I was on hormonal birth control for five years. I went into the doc several times complaining of side effects, and they kept assuring me that it was 'normal' and 'ok'. I went through many different pills, eventually going to nuvaring. After extreme mood swings, migraines, and dizziness, I finally just stopped taking the pills on my own.

It's only been a month and a half since I stopped, but I did notice a definite difference. On the pill, I had bad migranes a few times a month - when I stopped, I had headaches for almost two weeks solid! My hormones definitely feel like they're trying to readjust, as my mood swings have decreased, and i've been getting more acne.

I'm not a doc, but based on my experience and things i've read, there must be an adjustment period involved when you come off the pill.

When I was going through wild mood swings on the pill, it helped to do things I knew would cheer me up, like take a hot bath, drink hot chocolate, and remind myself that hormones aren't something I can control. I never had mood swing issues before I got on the pill, and i'm one of those folks they just aren't good for. You might be too. give yourself time and be gentle on yourself, and things should even out.

Online, i've read that hormonal side effects can last anywhere from a few months to two years. I suspect it depends on the person and duration on the pill, but i'm not a doc.

Good luck!

Kityoko - are you still having problems with your skin after going off the pill ? This is what I am worried about !

I AM 46 NOW AND AFTER YEARS OF BEING ON ORTHO NUVUM 1/35 IN THE 80'S AND ORTHO NUVUM 777 IN THE 90'S AND NOW SEASONALE IN THE 2000'S MY GYN AVISED ME TO COME OFF . I AM ALITTLE SCARED BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER BEEN OFF PILLS . ITAKE THEM MAINLY FOR MY MENTRAL CYCLES . TO KEEP ME REGULAR. I ALSO TAKE OTHER PILLS SUCH AS HYPERTATION PILLS , ANTI DEPRESSION PILLS , NEXIUM , AND LIBRAX FOR STOMACH PROBLEMS. MY DR SAID IT WAS TIME TO COME OFF THE PILL . AND TO COME OFF COLD TURKEY. IS THAT OK ? WHAT CAN I PROBABLY EXPECT . CONCERNED

It is not harmful. Expect up to a year of irregularity. Your period probably won't regulate itself for a long time and it may take longer than usual for it to come the first few months.