Stopped Birth Control - Seeking Insight After 6 Months
Hello everyone, I’m a 19-year-old female who recently discontinued using Microgestin 1/20 after a six-month period. I’ll try to keep this concise, as my doctor provided one perspective, yet what I find online suggests something different, and I’m looking for clarity. To give you some background, I began taking birth control in January. During June, my schedule was hectic, leading me to take my pill at varying times each day. When July rolled around, I entered my placebo week but did not experience a menstrual cycle. At one point, I felt unusually weak in the shower and almost fainted; fortunately, after hydrating and consuming some vitamin water, I recovered (not sure if that detail is relevant). After my placebo week, I began a new pack and took my first pill. The following morning, I noticed my heart rate was unusually fast, which made eating difficult, prompting a hospital visit. That day, I ceased taking the birth control. Various tests indicated I was completely healthy, and I was sent home with a Holter monitor, which showed normal results and I felt better thereafter. Subsequently, I experienced significant stomach irritation, inability to eat, vomiting, erratic bowel movements, and excessive gas due to not eating, symptoms that persisted for about a week and a half. This eventually subsided, but I was left with severe dry mouth. When discussing these symptoms with my doctor, they attributed it to anxiety and dismissed the idea of withdrawal aside from potential bleeding. However, after researching, I’ve come across numerous accounts from other women who describe similar experiences upon stopping the pill. I’m gradually on the mend but would appreciate any additional perspectives to ensure I’m not imagining things. Does anyone have similar experiences or advice?
Answers (1)
7/31/2025, 1:20:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel confused and concerned after discontinuing the birth control pill, especially with the varied responses you're receiving. Your experiences of feeling faint, having a rapid heart rate, and gastrointestinal symptoms are valid and can be distressing. Here's a structured look at your situation:
Key Points:
- Discontinuation Effects: Stopping birth control can lead to hormonal adjustments, which may cause a range of physical symptoms.
- Your Symptoms Are Real: The symptoms you've experienced, including stomach issues and feeling faint, can happen after stopping hormonal contraceptives.
- Understanding Your Body: It's essential to monitor these changes as your body readjusts.
Explanation:
When you stop taking hormonal birth control like Microgestin, your body may take some time to reset its natural hormone levels. During this adjustment period, it's not uncommon to experience symptoms such as mood changes, gastrointestinal distress, or irregular menstrual cycles. The absence of your period during the placebo week could be your body responding to the sudden change in hormone levels or stress.
Your episodes of weakness and increased heart rate, especially given that your tests were normal, may suggest a combination of hormonal changes and anxiety. Anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms, leading to feelings of unrest in your body.
Next Steps:
- Hydrate: Make sure to keep yourself well-hydrated, as dehydration can heighten feelings of fatigue and faintness.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, noting any changes or new experiences. This can help you identify patterns and discuss them with your healthcare provider if necessary.
- Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet to help stabilize your energy levels. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can ease gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Gentle Activity: Try gentle activities like walking or yoga to manage stress and promote overall well-being.
- Manage Anxiety: Consider techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness practices to help with anxiety, which could be contributing to your physical symptoms.
- Follow Up: If symptoms persist or worsen, reach out to your healthcare provider to reassess your situation and discuss your concerns about potential withdrawal effects.
Remember, many women have similar experiences when stopping hormonal birth control, and it can take some time for your body to return to its natural rhythm. You're not imagining things, and it's good that you're seeking information and support. Take care, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions!
Related Questions
Alternatives to Doxycycline
Recently, I experienced an allergic reaction to doxycycline that resulted in swelling and painful blisters. After this incident, my doctor suggested switching to moxifloxacin. However, after reading some alarming accounts online, I am now hesitant and seek other options. I am contemplating the use of minocycline, but I worry since it belongs to the same tetracycline class as doxycycline. I would appreciate any advice regarding this matter, particularly in relation to treating ureaplasma urethritis. For context, I am a 28-year-old male, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 190 pounds, and I don’t take any medications regularly, though I do smoke tobacco occasionally.
Assessing My Potential HIV Exposure
Hello everyone. To give you some background, I'm a 20-year-old woman residing in a western nation. My sexual experiences are quite limited; I’ve been intimate twice—three times if I count multiple encounters—with two different partners. The first partner used a condom, but the second did not and he ejaculated inside me while I was on birth control. This situation has left me feeling quite anxious, as I fear I may have contracted HIV. I’ve been experiencing some unusual symptoms and although I tested negative for chlamydia and gonorrhea, I'm terrified of needles and have not yet gotten tested for HIV. It’s strange how fear can disconnect you from seeking help when you know you should. The second partner’s background is mixed; his father is of African descent and his mother is European. The country his father hails from reportedly has a high prevalence of HIV—estimates suggest that around 5-10% of the population was infected around the time he was born. I can’t shake the worry that his mother might have contracted HIV from his father and possibly passed it on during pregnancy. Our intimate encounter was quite painful—I suspect I experienced some tearing as it was only my second time, and despite the lack of lubrication, there was a burning sensation afterward, though no bleeding occurred. I tend to be anxious about health conditions and have OCD, so I may be overanalyzing the situation, but my intuition is screaming at me, and I truly hope I’m wrong. The experience was pressured; I wasn’t ready to be intimate, and now I find myself filled with regret. During that time, I was in a dark place emotionally and didn’t think about the ramifications of my actions, especially since he claimed to have only had two previous sexual partners. However, I’ve since learned he is a compulsive liar, and I doubt he would prioritize STD testing. I would like to know from healthcare professionals what my actual risk is. Statistically, the risk from a single encounter seems low, but it appears to increase with penetration if there's trauma involved. However, I’ve found no clear indication of how much more this risk is elevated. I cannot ascertain his health status, and while I realize it’s unreasonable to make judgments based on ethnicity, this matter is too critical to overlook any factors. The thought of living with HIV terrifies me; it feels like it would completely upend my life. I'm already struggling with feelings of depression and lack of motivation, and this fear feels like it would push me over the edge. I’m so young and have yet to experience a healthy relationship, and the thought that no one would want me if I were HIV positive is devastating. :(
Could I Have Experienced a Miscarriage?
I'm a 19-year-old female, and I recently discovered I was expecting. It was very early in the pregnancy, less than a month along. One evening, I experienced intense cramps that left me unable to move. Prior to that night, I had noticed some light bleeding, which continued into the day I felt the cramps. When I woke up the next morning, the bleeding had intensified, and I noticed something unusual. I want to confirm whether this could be a miscarriage or if it could be something else. I'm concerned because I vape and engage in other activities that might affect my health. I would appreciate guidance on what steps to take next!
Insights on Childbirth with Vulvar Endometriosis
I’m a 22-year-old woman, currently six months along in my pregnancy, and I am not on any medications. I've found it challenging to gather substantial information regarding natural childbirth when dealing with vulvar endometriosis. Thus far, the consensus I've come across suggests an increased likelihood of severe tearing during delivery, possibly heightened pain levels, as well as a potentially more complicated healing process. As this marks my first experience with childbirth, I’m contemplating the option of scheduling a cesarean section considering these concerns and others. I would greatly appreciate any insights or knowledge others may have concerning this condition in relation to childbirth.
Understanding the Nub Theory in Pregnancy: Myth or Reality?
During a recent 12-week ultrasound, the nurse suggested that I might be having a boy based on the upward angle of the nub. This concept was entirely new to me and seemed quite unbelievable at first. However, I've since noticed that discussions around this theory are rampant on various forums and Reddit communities geared towards expectant mothers.