Having a heavy period after stopping birth control can be normal as your body adjusts to changing hormones, but it can also be a symptom of post-birth control syndrome. Show
Post-birth control syndrome happens in the months after a person stops taking hormonal birth control. Other symptoms include acne, amenorrhea (no menstrual period), hair loss, migraines and more. Most people notice their symptoms disappear within a few weeks after stopping birth control, but others may experience them for months. Read on to learn more about the syndrome, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment methods. Verywell / Jessica Olah What Is Post-Birth Control Syndrome?Post-birth control syndrome (PBCS) is a collection of symptoms that can occur when a person stops taking hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill, mini-pill, intrauterine device (IUD), injections, patch, or implant. Dr. Aviva Romm first introduced the
concept of the syndrome in her 2008 book Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health (the updated second edition was released in 2017). She suggested that the syndrome could possibly be the cause of irregular periods and other symptoms some people experience in the months after they
stop using hormonal birth control. Why Is There Controversy?While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that people can experience unwanted side effects when stopping birth control, there are no scientific studies to confirm the syndrome is a real medical condition. Due to the lack of research, there is some controversy about whether the condition is “real.” More research is needed to investigate the potential legitimacy of this syndrome. What Causes the Syndrome?Hormonal contraceptives contain synthetic hormones (e.g., progesterone, estrogen) to prevent pregnancy. Depending on the type of birth control used, these contraceptives may prevent ovulation, make cervical mucus thicker to stop sperm from entering the uterus, or thin the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting. These contraceptives inhibit the body’s natural production of
certain hormones, and it may take some time for the body to balance hormone levels after the discontinuation of birth control. The changes in hormone levels may cause temporary side effects as the body readjusts without external sources of estrogen and/or progesterone. Signs of Post-Birth Control SyndromeWhile some people’s bodies may easily transition after they stop using hormonal birth control, others may experience side effects of post-birth control syndrome, including:
Many people use birth control for reasons beyond simply preventing pregnancy. For example, a person may have taken oral contraceptives to reduce debilitating menstrual cramps or heavy periods. When the pill’s effects wear off, these symptoms may return. This doesn’t mean it’s a “syndrome”—it simply means the pill is no longer preventing these symptoms from occurring. When Will My Period Return To Normal?After stopping the pill, most people can expect their period to return within 4 weeks. It’s normal to experience irregular cycles in the weeks and months following discontinuation of the pill, and it can take up to 3 months for your natural menstrual cycle to return. DiagnosisBecause post-birth control syndrome is not recognized as an official medical diagnosis, a conventional healthcare provider is not likely to diagnose the condition. Naturopathic doctors and functional medicine physicians may be more likely to acknowledge the syndrome and provide a diagnosis. When to Seek Professional TreatmentSide effects that occur after stopping birth control generally disappear quickly, but some people may experience them for a few weeks or months. Talk with your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not seem to be going away on their own. If your period hasn’t returned for 3-6 months and
you know you are not pregnant, you may require treatment to help restore your regular menstrual cycle. Ways to Manage Post-Birth Control Syndrome SymptomsThe side effects of stopping birth control are temporary. Most symptoms dissipate over time without treatment. Managing each individual symptom as it occurs may help provide relief. For example, you may take over-the-counter pain medications (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen) for headaches and menstrual cramps, or apply hot or cold compresses to tender breasts. Stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness meditation, breathwork, or yoga may help balance your moods and prevent mood swings. If weight gain is a concern after stopping hormonal birth control, making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a balanced, nutritious diet and getting plenty of exercise may help you maintain a healthy weight. Should You Take Vitamins?Some research suggests that oral contraceptives—the “pill” or “mini-pill”—may deplete levels of some vital nutrients in the body, including:
This is particularly true for individuals who do not eat a healthy diet. Taking nutritional supplements may help boost nutrient levels and help reduce symptoms of post-birth control syndrome. More research is needed to confirm the benefits of taking
nutritional supplements while taking hormonal birth control. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement. SummaryWhen you stop taking hormonal birth control, it's normal to experience some side effects as your body adjusts without synthetic hormones. Post-birth control syndrome is not an official medical diagnosis, but many people with a uterus experience unwanted symptoms in the weeks and months after discontinuing hormonal contraceptives. It may take a few weeks or months for your menstrual cycle to return to normal, for example. Acne, weight gain, headaches, heavy periods and mood swings are also common after stopping birth control. Talk with your doctor if your period hasn't returned to normal after 6 months, or 3 months if you are trying to get pregnant. A Word From VerywellSide effects are common when you both start and stop using hormonal birth control. Post-birth control syndrome is not yet recognized as a medical condition, but many people do experience side effects when they stop using hormonal contraceptives. Just because post-birth control syndrome is not an official medical diagnosis doesn't mean that the symptoms you're experiencing aren't real. If
you’re experiencing side effects or symptoms that are affecting your day-to-day life or your menstrual cycle has not returned to “normal” within six months, talk with your healthcare provider. They can recommend the best treatments to help restore your hormone levels and reproductive health. Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my body when I stop taking birth control?When a person stops taking the birth control pill, the pill's hormones quickly leave the body. Gradually, the body's natural hormones will resume regulating the menstrual cycle. Most people have their first period about 2–4 weeks after coming off the pill.
How long does it take weight to go down after stopping birth control?Once you stop taking birth control, you may notice that you drop a pound or two within a few weeks as fluid retention decreases, but it is unlikely that you will lose a substantial amount of weight, if any at all.
Does everyone gain weight off birth control?There are 2 methods of birth control that cause weight gain in some people who use them: the birth control shot and the birth control implant. But this doesn't happen to everybody who uses these types of birth control. Many people use the shot or the implant without gaining weight.
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Can stopping birth control cause weight gain
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