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Understanding Post-Birth Control Syndrome

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Post-birth control syndrome is defined as a set of symptoms that appear 4 to 6 months after the discontinuation of oral contraceptives.

Written by

Dr. Palak Jain

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Daswani Deepti Puranlal

Published At November 15, 2023
Reviewed AtNovember 15, 2023

Introduction

Stopping any hormonal birth control method eliminates external supplies of progesterone and estrogen. These hormone levels in the body are altered by this, which may result in short-term negative consequences. The probability of becoming pregnant increases whenever a person quits taking hormonal birth control. Symptoms might vary from person to person depending on the type of birth control used and how long it has been in use. Side effects can happen when removing an intrauterine device (IUD), implant, or other hormonal contraceptive. However, they may be more prevalent when stopping birth control tablets.

What Is Post Birth Control Syndrome?

A group of symptoms that persist for four to six months after stopping birth control is known as post-birth control syndrome. These signs and symptoms are characteristic of someone who has used a hormonal form of birth control, such as tablets, implants, IUDs, or vaginal rings. It is brought on by the body's forced return to its normal hormonal state due to removing these synthetic hormones. Therefore, whatever hormonal problems women had before taking them will reappear. Post-birth control syndrome includes a lot of the symptoms that were previously mentioned. However, people may also deal with mental disorders, hair loss, digestive problems, and infertility.

What Are the Symptoms Associated With Post Birth Control Syndrome?

Since every person's body is unique, alterations may not be the same as those experienced by others. There are several alterations. Nevertheless, that is quite typical of most women who stop:

1. Pregnancy - This should go without saying and is undoubtedly true for all women. If women use birth control, their chances of getting pregnant rise. Depending on the type of birth control, it can even happen more quickly. Approximately 96 percent of women who previously took birth control pills become pregnant within a year after quitting.

2. Cycle - Women using birth control may have observed significant monthly cycle alterations. Women could have begun later or had lengthy menstrual cycles. Women may suffer these similar cycle alterations if they quit using birth control. Even if their process was regular, it could still take time for the body to adjust. Women who had irregular periods could also go through a period of adjustment. It can take a few months for their periods to start up again if they stop having them. Also possible are heavier and more unpleasant periods. It could go back to being this way if it were before they started birth control.

3. Weight Loss - It is more likely to occur among women taking progestin-containing birth control. How patches, vaginal rings, or combination medications could impact weight gain is unclear.

4. Cosmetic - Hormonal birth control methods occasionally aid in controlling acne and hair growth. When women quit taking them, hair and acne return with a fury. These difficulties will resurface, which will disrupt their hormones once more.

5. Headaches - If women experience headaches while using birth control, they will feel better once they quit.

6. Prevention - Women who use specific birth control methods may be protected from developing malignancies, including ovarian and endometrial cancer. Additionally, non-cancerous breast conditions, including fibroids and fibrocystic breast disease, will not affect women.

What Are the Reasons for Stopping Birth Control Pills?

A person may decide to quit using birth control tablets for various reasons.

These consist of the following:

  • Changing to a different birth control strategy.

  • Worries over the short- or long-term consequences of hormonal birth control on one's health.

  • Unfavorable effects.

  • Attempting to conceive.

  • The price of contraception.

The birth control pill can be stopped at any moment without any risks. However, anybody who wants to switch to a different kind of birth control should first consult a doctor or sexual health professional. These experts will be able to give details on the available alternatives. If this is a concern, they might also be able to suggest a birth control pill with fewer adverse effects.

What Are the Effects of Birth Control Pills on Pregnancy?

Birth control tablets block the release of an egg from the body during the process known as ovulation. The cervix's mucous is also made thicker by the pills. As a result, sperm have a more challenging time getting to the egg, even when ovulation does take place. Removing these hormones from the body might cause ovulation to occur since birth control drugs prevent it. Ovulation might theoretically happen immediately after stopping the pill. In this situation, pregnancy might occur right away. The precise time of ovulation is influenced by the individual's general fertility and the point in the cycle at which they cease using birth control pills.

What Are the Ways to Manage Post birth Control Syndrome Symptoms?

It is more beneficial to treat each symptom women are experiencing rather than viewing them as a syndrome while the body changes after they stop using birth control.

For instance, Women may think about the following:

  • Using over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers for headaches and menstrual cramps, such as medication containing Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen.

  • The use of heat or cold compresses for sore breasts.

  • Try stress-reduction methods like yoga, breathing exercises, or mindfulness meditation to stabilize and avoid mood swings.

  • Making lifestyle decisions that promote women's healthiest weight is important if weight gain is a concern after discontinuing chemical birth control. Steps to take include eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and engaging in frequent physical activity.

Conclusion

Many people use birth control for purposes other than avoiding conception. For instance, someone could use oral contraceptives to ease uncomfortable menstrual cramps or lengthy periods. When stopping birth control, adverse symptoms are not unusual. At the same time, the body gets used to not having synthetic hormones. Depending on the type of birth control used and how long it has been in use, the symptoms might differ from person to person. After discontinuing chemical birth control, the body may need a few weeks or months to acclimate. Acne, weight gain, migraines, painful periods, no periods, and mood changes are among the typical symptoms during this time. To know more, consult the doctor online.

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Dr. Daswani Deepti Puranlal
Dr. Daswani Deepti Puranlal

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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