Stopping the Pill and what happens next: Symptoms, hormones, and natural support

Stop taking the pill and finally be free from hormonal contraception! But what actually happens in the body then? Can it even have side effects? We'll show you what to expect when you stop taking the pill and what benefits await you.

Do you want to stop taking the pill? – These are the benefits

Let's start with the positives. There are many reasons to stop taking the birth control pill. The best reason is certainly the desire to have children. But there are also other motivations, some of which are related to the side effects of the pill. It is important to note that each of us reacts individually and there are also different types/generations of the pill that have different effects. But what benefits can you expect when you stop taking the pill?

• Naturalness for your cycle: You no longer introduce hormones from outside; you can now return to your natural balance. Without the pill, you have the opportunity to get to know your body and your femininity better.
• The pill is associated with a higher need for folic acid, B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium. If you stop taking it now, it may be easier for you to meet your nutrient requirements, especially if you already suffer from a deficiency. If you want to stop taking the pill because you wish to become pregnant, replenished nutrient stores are important for the healthy development of the baby.
• Lower risk of thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: The birth control pill (especially those of the third and fourth generation) increases the risk of thrombosis by 1.7 times. The risk of pulmonary embolism also increases. Both are serious illnesses.
• Water retention decreases when you stop taking the pill. This can also reduce your body weight.
• Better chances of recognizing the right partner when he stands before you. This sounds absurd, but the pill influences women's natural instincts. When you stop taking the hormone preparation, you subconsciously pay more attention to your partner's smell and appearance.
• While the pill reduces the emotional rollercoaster before your period, it is also associated with depressive moods. If you stop taking the pill, this can have a beneficial effect on your general mood.
• Increased libido: For many women, the desire for sex decreases when they take the pill. This can change again when they stop taking it.
• Less stress and cost: No daily pill alarm, no stress with the prescription for the pill, and depending on whether and which contraception you choose afterwards, also less cost.
• Many women report increased performance in sports and at work after stopping the pill. They feel full of energy without the pill.

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What happens in your body when you stop taking the pill?

Your entire organism has to get used to the new situation and find its hormonal balance. How long this takes after stopping the pill is very individual. Many women initially experience a slight dip, because the body is used to the supply of hormones. How exactly this manifests itself varies from woman to woman. If you struggled with many side effects of the pill, it will probably be easier for you to stop taking it. If, on the other hand, you benefited from the advantages of the pill, such as a regular cycle, beautiful skin, and hair, then the consequences of stopping may be more burdensome for you. However, this cannot be said across the board. How your body reacts is simply very individual. We will look at possible side effects.

What side effects can occur when stopping the pill?

• Irregular cycle: This affects almost all women at first. For some, the cycle regulates itself after a few months, for others, it can take up to a year. During this time, spotting is also possible.
• Heavier and/or longer menstrual bleeding is possible.
• Impure skin and temporary hair loss. The latter is usually only a phenomenon of a few weeks. Skin impurities can last longer due to hormonal fluctuations and can be more or less pronounced depending on the cycle phase.
• PMS symptoms may worsen.
• Mood swings, especially before and during menstruation, are possible.
• You can get pregnant. This is an advantage for some women and rather undesirable for others. If you want to avoid pregnancy, then look for an alternative contraception, because fertility increases after you stop taking the pill.

How can you support your body after stopping the pill?

If you want to stop taking the pill, you should be sure, because a constant switch between taking and stopping hormones is a great burden. If you have now decided to do so, you should find the right time for you. Stopping the pill abruptly is not a good idea. You should at least finish your blister pack to avoid total hormonal chaos in your body. If you are currently facing a major professional or private challenge, it may therefore be useful to wait another month or two so that you don't put too much stress on yourself at the same time.

But what can you do now to support your body during the transition?

• Chasteberry is known to regulate hormonal fluctuations in women. You can take chasteberry as a dietary supplement. Other medicinal plants such as lady's mantle can also simplify the transition.
• Consciously perceive your body and focus on the positive things. This can reduce your stress level and make the transition more pleasant for you. Exchanging experiences with other women can also help. How did they experience this time? What helped them? And ultimately also the question: What is normal and when should you see a doctor? A diary with symptoms, bleeding, and peculiarities is also recommended for this.
• Supply your body with all important vitamins and minerals. A healthy diet is crucial for this. Especially if you have stopped taking the pill because you want to have children, you should ensure sufficient folic acid.

Foods against PMS

• Allow your body to rest: Yoga, relaxation, and more can both relieve cramps and help you accept the new situation. If you give your body time, it can focus on the transition.
• If you now have more or changed complaints during your period, these two articles can help you:

Tips for bloating during your period
Gentle exercises during your period

Extra tip for men: You have benefited from the advantages of the pill for a long time without incurring any health risks. Now it's time to give something back to your partner. Support her as best you can and take mood swings calmly.

As you can see, there are pros and cons to stopping the pill. Ultimately, this is an individual decision that you should make alone or with your partner. Medical advice can help you if you are unsure.

Other interesting blog articles for you: 

Lady's Mantle - the ideal medicinal plant for cycle problems

Treating menstrual problems naturally - our 8 top tips