10 Symptoms Coming Off Birth Control I’ve Experienced

10 Symptoms Coming Off Birth Control I’ve Experienced

Today’s post is not your typical fashion blogger post…  I’m sharing 10 Symptoms I’ve Experienced Coming Off Birth Control.

I’m venturing into the land of hormones.

Or “hormonees” as Voula would say in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.”  I love that movie!

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Many of you know that I suffer from endometriosis and have for many years now.

I’ve had endo most likely since puberty, but wasn’t diagnosed until my 20’s.

After my first laparoscopy surgery, my surgeon advised my only option to keeping the endometriosis at bay was to start birth control.  So that’s exactly what I did.

I had one more surgery after the initial, but other than that, the endometriosis hasn’t reared its ugly head.

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Fast forward 7 years after beginning birth control, to this past January.

I was experiencing migraine headaches as often as two times per week.

My current OBGYN said we had no choice but to stop the birth control, he feared that I may stroke from the combination of the medication and the migraines.  So that’s what we did.

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I’m sharing the changes I’ve seen in my body since coming off birth control on the off chance that some of my Gorgeous readers are preparing to go through the same experience.

This way, you can see what I’ve experienced personally and hopefully either prep you for what’s ahead or maybe feel a little better that you’re not alone.

Obviously, I’m not a doctor.

This is just what I’ve personally gone through and what has happened to my own body.

If you have questions regarding your health or symptoms, be sure to contact your medical provider immediately.

Army green shirt dress b-low the belt double gold buckle belt black vince camuto booties angela lanter fall style outfit hello gorgeous

Army green shirt dress b-low the belt double gold buckle belt black vince camuto booties angela lanter fall style outfit hello gorgeous

A little background, I first started on Reclipsen and took this oral contraceptive for just over four years.

I started experiencing some breakthrough bleeding and my OBGYN switch me to Yaz (I think).  I lasted all of about 2-3 months on this stupid pill.

Yaz gave me horrible acne, mood swings and overall made me feel like crap.

He then switched me to Nuvaring, which I stayed on up until this past January.

Army green shirt dress b-low the belt double gold buckle belt black vince camuto booties angela lanter fall style outfit hello gorgeous

Army green shirt dress b-low the belt double gold buckle belt black vince camuto booties angela lanter fall style outfit hello gorgeous

Army green shirt dress b-low the belt double gold buckle belt black vince camuto booties angela lanter fall style outfit hello gorgeous

Let’s chat about what symptoms coming off birth control that I have noticed…

10 Symptoms Coming Off Birth Control

1. Acne.  Just so I’m clear, I’ve never had acne before in my life.  I skipped that stage in my teenage years.

I would get an occasional pimple here or there, specifically around/during my period.  But nothing more than that.

Now?  Oh man, now I have regular zits in my hairline and chin.  Apparently those two areas are the hormonal break out zones.  I get the annoying little under-the-skin bumps as well as the cystic, nasty, need a cortisone shot monsters.

2. Blackheads.  This would normally be lumped in with acne, but because I have so many, it needs to be its very own category.

I’ve always had normal blackheads around my nose.  Now I have them in excess everywhere.  Even in my eyebrows.  How does that even happen?!

3. Bacne.  Again, should be lumped in with acne, but this one is also so major it needs its own category.

I’ve never had a pimple, white head, blackhead, NOTHING on my neck or back in my life.  The clear back days are a distant memory for me.

At first I was literally covered from the nape of my neck to my tailbone.  Now it’s just mainly around my shoulders.

Even though it’s less now, it’s still gross.  I was getting multiple cystic acne spots on my back that freaking HURT.  So painful and not pretty to look at.

Of course this nastiness was at it’s all-time worst during summer.

And why wouldn’t it be?  My open-back tops were kept to a minimum.

I recently came across this photo in Matt’s photo roll and couldn’t believe how bad the acne was on my back after stopping the pill.  This photo was taken on April 24, 2016

I had never experienced acne prior to this and quite honestly, it was shocking and painful.

4. Oil.  As a teenager, I had oily skin.  But that seems to be the norm.  In my 20’s, my oiliness evened out.

Now the oil is back with a vengeance.  My face could easily be considered an oil slick those first few months after birth control.

Now, it’s evened out a bit, but still oilier than it was before.

5. Oily hair.  I’ve always been able to go days in between washing my hair.  My hormones decided to pay me back.

At first, I didn’t link my oily hair to birth control.  I couldn’t understand why all of a sudden, my hair needed to be washed almost every day, when my whole life I washed is 2 times per week.

Even dry shampoo wouldn’t hold it over, it had to be washed at least every other day.

6. Hair loss.  It’s normal to shed hair every day.

I know this.

But the amount of hair I lose now is insane.

My hair is noticeably thinner around my temples.

My hair is everywhere.  It sheds and I don’t even know it.  Talk about annoying.

Oh, and my baby hairs?  It’s as if I grew a new set of bangs overnight.

I can’t decide if this is new growth or breakage.  Either way, my body somehow missed the memo that my bang days were over in the 7th grade.

7. Painful periods.  I forgot what cramps were for the most part.  Coming off birth control was a stark reminder of what life was like every single month in high school.

I mean, I still had cramps even on birth control, but not the “call 911” type of cramps.  They haven’t been quite that bad, but definitely worse than I’ve experienced in the past 7 years.

I also noticed that my periods stayed on calendar with the same cycle I had while on the pill.  I asked my doctor why I didn’t see a change and his response was that my body has changed since I first started the medication 7 years ago.

8. Headaches.  This one is a major praise.  Up until last week, I didn’t have a single migraine in 7 months.

When I did get headaches, they were minor and rarely needed even a single Advil.  I had my first migraine last week, but I was able to link it back to a new supplement I took (which states the side effect may be migraines) so I immediately stopped taking it.

9. Ovulation.  I forgot that my body even did that (ovulated).

After birth control, you are harshly reminded that this happens every month.  The cramps were almost as bad my first few months after the pill as period cramps were.

And man oh man, did I get breast pain during this monthly window.  I’d never in my life experienced breast pain before this.

10. Sense of smell.  At first, I thought I had to be pregnant.  At certain times of the month, smells would make me so nauseous.

I remember being in a car in New York back in March early in the morning.  We had driven by a restaurant that was serving breakfast and I thought I was definitely going to vom over the egg smell.  Matt thought I was off my rocker, but I couldn’t get the odor out of my nasal passages for miles.

It was horrible.

Even still, I’ll smell something that will literally smack me in the face and make me feel so sick, but no one else will notice it.  And no, I’m not currently pregnant.

After all that complaining, the absence of my migraines makes all of the pain the butt symptoms worth it.

Beyond worth it, actually.

Migraines were ruling my life.  Now they’re in the past, which is exactly where I plan to keep them.

How about you?  Did you experience any symptoms coming off birth control?

Did you experience something like I did?  Or maybe every symptom that I did?

Did you experience something totally different than I did?

I’d love to hear from you, so please comment below.

what I’m wearing

Sanctuary Dress (similar here)

B-Low the Belt Waist Belt

Booties (similar)

Zac Posen Eartha Handbag

Kendra Scott Blake Cuff Bracelets

Baublebar Bracelet

Anine Bing Lace Bralette

Photos by Valorie Darling Photography.

period favorites

This post was originally posted on September 9, 2016.


Did you experience frequent urination after stopping birth control?

I do not remember having increased urination with ending the pill, but I did experience it when I started taking Lexapro.

Did you have dry skin after stopping birth control?

I had pretty bad acne and increased oil after stopping. See the photo above for how bad my back broke out.

Did you get hives after stopping birth control?

No, I did not.

Did you get greasy hair or greasy skin after stopping birth control?

Yes, I experienced both, but both symptoms went away after a while. Oily hair or skin is no fun.

1299 866 Angela Lanter
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109 Comments
  • Oh man. It’s been awhile since I came off of birth control but at first I felt great because I kind of felt like it was making me blah. Then after about two months my anxiety kicked in full force. That was probably be worst part for me. I felt like the bc sort of helped it because the hormones make it worse but once I came off of it it was rough.
    I’ve always had bad acne but coming off of it made it worse. Being pregnant tho made my skin wonderful. It’s just starting to break out again so I’d love to hear your thoughts on products. Fortunately so far it hasn’t been too bad so fingers crossed it stays that way!
    Thanks for sharing 🙂

    • Angela Lanter

      Isn’t it weird how the pregnancy glow is a real thing? Why can’t it stay through motherhood?!

    • Makayla Blake

      I’ve never had acne or oily skin in my life until I went off birth control… it has been awful. For months, I couldn’t even wash my face because everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, would irritate it. I’ve recently found three products that have helped me tremendously. My acne is finally clearing up. It feels like a miracle. For me, I found that my body is overproducing the oil because 1. Hormones and 2. My skin was actually dry and the natural oils were being stripped every time I washed my face with regular cleanser. I wash my face with the soap, apply the serum and let it soak in, and then apply the jojoba oil. Also, before I shower, I will wash my face and then apply oil generously. Then, when I am in the shower, I will get the water hot initially and then take a clean, soft rag and soak it in the hot water and put it over my face to steam. Once I do that, I will wipe the oil off and carry on with my shower. I do this so that my face is moisturized in the shower and doesn’t get striped from oils.

      I get my products on Amazon: (the ingredients are all natural, vegan and derived from plants)
      Face wash: Farmstead Apothecary Foaming Face Wash – $10.90
      Serum: Pure Body Naturals- Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E – $9.95
      Oil: Leven Rose Jojoba Oil – $13.97

      I can no longer wear makeup regularly but if I do, the only products my face will allow are Bare Minerals Concealer (only under eyes, my face will break out), Mom’s Secret foundation (Amazon $23.99), and organic arrowroot powder for a setting powder. Also, beware of regular mascaras because most products carry chemicals that will mess with your hormones. I use Honest Beauty’s mascara by Jessica Alba.

      My hair has gone crazy oily too so I use a shampoo with Apple Cider Vinegar to help balance my scalp out. I use Maple Holistic’s Raw Apple Cider Vinegar shampoo from Amazon ($11.95). It’s the only shampoo that doesn’t completely strip and dry out my hair to make it overproduce oil.

      Lastly, I have resorted to using a topical progesterone cream as a result of the hormone imbalance caused by Post Birth Control Syndrome. If you are wondering, I use Internal Harmony Progesterone Cream (Amazon $23.51). Depending on where you live, I have seen this at supermarkets such as H.E.B.

      To anyone who is facing this- you are not alone. Stay strong, you will pull through it! I have been dealing with this for over a year now and I have finally seen results with these products. I know, everyone is different, but if it can help someone… that would mean the world to me! I’ve gone many sleepless nights trying to research and find solutions. It’s definitely an under researched issue. It’s not fair. These symptoms nearly drove me mad and really broke my self esteem down. But it’s only made me stronger.

      Sending you love and kindness <3
      Makayla

  • Happy to hear your migraines have ended! Love the post as always. I would love to see a blog post about the products you used for acne on your journey.
    Xo

  • Oh girl I am going though the exact same thing! I went off bc after 7 years and have had horrible acne and bacne. I’ve always had clear skin so I had no idea what to do. I went to a dermatologist and she gave me a ton of products which have sort of helped but I have all those little underground bumps everywhere. I’m with ya!!

  • Amy Wilbins

    PCA Skincare products are amazing for combating acne!! And they’re even more affordable on Amazon. A favorite face wash of mine is the oily/problem skin one…works like a dream!

    Evoligie Intense Blemish Serum is another product that is a new favorite of mine, also available on Amazon!

    Acne is something that I’ve dealt with for years so I’ve tried a fair share of products but these are some of my favorites!!

    • Boots No7 Beautifully Matte is also an AMAZING full coverage, mattifying foundation for broken out/oily skin. I get mine at Target!

      • Angela Lanter

        I haven’t tried Boots foundation yet!

      • I have had so many similar symptoms. My acne has disappeared since being off the pill and I now have lovely skin. Where as when I was on, I couldn’t get rid of them! My periods were out of control on the pill, once a week frequently. Since coming off, I’m giving my body a break to heal. I feel a lot healthier and happier. I am way less emotional. Can’t believe how much it affected me when I have taken it.

    • Angela Lanter

      Good to know! Thanks!

  • Thanks for sharing. Can’t imagine what it feels like to have migraines regularly. Glad you are feeling better since getting off birth control. When I stopped taking bc my acne and bacne came back with full vengeance. I thought I had left them behind in high school but nope!! The worst flare ups are during that time of the month. What do you use to treat dark spots and scars?
    Xoxo

    • Angela Lanter

      Thanks Lisa! I have only experienced one scar so far and I had a laser treatment by my dermatologist to remove it. It never came back, so I had a great experience with that particular treatment. 🙂

  • I was on birth control for three years after coming off of it I had bad migraines that would last for days. It was terrible! I also had really bad nausea my stomach would hurt for weeks at a time. I am happy to say these withdrawal symptoms I had went away. They did last for six months though and that time period was helll for me. I am so thankful I am back to normal. The only side effect I get anymore is sore breasts right before my period but that’s definitely something I can live with.

    • Angela Lanter

      I call my day after migraines, my “Migraine Hangovers”. It’s so true, that they last for days. And they’re so miserable. I’m so happy to hear that you’re back to normal now!

  • Hi Angela! Great post. So nice of you to share intimate stuff about your life. I do want to know when are you and Matt thinking of having kids? LOL

  • Vivianne

    Hi Angela!

    I’ve never been on birth control but I can definitely relate to the acne and back acne ???? I, as well, never experience any of that as a teenager and as a 25 year old in the professional field it is definitely not fun! Have you found any products that worked?? I’m not having much luck finding anything….

    • Girl you should give TactuPump/Epiduo a try. I developed adult cystic acne from my bc and it was so embarrassing. I actually would just sit and cry in front of my mirror because NOTHING (I tried everything, every old wives tale, every lotion claiming it would help, every special oil, prescription pills, I spent so much money) was working and I was too scared to try acutane.
      My doctor prescribed TactuPump to me and it literally was a miracle. I didn’t have an initial breakout though it made my skin dry and flaky for a week or two. You have to be patient (which I know is hard) cause it takes a month to start being super effective but if you stick with it, it’s the best thing ever. My skin was literally perfect after two months.

      • Angela Lanter

        I’m actually on Epiduo right now! How often are you using it? I’ve gotten mixed direction- my dermatologist suggested using all over my face and neck every 2-3 nights but my facialist here in Vancouver suggested only spot treating with it…

    • Angela Lanter

      My doctor has me on Epiduo right now for my face and two different prescriptions for my back and both are really clearing up. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m finally getting all the meds out of my system or if it’s the new products working…

      • Yeah my doctor here in Calgary told me just to use it on my problem areas at night. I agree with him though, I never really saw the point of using it on my entire face and causing that initial dryness in areas that didn’t need it. For the first six months I used a pea sized amount everyday..it cleared up way faster than six months but I was so scared of it coming back that I kept up the every day treatment. After six months though I started to test using it less and less and so far it’s all stayed away. Its awesome too when a little spot shows up I start using it again and it disappears in a flash. Seriously love it

        • Angela Lanter

          Every third night I’ve either been applying it all over my face or spot treating. My face looks significantly better!

  • While I’ve never gone through the birth control “withdrawal,” I’ve been told it does actually make you feel better.
    I do understand the migraine situation though. Mine are horrible during my period. I have one that lasts about 2 days before until the end of my period. I have them at other times as well. We are still trying to find the cause of mine.
    I wish you all the luck!

    • Angela Lanter

      Ugh, migraines are the worst. Someone needs to find a cure all!

  • I got off birth control after being on it for 2 years and the only symptom I had, which was apparently a normal one, was horrible horrible cramps. They were so bad I would start shaking and crying. They would happen on and off at the exact same spot. It finally stopped after a few weeks but oh man did they hurt. I felt like I was having contractions lol great post though! I hope your symptoms go away soon! Xoxo

  • Wow that’s intense! I was only on a pill for about 3 months. At first I LOVED it bc my moods were normal, cramps were light and I loved not having to schedule my life around those 3 periods. But I had a constant issue after so I stopped taking them. I think about getting back on, but don’t do it bc I’m worried what would happen getting off of them.
    So anyway, I am now hormonal and break out in darn pimples ever since I moved down south. I use pure lavender oil and Peppermint oil directly on the pimps on my face 😀 seems to help! I don’t want to dry out my skin with other products.

    • Angela Lanter

      I personally probably never would’ve gone on birth control had I had the choice. I’m just the type of person who doesn’t want to put unnecessary meds in my body. You gotta do what’s best for you though!

  • Maura gripp

    I am sorry you have to experience all this it does not sound fun. I went of birth control after being on or for a year and did not experience any symptoms except for spur of the moment nose bleeds while on it.. I have been reading up on endiometrosis because of shooting pains that I have always had in the lower stomach area.

  • Kate Shields

    I experience breast pain and I recently went to a specialist. It was recommended that I try taking 1000mg of evening primrose oil each day (I get these in capsule form from Holland and Barrett). This can take 3 months to have any effect but I thought it was worth a try. It hasn’t made a difference yet but I’m not at the 3 month mark! If you can’t tolerate oil of evening primrose then you can use star flower oil instead. Hope this helps someone!

    • Angela Lanter

      I’ve read great things about primrose oil supplements! Please keep me posted on your experience! How long have you been on it so far and have you noticed any changes in your body yet?

      • Kate Shields

        I’ve only been on it about a month so far. There has been no change as of yet, but I’ll give it a good 6 months to see if I can see any, and if not, I might try the star flower oil. I think the pain is related to my menstrual cycle so maybe it won’t work. Who knows. I’ll keep you guys updated!

  • Hi Angela!

    I’m so sorry to hear about the crazy experience of coming off birth control. I’ve heard many similar stories but also have heard many incredibly redemptive stories of going from birth control to Progessence Plus serum from Young Living Essential Oils. Have you heard of it? If not I HIGHLY recommend you look into it. It’s completely all natural so there are no fowl side effects & all you do is dab a drop or two on your wrists or neck each day. Since using it, I’ve had the best periods of my life and have had friends who have cleared up their acne and calmed crazy mood swings. One of my family members was on birth control for 20 years before using Progessence Plus and she loves the P+ so much because it does what the Progessence did without harming the body and better.

    I really hope this might be able to help you considering how much you’ve been able to help me! Feel free to email me if you have any questions or want some links to more research than what you can find. I’m also a Young Living Distributor myself so if you need help figuring out how to get it or anything, let me know!

    –Emma B.

    [email protected]

    • Angela Lanter

      Thanks Emma! I’ll definitely check out the Progessence Plus serum!

  • Thank you soo much for posting about this! I have experienced terrible acne since coming off BC. I would love to see a post about what products you used for acne.

  • I just went off of my birth control about a month ago and it sucks!!! THE WORST PERIOD OF MY LIFE! Best way to describe it is that my lady parts had the flu. I was so achy and crampy and it hurt so much to walk! I had acne before birth control but no where near as bad as it is now. I would love to hear about the products your using! My skin was also oily before bc and now it’s so much worse!

    • Angela Lanter

      Ugh, being a girl is NOT fun! Hoping your symptoms clear up so soon!

  • Silvia Almanza Alonso

    Since I was about 15 I’ve always had hormonal issues because of PCOS. I was on the pill as a teenager, but also tried so many other treatments. In the process I suffered from acne and it was so bad…

    About 2 years ago I started questioning all the negative effects that birth control has. I decided that it was time to stop taking BC, but I WAS TERRIFIED that I was going to be back to acne, no periods, medicine to get my period, medicine to stop my period, so many things that were just awful.

    I do get more acne than I used to while on BC, but nothing as traumatizing as when I was young, and it is because of NFP.
    At about the same time, I discovered Natural Family Planning, specifically the Creighton Model, that comes with Nanotechnology.
    Doing that has been one of the greatest things I’ve ever done. Slowly, I’m getting better without adding to my body artificial hormones. Yes, I still have PCOS, but it is for sure getting better. I do have confidence that in time, I will ovulate every month, that my body will produce enough progesterone.

    I wish you all the best in your journey off the pill. You’ll see how it is for the best!

    • Angela Lanter

      I’m definitely going to look into this info! Thanks so much for sharing!

    • Please share more on this model! I am suffering terrible micro biome issues from birth control. I need to get off but don’t want to go through horrible medical treatments! Hoping to have a safer transition with guidance from this community!

  • Julianne

    I love these posts!! Thank you for sharing this. Ive been on birth control for almost 5 years and have been thinking of going off, but I’m extremely nervous for the repercussions since it’s what my body is used to. So good to know what lies ahead so I can be prepared. THANK YOU Angela! all your posts are great, but please More like this!

    • Angela Lanter

      Thanks Julianne! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post!

  • I came off BC almost 10 years ago but am glad I did. I definitely have hair thinning and an increased sense of smell, but the biggest thing was the acne- cysts and white heads galore. My doctor finally started me on spironolactone which is usually used for blood pressure and occasionally heart failure. It happens to be an androgen blocker too though so it was decreasing the testosterone overload I was having after stopping BC. I’ve tapered down to a very low dose but haven’t had a single zit in almost 4 years which is awesome since I’ve battled acne since puberty. If you don’t find any creams that work it’s worth asking your doctor about. Downside- its a diuretic and will make you pee more!

    • Angela Lanter

      Oh man, it sounds like you experienced everything I did! I’m so happy to hear that you found something that works for you!

  • Arlene Burns

    Beautiful outfit Angela. You are wonderful and so brave telling your story on your blog and when going through difficult times of example family loss things can flare up.

    Yes I mentioned before I suffer from Endometriosis also but now I am almost 48yr and my periods sometimes disappear for 4 or 5 months at a time but I still get very painful periods always a lot more painful on my left side next to my ovary where I had an ovarian cyst when I was 34yr that’s also when I found out my fallopean tubes were blocked and after trying for children for 10 years was told I could not have any naturally. Unfortunately at the time I split from my then husband so never got the chance to try the IVF route. Now with my fiance Chris we know we will never have any children even through IVF as I have passed the maximum age for that.

    Exercise does help the pain and that is one reason why I teach fitness classes and keep myself fit as much as I can. I don’t eat a lot of starchy food either.

    At the moment my mum has been in and out of hospital then a care home and now back home until sheltered housing can be found, she has never looked after herself and I have always tried to be there for her. I am the only child and she only has one sister left alive, she is going through a terrible time and forgetting a lot of things and also been very agressive, at the moment I am leaving things in the care of her doctor and social worker as the stress this caused last year was bad and I almost lost my full time job because of it. Yes I have one of those boses who is may I say it (Absolute Witch)!! 🙂

    You are an amazing woman Angela and an inspiration 🙂 Well lunch time over I better get on with things. Take Care and say hello to Matt 🙂 xxxx

    • Angela Lanter

      Thanks Arlene! You’ve definitely got your hands full. Be sure that you’re taking care of yourself through all these trying times. Saying a prayer right now for you!

  • I am so glad to hear someone else can relate to this! In December I came off of birth control after.being on yaz for 9 years! My migraines got worse and worse until they were happening multiple times a week and were ruining my quality of life. Came off the medication but was left with breakouts which I have also never had before in my life. Ever. It has been ten months now and I am wondering when the check this is all going to taper off. Thank you for being real and writing about real experiences!

    • Angela Lanter

      Ugh, that sounds exactly like what was happening to me with migraines. Are your migraines at least gone now that you stopped the BC?

  • I remember having awfully painful cramps when I came off birth control! I haven’t been on it now for 6 years and we have a 3 year old and a little one that will be 1 on October 20! And that’s the worst thing after having a baby…the hair loss and baby hairs growing back are horrendous! Lol And of coarse it’s all along the hairline but now the hairs are finally getting longer but so awkward for the first bit. I’ve also just finished breastfeeding so just got my first period and find the cramps maybe don’t seem so bad after the second baby. Here’s to hoping it stays that way!
    Does your endometriosis seem any better? I have a couple friends that have it bad and I had them try some essential oils and some of them have found they’ve helped quite a bit, be worth a try if you were looking for something to try!

  • I have the same problem as you. I went off birth control last month after having terrible migraines. I have a heart problem so they were worried I would have a stroke if I kept taking it. Since going off it I’ve had bad acne around the chin. And the periods are so much worse. I’ve been using Biore products for months and its working wonders on my skin. Thanks for writing about this, its a very real subject that lots of girl need to talk about 🙂

    • Angela Lanter

      My dr. warned me about strokes too… It’s like, thanks a lot! You’re just now mentioning this?!
      So glad to hear your skin is responding to what you’re doing!! 🙂

  • Late post. But I just came across your blog recently. I appreciate your openness and honesty. I tired BC 2 different times totaling about a year. Both times I was an emotional nut case with very little stability. The smallest things would set me off and I became very depressed. It was not a good decision to go on. After my husband found me at home an emotional disaster in the fetal position for no good reason we decided it was time to leave the BC behind us. This was about 2 month into our marriage. Since we weren’t ready for children yet, my SIL introduced me to the Lady Comp. A computer in which you take your temperature every morning and it gives you a red, yellow or green light. Tracks your cycles and tells you when you ovulate. If you get the Baby one it can tell you if you are pregnant. I have been using it for over 5 years and it is 100% effective for us. (I have been in school so it was good to avoid pregnancy). My SIL on the other hand, after being told she would never have kids used it in the opposite way and now has 3 chikdren all about 2 years apart. For her it was timing. I love not having to put extra chemicals and hormones into my body and even though I can still have crippling cramps and horrible acne (I am not blessed with nice skin and have yet to find something affordable that works) it is totally worth it.
    My LadyComp and my Diva cup have become good/natural (does that work…can I say that?) Options. Highly recommend both.

    • Angela Lanter

      I’ve never heard of LadyComp! I’m definitely going to look it up. Thanks for the suggestion!!

  • Oh man, do I relate to this post. I had been on birth control pills for about 8 months when I started getting migraines. They brought me to tears and no pain killers would touch them.. I thought I was dying lol. And they got more and more frequent and I finally stopped taking the birth control. Chronic migraines run in my family, and I still have about 3-4 migraines each month, but it has improved so much now that I’m not on the pill – since hormones seem to be such a trigger for me. This was so eye-opening though – I too have always had very dry hair and skin, and never had pimples through my teenage years, but suddenly, the oil and the bacne is a problem for me too. I never related that to the change in hormones, but it really makes sense! Has this since cleared up for you? Hoping mine goes away!! And in case you do read this, just wantsd to say that I always love your blog and your videos. Your blog posts are always relatable and your writing style makes it a fun read. And Im sure you hear this all of the time.. but you have really been an inspiration to me personally. You were the first blogger I started following religiously, and you are the one who inspired me to create a beauty instagram with the goal of having a blog or youtube account someday soon. I love that you are so close to your hubby and how you support eachother, and also that you are concerned with your relationship with God. I think we would get along well 😉

  • Taylor Demski Cantwell

    Thank you for this post! I am about to start the process of going off of birth control. Like you said in a comment above I just don’t want to be taking medicine daily unless it is absolutely necessary. Did your doctor give you any idea of if these symptoms would go on forever or only last for a certain amount of time? I’m nervous to stop but I feel much more informed now after reading your post. You rock!

  • Anonymous

    I was on birth control years ago and everything was fine but I know for a fact that once you stop the pill us women well most start to have acne because the pill helps with break outs but once off the pill you’re body has to adjust to the way it was before birth control I’m sorry I know it’s a pain but you’re body will regulate it’s just going to take time being that you were on the pill for years. Hope this makes sense ❤️

  • Hi Angela, I haven’t been on birth control but I had a relationship breakup about 6 months ago and my hair was falling out in handfuls. It is also very thin around the temples. I have been taking Hair, Skin and Nails tablets which contain zinc, biotin, vitamin c etc. Has anyone ever tried this for hair loss and does it make a difference?

  • Hello Angela.

    My symptoms are so similar. I have two children 10.5 months apart, so I spent what felt like 2 years pregnant. I went back on birth control, because I didn’t want to be pregnant for 3 years lol. Last summer I went off birth control, we were going to try for baby #3. The acne break out has been so horrible. My face is normally pretty clear and nice. Around the time of going off the pill, I had also bought the Kat Von D contour palette. Your contour videos inspired me to start contouring. My break outs where all where I was putting the contour. So I thought maybe I was having a reaction. So I let my face have a break from makeup. It didn’t work. Every morning I woke up with more painful pimples. After a few months of trying to get pregnant, we decided to take a break. I am back on birth control, but on the mini pill. I am trying to lose weight before we try again. Since being back on the pill, my face have cleared up. I just have red marks from the ones I picked. I can’t help it, I am a picker/popper. So any tips on how you have been able to keep your symptoms/acne at bay, would be awesome. I am a little nervous now to go off the pill again. I don’t like the break outs.

  • Dawn Scarborough

    So this is a long time but I’ve been on BC for 18 years since after the birth of my second child but I always got migraines before I was on the pill. Then I went on the pill and would only get a migraine during the placebo (sugar pill) week. So I have just recently switched (per doctors recommendations) to skip the placebo week and start a new pill pack after the third week thus not having a period and I haven’t had a migraine in 4 months since switching to this method. It’s working so far.

  • I wish I found this post 6 months ago when I decided to go off BC. I had been on it for 10 years and was concerned about what I was putting in my body. Within 5 days of being off it I woke up in the middle of the night with horrible cramps. Apparently this is ovulation. I, too, had cystic acne on my back around my shoulders, to the point where I started cancelling my regular massages because I was so self conscious. My hair began falling out but eventually regulated again. The positive was that my libido sky-rocketed lol. After speaking with my doctor, I ultimately went back on BC after about 4 months off. For me the benefits outweighed the cons. I especially didn’t like not knowing when my period would come – on BC it’s like clockwork. Plus I’m single so I didn’t want to have to worry about anything if I ever manage to find someone who wants to date me again. Thanks for keeping it real.

  • melissa san

    I came off the pill 4 months ago and I experienced several symptoms. I experienced blurred vision, numbness in hands and legs, heartburn, muscle soreness, right side of the abdomen discomfort, ovulation pain, backache, eye twitching, lost weight (6 pounds), sore breast, stomach cramps, super dry skin, sleeping problems, among others. My period have been very precise and on point. I don’t have most of these symptoms anymore. Right now I’m only struggling with right side pain and sore muscles and numbness, especially on the legs. Its quite a ride and I’m hopeful I’m gonna be better soon.

    • Angela Lanter

      Ugh, I hope your symptoms are lifting!

    • marija-smb

      Hello,

      how long did your symptoms last? My vision is also blurred and I have terrible anxiety after quitting the pill.

      Thanks 🙂

  • I went on and off birth control quite a lot the past few years, mostly because I couldn’t affort it, and my worst experience: Acne. I had the occasional pimple now and then, but sometimes I don’t want to leave my flat without makeup (and I don’t wear make-up on a daily basis). But I also had terrible Migraines on birth control, but I had and have headaches on a regular level, I learned to live with them, though they are really not cool.I hope my skin conditions are getting better with time, ‘cuz I really don’t want to get on birth control again if it’s not necessary for other reasons.

  • Angela I found your blog from watching your husbands series Timeless and love you both!! I have been on Lolo hormone pills for 2 months now for my pimples and am just starting to notice a difference. I loved reading this post because I totally gag at certain smells but often find myself not needing to shower everyday anymore! So sad to hear about your endometriosis story ? I just learned about that in my Bio 12 class ? God bless!
    XO Marley
    basicbloggerss.com

  • A Dane here: as a journalist the only way i could cope with the trauma of coming of the pill was to make a video about it. It seems in Denmark i am the only one having experienced something like what u have. My experience centered on acne (also a first for me in my life) and hairloss. The acne was ok easy to get rid of with help from prescription drugs but the hair thing kept going for the better part of a year i feel. I was so sad.

    Now over 2 years since stopping the pill ill grab my hair and be surprised at how much there is. I never appreciated it before. I had to go almost bald to appreciate my very normal un-amazing hair. Just the fact thats its there is now amazing to me.

    But sure, men cant be bothered with condoms cause its ‘annoying’. I hate men and their egotistical views on this.

  • Today I finished my second month and I took the decision to stop them.

    It is the second time I am trying birth control pills – the first time I was having headaches very often and hardcore mood swings. Overall, didn’t really like it.

    Two months ago I started them again since I had some troubles with my skin (rash on my cheeks and breakouts, not too bad though) and the doctor prescribed me exactly the ”magical” cream Epiduo plus the birth controls. ERROR with both of them.

    My skin is very sensitive and dry, so putting the cream (very small amount, less than pea size ONLY on my pimples) ended in a burning sensation (a few times), whereafter the pimples ”disappeared” but actually dark pigmentation spots stayed on my face.

    As for the pills, the breakouts increased significantly, my rash became very red and irritated.
    I am very disappointed and I had some shitty down moments. But now when I was reading more on the topic I really hope that stopping them will help me.

    • Angela Lanter

      Fingers crossed that you’ll have better skin and everything else that’s been affected!

  • Bernice Baran.

    I was on Yaz for four years and never had acne growing up either and as soon as I got off I had horrible acne, in my hairline especially the super painful ones. I got bacne too which I never had. Also I used to have hair down to my butt & washed it TWICE A MONTH! Now it’s to my shoulders thanks to breakage & I was it twice a week at least! It’s absolutely horrible. I did start a new skin care routine which has worked wonders & ive been clear for about a month but my hair is still terrible. Wish I would’ve read this sooner!

    • Same thing happened to me after coming off Yaz. My doctor told me I had to stop taking it because my headaches might be linked to it but now my hair is greasy as ever. I’ve got an insanely itchy scalp from the acne I get and the skin on my face is so oily. I’m glad I’m not going crazy. Oh and my hair is falling out like mad. I’ve always had thin hair but now it’s bordering on ridiculous

      • Angela Lanter

        I had a terrible experience with Yaz!

      • Hey!
        These are exactly ALL the symptoms I have been having for the last 5 months and I only tried the BC patch for a month. How long did your symptoms take to stabilise? My skin has been awful, the hair loss has definitely calmed down in the last 10/15 days but the acne is still there and the hair is still so greasy!!

        • Alex Silva

          I am on the patch currently and wanting to quit. You’re saying your hair fell out for nearly 5 months after quitting?? I am super scared to quit

  • standard oyster company

    Good blog post. I absolutely appreciate this site.
    Thanks!

  • Hi so I took birth control for a month and it was a low estrogen one. I was getting depressed, body swelling, breaking out , dizziness , bad migraines where I couldn’t even walk straight. I stopped taking it and it’s bern almost a full 2 weeks. I still get the migraines which cause slightly dizziness and it feels like I’m swaying. Picture standing and u feel like ur moving from side to side. When will this stop? 🙁 thanks

  • Since going off birth control, Ive had warmness, tingling, and painful pinching in my hands, arms, and occasionally feet. Anyone else ???

    • Angela Lanter

      Oh wow, I haven’t experienced that. Have you talked to your dr?

      • Yes! I’m nearly convinced that I have MS because of the tingling and dizziness! I’m really hoping it has something to do with going off of birth control because it all started when I went off. I have never thought that maybe this could be it.

        • Angela Lanter

          I hope your symptoms clear up soon!

        • How are you feeling now Lindsey? I started having the same symptoms while ON the pill, and I’m also worried about MS.

  • So nice to know I’m not alone! I came off Yaz almost 18months ago after taking it for 10 years and boy oh boy did my body react. How long was it before your body started to feel somewhat normal again because this torture

    • Angela Lanter

      Ugh, I’m sorry, Madison! It took probably about 6 months to get totally out of my system, if I’m remembering correct.

    • Madison, you’re not alone!! Yaz withdrawal is REAL!

  • Thank you for writing this! I came off of Yaz a month ago and holy ovulation hell. I too have had insanely oily skin and hair. I have never in my life had to wash my hair daily, now I do. I am creeping toward what should be my first period since coming off. Fingers crossed I make it through this!

    • Angela Lanter

      Oh Amber, I’m sorry to hear that! I found great supplements to help me through the rough patches. 🙂

      • The post-pill oily skin and hair is the worst! It’s nice to know I’m not the only one experiencing this craziness! Any chance you’d be willing to share the supplements you found helpful?!

  • Hi,

    How long after getting off the pill did these symptoms start? I have been off for 3 weeks and terrified im going to start getting bad acne. So far really oily hair is my only symptom

    Thank you!
    Brit

  • Obviously you posted this years ago, but I just googled greasy and thinning hair after stopping Nuva ring, and your post popped up! How are you fairing now? I have pretty much the exact symptoms you experienced —-even the “headaches compared to migraines”, and am wondering how long these symptoms lasted for you? The worst, and most frustrating, part is the greasy and now THINNING hair! I’m 34 and having thinning hair is soooo frustrating! And to wash my hair every other day cannot be good for it! If you have any more tips, please share with me!

    • Angela Lanter

      I’ve had a pregnancy since this post so I’m not sure that I can give proper information this long after. 🙂

  • Jennifer Alexander

    I started taking birth control after getting diagnosis with a blood disorder that caused heavy periods. I only lasted one week on the pill. I started getting really bad painful acne and nausea. Sometimes I felt so sick, I couldn’t get out of bed. Since then, I have not been on any pill. I plan on not going on one either.

  • I decided years ago that I was done with birth control pills. I had tried different ones and just either felt crazy while on them or had issues with mid cycle bleeding and figuring out the right dosages ugh! It was a mess and I was so over it. I felt like it was messing up my body so I stopped. I felt such relief after stopping it! Only thing is it sucks preventing pregnancy with condoms ??? I wish there was a better way but I don’t want to use hormones to mess with my body again! ?

    • Angela Lanter

      So happy you were able to come off successfully!

  • I came off birth last June after 15 years to get my body ready for when my husband and I start trying for a baby. I definitely have some acne on my chin ( not terrible though). My periods are all over the place definitely not regulated and definitely heavier and crampy now. I do get the terrible boobie pain where I have to sleep in my bra to help with the pain but the worst part is my hair. I used to have thick and pretty wavy hair. In the beginning of being off bc my hair was definitely shedding along now definitely more then before but not as bad as it was. And now my hair is almost straight it’s so upsetting. One day my husband asked when did I straighten my hair and I burst into tears because I never did. It still like this and I don’t know what to do about it. My face is also pretty dry but manageable. If you girls have any tips for my hair please let me know I’ve tried clarifying shampoos and some hair masks nothings working please help

    • Angela Lanter

      I’m sorry to hear that, Jill! Have you tried taking collagen or biotin to help with your hair?

  • hey guys! did ur hair ever grew up again after stopping birth control pill yaz. ?

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