Whether you are stopping your birth control regimen due to undesirable side effects or because you wish to get pregnant, there may be some unwanted side effects. It is important to talk to your doctor before discontinuing the pill. Most birth control pills can be stopped immediately under the advice of a medical professional but it is recommended that you stop during your menstrual cycle when possible. One reason to stop during your period is to have an accurate date of your last period in case there is a delay in your next cycle. Discuss any persistent or overly bothersome symptoms of stopping the pill with your doctor.
Menstrual Irregularities
Birth control pills typically regulate a woman's menstrual cycle. Discontinuing the pill can lead to a woman having irregular periods for one or more months following the discontinuation of the drug. The Mayo Clinic explains that ovulation should occur two weeks after stopping the pill, and a period should follow about four to six weeks after the last pill. This time frame can vary depending on where you were in your menstrual cycle when you stopped taking the pill. Missing a period for one month is somewhat common, but if your period does not resume for two months or more, consult a doctor. Other menstrual changes may include a decrease or increase in blood flow for one or several periods following the discontinuation of the pill.
Fertility
It is possible for a woman to get pregnant as soon as she discontinues her birth control pill. Her fertility depends on when she will ovulate next in relation to when she stopped taking the pill. The Mayo Clinic clarifies the misnomer that getting pregnant immediately after stopping the pill is dangerous by explaining that it is perfectly safe. A woman may wish to wait until her period returns before attempting to conceive a baby. This will improve the accuracy of her estimated due date, which is based on the last date of her menstrual period.
Spotting
Mild spotting or light blood flow can occur soon after discontinuing the birth control pill. This is especially true for progesterone only pills that are taken every day, instead of the combination birth control pills that have one week of sugar pills. The sugar pills are taken during the week of a period to help maintain the pill-taking regimen. When the progesterone pill is discontinued, the body may take some time to adjust to normal hormone levels. The result can be spotting for a short period of time.
Other Symptoms
Some women may have experienced other benefits of taking birth control pills, such as improved acne, Planned Parenthood says. Stopping the pill can cause acne to return. Other symptoms of discontinuing hormone medication can include headaches or mood swings. These symptoms can be mild and resolve after a month.
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