Millions of people use birth control for various reasons such as preventing pregnancy, managing painful periods, regulating hormones, and reducing the risk of certain cancers. If you’re considering going off birth control, you may be wondering how long it will take for your body to adjust, especially if you’ve been using it for a long time. According to Dr. Kelly Culwell, a board-certified OB-GYN, regardless of the duration of birth control use, the adjustment period is generally the same.
Dr. Culwell explains that when you stop taking birth control, the hormones don’t accumulate in your body. They are metabolized in the same way they were when you first started taking them. Your period should return to its “new normal” relatively quickly. For pill users, the hormones are typically out of your body within a week of stopping birth control, although the timing of your period may depend on when in your cycle you stop taking it.
Regarding contraceptive effects, it can be a relatively quick process to regain fertility after stopping birth control. Dr. Culwell emphasizes the importance of starting a non-hormonal method of contraception if you’re not planning to get pregnant.
If you’ve been on birth control for a long time, you may notice differences in your body compared to before you started. This could be due to factors such as age and stage of life. Dr. Culwell acknowledges that the confusion during the adjustment period is common.
In terms of specific birth control methods, the time it takes for your body to adjust can vary. For example, it may take two to three months for your period to return after removing an IUD, and up to 12 months after discontinuing Depo-Provera injections.
Dr. Erica Newlin, a Cleveland Clinic OB-GYN, suggests that most people start feeling like themselves again between one and three months after stopping birth control. In some cases, patients experience relief from side effects such as acne, weight gain, and changes in mood within the first week or so. However, Dr. Newlin advises individuals to consult their doctor if they have concerns about how their body is reacting after stopping birth control.
It’s important to note that everyone’s adjustment period is different, and the type of birth control used also plays a role. If you haven’t had a period within 4-6 weeks after stopping birth control, it’s recommended to take a pregnancy test and consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.
Dr. Culwell emphasizes the importance of addressing the absence of periods to ensure there isn’t an underlying problem. For instance, not having a period could be a sign of not ovulating, which could be related to conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). In such cases, medical intervention may be necessary to maintain uterine health.
In conclusion, while it’s nice to check in with your doctor when stopping birth control, it’s not always necessary. You have the power to make decisions about your birth control use.