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Millions of women take the contraceptive pill, but what happens when you stop? The Mirror spoke to a women’s health expert and GP about what to expect, and how long it takes for your body to regulate itself when you stop
The contraceptive pill has been a popular birth control choice for women for decades – but what happens when you decide to come off it?
Women can take the birth control pill to help reduce the risk of pregnancy. It can also be an effective way to help regulate hormones, acne and even balance or relieve PMS symptoms. As the medication changes your hormones, women’s bodies will go through changes when they first start taking it.
There are two different types of pill – the combined pill, which contains two hormones and stops the ovaries releasing an egg each month and the progestogen-only pill, also known as the ‘mini pill’.
The mini-pill has only one hormone and works by changing the mucus at the entrance to the womb (uterus) so that sperm cannot pass through to fertilise the egg, however it can still sometimes suppress ovulation like the combined pill does, Mayo Clinic reports.
It’s a medication that millions of women use, but what happens to your body once you stop taking it? We spoke to women’s health and bioidentical hormones expert Dr Kajal Babamiri from CLNQ, to find some answers.
The combined pill is an effective birth control method for women, and it can be prescribed by a doctor or nurse. According to the NHS, it’s “over 99% effective if used correctly all the time” – however, if not used correctly and there is a pill missed it’s “less effective”. The NHS says: “When you stop taking the pill, your fertility usually returns to previous levels after about a month,” adding: “The pill can help with acne, heavy or painful periods, PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and endometriosis.”
Dr Babamiri explained that the time it takes for a woman’s body to regulate after stopping the contraceptive pill can vary. While some women can experience a return to normal ovulation and menstruation almost immediately, others may need more time for their hormonal balance to be restored. However, it’s important to note that as soon as you stop taking the pill you are no longer protected against getting pregnant.
The GP further detailed that the varying time it takes for a woman’s body to return to normal can be due to factors such as age, overall health and the length of time on the pill can influence this process. She explained: “When a woman stops taking the contraceptive pill, her body begins to readjust to its natural hormonal cycles. Ovulation typically resumes, and menstrual periods may initially be irregular as the body finds its balance.
“Some women might experience temporary side effects such as hormonal acne, mood swings, and changes in menstrual flow. Over time, these effects generally subside as the body’s natural hormone levels stabilise.”
This is further echoed by the advice given by Superdrug doctor, Dr Simran Deo who said: “When you stop taking the pill, the hormones which prevent pregnancy will leave your body when you do not take your next pill as instructed. This means that you can be fertile again immediately after stopping your pill – most women ovulate again within one month of stopping a combined pill or 17 days of stopping a desogestrel-containing minipill.”
While on the pill, a woman’s body will undergo several changes according to the expert. The pill works primarily by preventing ovulation through the regulation of hormones like oestrogen and progesterone. She explained: “It thickens the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg, and thins the uterine lining, reducing the likelihood of implantation.”
However, these hormonal changes can come with a range of side effects. These include nauseas, weight gain, mood changes, a change in libido and some more serious, but less common symptoms such as the increased risk of blood clots, hypertension, and breast tenderness. “Some women might experience clearer skin and more regular, lighter periods,” Dr Babamiri added.
It’s a popular contraceptive choice as it can help prevent pregnancy, regulate cycles, manage cramps and reduce symptoms of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. However, Dr Babamiri says she’s noticed a “shift” in women opting for other contraceptive options instead.
“With the availability of various options like intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, patches, and natural family planning methods, some women are opting for alternatives to the pill. This trend may be driven by concerns over the side effects of hormonal contraception and a desire for long-term, low-maintenance solutions.
“The accessibility of diverse contraceptive methods allows women to choose the option that best fits their lifestyle and health needs,” she added.
It’s also important to note that the combined pill doesn’t prevent getting or passing on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and it’s still advised to wear a condom to help protect you and your partner against STIs.
If you have any concerns or want to explore birth control options it’s always advised to speak to your GP or nurse. More information can also be found here.
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