I have decided that I want to stop taking the pill. I've been taking Demulen for about 7 years, but I've always never liked taking them just because I don't enjoy taking medication in general. I spoke with my doctor and I'm definitely going to stop taking them after my next AF, but I'm really nervous as to what to expect. I'm afraid that all of my symptoms are going to come back and that my cycle is going to be royally screwed up. I have been doing the IR diet for about a month now and so far I'm seeing good results and I hope this will help. Can anyone tell me about their experiences going off the pill? Did your symptoms come back, did you gain or lose weight, etc.? Any info would be great. Thanks!
I, like you, did the same thing as I was on the pill for 5 going on 6 years and decided that I just wanted a break and I also wanted to TTC. Anyway, all of my symptoms came back with avengance and I gained a LOT of weight, not to mention the fact that I only had 1 period the whole year. So, in a nutshell, I would ask your dr to put you on something like Glucophage to keep you regular.
Of course, everyone is different, so you may not have all the same experiences as me, but I wish you all the best and all the best with you low carb diet.
Oh geez, I was afraid of that! My doctor's attitude was that if I didn't feel right when I went off the pill that I should just go on them again. I guess I can't really know what's going to happen until I try. If all my symptoms come back than I will definitely consult my doctor about trying something other than the pill.
On a side note-I went to OSU! I miss Columbus like crazy and wish I could move back...hopefully someday :-D
I think I ganied weight ON the pill and it also made me irritable and depressed (and now that I am back on it, it's coming back to me why I hated it so!). My cycles were irregular once again when I quit, however - easily 50 - 60 days long. I charted for about 8 months (3-4 cycles!) just to see how it went. After about a year and one visit to the RE at the end of that year, I did conceive (later mc'd). For me, going on a low carb diet and increasing exercise a bit seemed to help when I was off the pill . . . . and I actually think that was why I O'd and was able to conceive. But it depends on what your other symptoms are like - I am a vegetarian, normal weight, moderately active and I don't (yet) have a diagnosed glucose or insulin problem (altho I do react oddly to sugar) . . .
I was on Demulen for 5 years when I went off. I was off for a total of 5 months, before my endo put me back on. During that time, I had 1 period which was managable. (before BCP I had awful periods) My skin was oilier, and I got some acne. I went back on (plus spiro) and still had no improvement in my hair loss. It actually got worse. I'm not sure if it's because of those 5 months of messed hormones, or if it was going to happen anyways.... But it's something to consider if that's an issue for you.
__________________ -diagnosed October 2002
-Meds: Alesse, metformin, Cytomel, Wellbutrin
-light therapy with a goLITE for seasonal depression
-yoga & meditation almost daily, because it makes me feel good
I was on bcp's for 2 years and I recently quit taking them...I was on an emotional roller coaster for several weeks after. I am expecting AF in 2 weeks but I am unsure if this will occur....before I began taking BCP's I had never had an AF.....has anybody had a similar experience??
You also have to beware of what pill that has high Androgens in it...if it does stay a way from it...we don't need them. Plus you should get your progesterone,estrogen and testosterone checked. If you or low estrogen,then you need a BCP that can give you that,or if you or low progesterone you need a pill that can give you that...a balance.
I am currently on CILEST (ORTHO-CYCLEN) BCP and I decided to go off the pill.
I am prone to depression and I have the feeling that the BCP makes it worse. I have an appt on March 23rd for having a "Gynefix" inserted. This is a frameless copper IUD (not yet available in the US and CAN).
I really hope my symptoms won't come back with a vengeance. If so, I will try vitex and lower my carbs but maybe I'll have to go back on BCP...
If my symptoms come back with avengeance, I'll have to wear a Burqa to hide my hair growth! And forget natural light, it's the mushroom mines for me! So how does one come off the BCP gracefully so to speak?? How can I avoid the risk of my symptoms returning and yet go off the pill? Has anyone done this successefully? I want to stay on BCPs, but if I ever want to concieve, I don't want to risk being freakishly hairy. So how does one forsake the pill and not it's benefits (aside from contraception)?????? Questions, questions and more questions I guess:o
__________________ DX 17 without cysts, amazingly enough. A range of sx that include weight gain and excess body hair. Yasmin helping with the hair, my main focus is now weight management which I have been ignoring sadly... But will get on the ball here and soon will have a success story under Tuscar's thread!! We can conquer this ladies. We can win! Our bodies want to, they just don't know how yet! HW190/CW175/GW130
Going off the pill...what to expect? 
Scary....very scary.. 
