Birth Control Break: What Could Happen?

If you stop taking birth control for a month, you may experience side effects such as period changes, acne, and changes in your sex drive. Some people take birth control to regulate their periods, so stopping it may cause heavier and more painful periods. Additionally, birth control can help with acne by correcting hormonal imbalances, so stopping it may cause acne to return. Finally, birth control can affect your sex drive, so stopping it may increase your libido. It's important to note that the side effects of stopping birth control will vary depending on the individual, the type of birth control, and other factors.

You may get pregnant

If you stop taking birth control, you may get pregnant. This is because your fertility can return immediately after stopping hormonal birth control. Indeed, research shows that up to 85% of former pill users get pregnant within a year.

If you are sexually active and do not want to get pregnant, you should consider using another form of contraception, such as condoms or spermicide. You could also consider taking emergency contraception, such as Plan B, if needed.

If you are thinking about stopping hormonal birth control, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor first. They can offer you advice and guidance on how to stop safely and inform you about possible side effects.

If you want to get pregnant, a healthcare professional can help you plan for what comes next. This may include starting a prenatal vitamin to help prepare your body for pregnancy and learning about family planning.

You could experience acne

If you stop taking birth control, you may experience a return of acne. Birth control pills can be used to treat acne because they regulate the hormones that cause breakouts. The hormones in birth control pills, estrogen and progestin, prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg and change the lining of the uterus. This can reduce the amount of acne-causing androgens in the body, leading to clearer skin.

However, not all birth control pills are created equal when it comes to treating acne. Some progestin-only contraceptives may even worsen acne. It's important to talk to your doctor about the different types of birth control pills and how they may affect your skin.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the side effects of stopping birth control will depend on several factors, including how long you used it, the dosage, and any symptoms you had before starting. If you're considering stopping birth control, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor first to understand the potential side effects and how your body may be affected.

When you stop taking birth control, your body will go through a period of adjustment as your hormone levels change. This can lead to a variety of side effects, including changes in your menstrual cycle, mood, sex drive, and weight. It's important to be prepared for these potential changes and to practice self-care during this transition period.

In summary, if you stop taking birth control, you may experience a return of acne, but this will vary depending on the type of birth control you were using and your individual response to the hormones. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision about starting or stopping any form of birth control.

Your sex drive might increase

Stopping birth control can have a range of effects on your body, and one of these is an increase in your sex drive. This is because hormonal birth control can often decrease your libido, so when you stop taking it, your sex drive might increase.

Most birth control pills contain female hormones, estrogen and progestin, and are known as combined pills. The types and amounts of hormones vary, but they all interfere with the way your body works. Many combined pills lower your testosterone levels, which is the hormone that makes you want to have sex. While most women who take the pill still produce enough testosterone to have a healthy sex life, if your levels are low to begin with, your sex drive could be negatively impacted.

Sex isn't only about hormones. If you're not feeling in the mood, it could be down to other factors, such as your relationship, body image, or stress levels. If you're experiencing issues in your relationship, such as a lack of respect or frequent arguments, this could be impacting your desire for sex. Similarly, if you're feeling stressed, angry, or anxious, this can also affect your libido. Body image issues can also play a role, as if you don't like the way you look, it can be hard to feel comfortable and enjoy sex.

If you're feeling less in the mood than usual, there are some lifestyle changes you can make to try and boost your sex drive:

• Eat more plant-based proteins like nuts and beans, or lean chicken and fish, as saturated fat can raise your cholesterol and lower your sex drive.
• Cut down on junk food, which can make you feel sleepy and bloated.
• Eat foods that contain zinc, such as dark chocolate (make sure it's at least 70% cocoa and low in sugar).
• Try stress management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga, as chronic stress can contribute to a low libido.
• Get regular exercise, as this is linked to improved mood and increased blood flow, which can positively impact sexual desire.
• Make sure you're getting enough good-quality sleep, as this plays a crucial role in hormonal balance and overall well-being.
• Incorporate more foods rich in zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, as these have been associated with improved libido.
• Talk to your partner about your concerns, as open communication can strengthen your emotional connection and alleviate stress related to sexual intimacy.

Your periods may become irregular

When you stop taking birth control, your body will need time to adjust to its new rhythm of hormonal levels and cycles. One of the most common side effects of stopping birth control is changes in your menstrual cycle. Irregular periods after stopping birth control are likely the result of your body adjusting to hormonal changes.

Hormonal birth control can prevent the natural hormone cycle that is responsible for menstruation, ovulation, and many of the side effects that coincide with your menstrual cycle. When you stop taking hormonal birth control, your body will need time to adjust to the drop in hormones before your period restarts. This doesn't happen to everyone, but it's considered normal for periods to be irregular for one to three months after stopping birth control. If you were on the Depo-Provera shot, it may take around 10 to 12 months for regular menstruation to occur.

The amount of time it takes for your cycle to return to normal will depend on several factors, including stress, exercise, changes in body weight, and overall health. However, in most cases, normal fertility, including ovulation and regular menstrual cycles, will return within three months.

If you had irregular periods before going on birth control, you may continue to have irregular cycles afterward. Irregular cycles may also be the result of weight, exercise, or an underlying condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If you are concerned about any menstrual irregularities, you should speak to your healthcare provider to determine the cause.

You could experience mood swings

If you stop taking birth control, you may experience mood swings. This is because your body is adjusting to its new rhythm of hormonal levels and cycles. The shift from an external source of hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen, to rebalancing those naturally, can cause changes in your mood or more noticeable PMS symptoms.

Hormonal birth control can influence neurochemistry, brain function, and the activity of neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid, serotonin, and dopamine. Oestrogen is neuroprotective in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, and brainstem, protecting the brain from neurodegenerative disease, cognitive decline, and affective disorders. Progesterone, on the other hand, can worsen mood symptoms. It has been linked to a decrease in serotonin concentrations and the augmentation of GABA-induced inhibition of glutamate transmission.

The impact of hormonal contraceptives on mood is a complex issue that requires further research. Some studies suggest that hormonal contraceptive users are more likely to report feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger compared to non-users. However, other studies have found no significant link between hormone combinations or concentrations and differences in mood. It is important to note that the impact of hormonal contraceptives on mood may vary depending on individual factors such as age, general health, and mental health history.

Additionally, women with a history of depression may be more likely to experience mood swings when stopping birth control. In the Harvard Study of Moods and Cycles, it was found that women with a history of depression were more likely to experience premenstrual mood worsening on hormonal contraceptives than those without a history of depression. However, it is important to note that most women in the study with a history of depression experienced either no change in their mood or mood improvement, while only a small number experienced premenstrual mood worsening.

If you are considering stopping birth control, it is important to be aware of potential mood swings and other side effects. It is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before making any changes to your contraceptive method. They can provide advice and guidance based on your individual needs and concerns.

Frequently asked questions