say the side effects were from the pill (agian for me at least). Just wanted to make you all aware. I am feeling SOOOO much better since being off the pill. This is the first time I have ever had major issues like this with a pill. I hope people who are trying the BC pill for the first time (any pill that is) and have side effects do not get turned off on the pill in general. I think you just have to find the right one for you. I am glad to see that some people also also writing that they are having good experiences with this pill too, so that people know it really depends on the person. I hope everyone who is having problems get better soon! I am glad this website is here for everyone to share!

I've been on Alesse now for 4 months and just in the past month and a half I've noticed the terrible side effects it's been causing. I haven't had a normal nights sleep for over a month now, I wake up every couple hours and have vivid nightmares/dreams pretty much every night. I've had 2 yeast infections already, horrible mood swings where I feel intense rage towards anyone near me, definite hair thinning, and total lack of sex drive. I have no energry and I just don't even feel like me anymore. I mean I know any med is going to have side effects but this is just too much. I'm now going off the pill and I have an appt to see my doctor next week and hopefully switch to a different BCP with less severe side effects..

I read a message above "by APAINTEDSMILE and I agree with Alesse being one of the least negative side affects...all birthcontrols are going to have a side affect.However Alesse Is one of the weaker Birthcontrol pills out there.
-I had lesser day periods(3-4)
- my period always came on thursday
-no cramps/acne due to pms
-didnt get pregnant while on the pill
My guess for anyone feeling they were going crazy on the pill is due to youre own hormone levels ..and its called PMS

However as much for Alesse as I am I went off for a week and became pregnant right away , aswell as my younger sister,she also took Alesse and is pregnant after being off for only a couple weeks b/c it is a weaker birthcontrol pill going off the pill for even a week there is a high chance of getting pregnant.But as long as you take it properly Its a great form of Birth control With very little side effects...

The person who would rather have highblood pressure then a change in youre cycle, thats crazy..THATS A BIG SIDE EFFECT.that affects youre health.once you start Alesse and you get youre period, you shouldnt get it 2 weeks later it'll just change the cycle to 21 days on the pill and 7 days or less off for youre period. give it a couple months atleast for youre body to get used to the new B.C

I posted yesterday a response to a message from another woman. I have stopped birth control before and it caused me to begin my menstrual cycle early. I had been thinking about not taking YAZ anymore as I was convinced it was making me feel crazy and not myself. I felt out of control hormonally and that my brain and emotions were not connected. I was very moody and would be come depressed and anxious for no reason. I also felt like another person both physically as well as emotionally... I was exhausted all the time and felt like I lost my self confidence. I felt I was missing out on my life. I stopped taking the pill last night. I will let you know what the side effects I have experienced are. I am calling my DR. this morning to check to make sure I am not putting myself at risk by stopping the pill. I think I am doing the right thing for me. I think it would be best to call your Dr. and ask.
Also item to note: YAZ is used to treat the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), such as anxiety, depression, irritability, trouble concentrating, lack of energy, sleep or appetite changes, and feeling out of control. PMDD can also cause physical symptoms such as breast tenderness, joint or muscle pain, headache, and bloating or weight gain.
I feel like this describes my symptoms to a tee.

I have been on Aviane for a year and a half after switching from Yasmine because of depression. It worked great for this long, but all of a sudden I am experiencing severe anxiety and nervousness...almost to the point of panick attacks. Has anyone else experienced this? My dr. took me off Aviane and wants me to wait a week or two before trying something else...but after almost a week off, I still feel the same? Will it take my body awhile to adjust?

Well I have been off of this terrible pill since October..thanks to this site. Things are slowly getting back to normal..and i mean very slowly. My hair is still falling out..but not as bad. My sex drive is slowly getting back there..but I will have this out of nowhere attack of getting horny, if i dont act on it in 10 minutes..the feeling passes. The vaginal dryness is GONE. I have gained 12 pounds since going off the pill..and my appetite is insane, all I want to do is eat. My mood still sucks and I can't remember how I used to feel..Some mornings I wake up feeling great, then by noon im depressed and by 5:00 im ready to go again..a total rollercoaster. Im still tired alot. And the anxiety comes and goes..i was never an anxious person..this is the worst thing about this pill.
Ive only been off it for 4 months and I have gotten my period every month since. For all of you going through this nightmare called YAsmin..I feel for you. It can ruin relationships, your outlook, concentration, everything..and it is a long road back to your healthy state...but you will get there. Just keep the faith...

Hi Sarah,
Thank you so much for your post. Finding this site was such a blessing to me. It makes me angry how the doctors act like it's not from the pill and it's us. I was really beginning to think it's me. Thats why I have so much anxiety because I think if it's not the pill it must be something serious. It's all starting to make sense now. The body jerking at night scares me but I done alot of research on potassium and magnesium and found out that the diuretic can cause this to become unbalanced. Potassium and Magnesium play a big role in muscle spasms. I wonder if that could be what is causing the jerking. Also I know that the anxiety is not helping. It's terribe. I feel shaky and anxious all the time. I am going to get my blood checked this week along with my thyroid because I have a feeling its is hyper active now. Another symptoms I just linked to going off the pill is my skin is so oily and my hair. My gosh my hair is so yucky. I never had this problem before. It's so oily. I just want to be back to normal again. Does anyone have any recommendations on how much magnesium to take? I just started taking a b-complex vitamin today, along with a cal-mag vitamin but there is only 350mg of magnesium. Does that sound too low. I am hoping that will help with the muscle jerking at night. Last night I had to take XAnax to go to sleep. I really did not want to but it was either that or I was going to land up in the hospital. It did work. Slept for 8hrs and today the axiety is curved. I guess I am going to have to do whatever to get through these next couple of weeks. I am taking a very low dose, hopefully the vitamins will kick in soon. talk to everyone soon. Thanks for the support

Dear Chrissy,
omg my cholestrol was 7 too.....
Doctor told me lsat night that i need to go on low gi diet to get the cholestrol and blood pressure down, how to explain to someone that your heart rate is high always and its the pill. He said i should not consult the internet as everyone is different.,mmm sure when why the hell is it that every woman here has the same symtoms and side effects. I just want to know if anyone whom has had the high rate after going off the pill when does it subside... or will it ever. He said diet and exercise are my issues.
Lsa

I've been off Yasmin since August 24, 2005. Over 100 days later, I finally got my natural period! I was beginning to worry even though periods are no cup of tea for me, but I was feeling soooo bloated I thought I'd pop. I hope to rid of this bloated feeling once my period ends, but we'll see... I'm, of course, not sure that will happen.

I have not gained a lot of weight since going off the pill, although I am carrying 1 to 2 lbs. more. I weigh myself daily and if it starts to go up, I reign in what I eat. But I think the weight gain is due to the bloatedness. And, I have not found it to be very easy during the holidays to "reign" eating.

The major reason I decided to go off Yasmin was because of intense angry feelings day in and day out. I would have never known to associate these feelings with Yasmin but I kept seeing that recurring symptom on this forum. I had been on Alesse before and it didn't make me angry, instead I was very anxious (panic attacks) with that one. These BCPs definitely wreak havoc on the emotions.

Last weekend, I started to feel really angry again and I thought "great, even going off this pill hasn't helped." Now I realize it was PMS. I hope to continue recovering from this last phase of trying BCP. I mainly was on it to regulate periods. Without the pill, I normally have irregular and VERY heavy periods with clotting. With the pill, the periods are soooo much better and, with my doctor's recommendation, I was even skipping them depending on my schedule (by continuous use of the pill and stopping for the "week" at my convenience). I will miss that.

Since I am now almost 48, hopefully I will not be having them much longer. I expect menopause will be a welcome friend for me.

Hi, it's Joodles giving an update.

I am on day 38 of being off Yasmin. So far I have had 2 periods, the first after stopping the pill for 4 days and then again the 3rd of July. I have had only slight cramping (more like a stomach ache) but a heavy flow lasting 5-6 days.

I have gained 8 pounds since stopping Yasmin and I have been experiencing swollen ankles and feet. Has anyone else been retaining water since going off the pill? It is driving me nuts!

must say that my heart rate has returned to normal and my bloodpressure is almost back to normal.

PLEASE let me know if the water retention is happening to anyone else!

Thanks,

Joodles

Here's one I haven't seen yet: increase in yeast infections. Has anyone else noticed this? I haven't had a yeast infection in years - probably since I was last on the pill (before I was pregnant with my daughter, who is now 6). I don't remember which pill I was on then. But it's been years since I"ve had a YI. I've been on Yasmin for 6 months now - to try to stop mid cycle bleeding (it has worked) and I'm on my 2nd YI. The first I thought was a fluke. Now I'm thinkign it's the pill.

Also, I"m prone to cold sores adn I've definitely seen an increase in them in teh last 6 months. Again, I didn't see a coincedence, but now I'm wondering...

I'm going off the pill when I finish this pack. My doctor only put me on it for 6 months to see if it stops the mid cycle bleeding. It did, and I don't want to be on it any more (I don't like the moodiness, cramping, and decreased sexual drive). I have infertility issues so getting pregnant isn't an issue for me. I'm hoping that my moodiness will go away when I finish this pack.

I have experienced dark circles on my cheeks. I have been on other pills, but this is the only one that brought on this symptom. I am going off the pill, but will the brown circles fade?