Two of those resulted in pregnancy, one was a missed misscariage and the other is a 37 week pregnancy that I'm very anxious to be done with (love being pregnant, but I want him out because infertility fucked with me and I need him in my arms..I feel like he is safer there). I was diagnosed with PCOS in my 20s, after failing to have a period for over a year after stopping birth control pills (which were prescribed to me for heavy irregular periods in my teen years). This sub is a safe space for LGBTQ2A+ folks. It took my insulin levels getting so bad I started developing hyperpigmentation of the skin for a doctor to take me seriously and test me for PCOS. I feel trapped though. Currently … Luckily, no weight gain thus far. If you have PCOS and you want to go on birth control to either treat your symptoms or prevent pregnancy—or both!—choosing your method can be tricky. Such signs include visceral or abdominal fat, hirsutism, acne, acanthosis nigricans, skin tags and male-pattern hair loss or thinning. Learn how to re-balance your hormones naturally with self-care tips, herbs, and supplements in this article. Press J to jump to the feed. I stopped when I decided to clean up my body - no more meds at all for me. Birth control. True PCOS – where periods were irregular before starting the birth control pill, and other signs of PCOS such as insulin resistance, hirsutism, acne and ovarian cysts are likely present. (The “shock” of the change in hormones can cause ovulation.) I would suggest looking into r/keto or r/paleo. There's honestly a whole spectrum of what can happen. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. However, finding the one that is right for you (combined, which contains estrogen and progestin, or progestin-only) can be challenging, and there may be reasons why you are able to take one, but not the other—or none at all. It took me years to find a pill that I felt right on. For those with PCOS, it might temporarily worsen your symptoms but just keep an eye on things, especially your period and make sure they don't get too out of whack. Are you getting regular periods? I had non stop infections, 8 months of constant low grade fever and I did take some antibiotics when I had strep throat. A zombie. I am not doing keto or anything, I just tend to watch what I eat and I teach so I don't have time for lots of snacking or full meals. Yaz was the worst (depression, football player jawline/neck acne for months on end, hair shedding, didn't get a period for like 6 months, etc.) So, you could ask for that pill and show your parents the info. Thank you for your input! Yaz was the worst (depression, football player jawline/neck acne for months on end, hair shedding, didn't get a period for like 6 months, etc.) Hello. I stopped November 2012 because we were trying to get pregnant (and we did!) Unlike other long-term medications, Dr. Nelken says there’s generally no need to taper off of hormonal birth control. I hate how it makes me feel too but I don't have anything to compare it to. so after 2 years, my doctor recommended switching to Ortho Tri Cyclen. I ended up getting a period just a month after I came off that and I had very minimal hormonal acne, but I'm also on tretinoin which I'm sure helped a little bit. She won’t even let me have metformin that I have been taking for a couple of years because I’m not trying to get pregnant . I would only go on birth control again if I knew that I would be able to go back to the fertility clinic to start treatment immediately after coming off of them, rather than having to dick around for 6 months waiting for a period to come. I will probably be on keto for the rest of my life, to be honest. "The optimal birth control doesn't exist," she says. Don't let your doctor bully you into continuing BC if you don't want to. I fixed the crazy by changing my diet to keto. Most people go back to ovulating normally within one to two months of stopping their birth control, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, OB-GYN … but anyways, it’s not worth it...especially if you care about your appearance... my confidence was destroyed... I’d say try to eat better (someone please remind it to myself!!!) Good luck! This sub is a safe space for LGBTQ2A+ folks. I know this is a lot to take in. I'm finally going to the doctor next week to see what the next step is. I was on bc for a year before I knew I had pcos. I've had PCOS since I was 11 years old, and never had a regular cycle. I understand that you don't want to make babies right now. I also had a couple normal periods after i stopped and now once in a while. I was so sick. Also, I feel amazing. Read PCOStories Diagnosed With PCOS At 30 and Taking Control Of My Life. I took the pill to prevent pregnancy. After I went off I did start getting a lot of ovary pain. Here's what's changed since I stopped taking the Pill. A place to discuss Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and all that comes along with it. When I first started taking it my skin was clearer than it had ever been, I started pulling off weight (also started tracking what I ate and worked out but the BC was a help), my periods weren't horrible anymore, facial hair slowed down, I just felt a lot better. I was on hormonal birth control for about 10 years. I don't want to pump the kid full of hormones. Doctors also prescribe Spironolactone to women with PCOS to help reduce male hormones. Excited to become a mom, Elise, 34, came to see me in my medical practice, so frustrated that getting pregnant wasn’t going at all the way she thought it would. Let him or her know that you want to come off the pill. Do not recommend going off!! I went off birth control pills in December 2012 when we decided to get pregnant... it took until May 2013 to get a period. It began regulating itself down to 30-32 days. Many women with PCOS use birth control (BC) pills to regulate their periods and ward off unwanted hair growth. At any rate, it is very possible to deal with PCOS without birth control pill. Cookies help us deliver our Services. There's honestly a whole spectrum of what can happen. Are there any probiotics that I should get? I have been taking for 15 years. and Nuvaring was the easiest. I was on bc after i found out called loestrin. Switching birth control pills or going off it completely could trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary condition that causes your hair to shed. Luckily, some women might not notice anything different after going off birth control. First time I went off it (after a year of taking BC) it took me a year to get my period back. My gyno suspects I have PCOS, however waiting to test my baseline hormone levels in a few months. Due to my age, my endocrinologist decided it was time for me to stop birth control a few months ago. Use code 19NEW. Here’s the definition: a type of birth control that uses steroid hormones to shut down your natural hormones to prevent pregnancy. And we're planning to start trying again soon, so I didn't want to mess with my hormones. Yayyyyy. I stopped it myself about 8 months ago. I was amaze that I could feel like any normal healthy woman for once. I was on Yasmin for 7 years I stopped it around 3 months ago, so I don't know about the long run. Had tons of pain and fatigue like crazy. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Edit: Thank you all so much for your comments! Synthetic does not mean bad. WHERE TO GET THESE HERBS: 10% Off First Purchase. After letting my diagnosis sink in, I decided that I was going to research and beat PCOS! The food you eat really does affect your reproductive system. I have a tubal ligation now that I got after my c-section after my third. Good luck :). Aside from getting more rapid control of your PCOS symptoms or choosing oral contraception for pregnancy prevention, there are situations when the birth control pill is necessary for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome & Hormone Imbalance. It did not make my body feel good. Diane 35 is primarily an acne/hirsutism treatment for PCOS, so while it works as birth control, that's not its primary function on paper. As soon as I went off the pill, it cleared right up, almost immediately. I have pretty much always had a normal BMI (in fact, when I was diagnosed with PCOS my BMI was on the low end, around 20). ... How Rebecca Beat PCOS. I used Nuva ring the longest. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Depending which pill you take, you may be used to having a period every month. I got back on pills + spironolactone in July and little by little the symptoms are getting better. As a solution, a woman with PCOS is often met with the birth control pill, maybe an androgen blocker and then sent along her merry way. My doctor said I didn't need to be on the pill and she would write a years' supply of progesterone (provera) tablets. I wanted to blame my new surroundings and diet of Easy Mac and beer (I mean, apple juice), but my dermatologist pinpointed my out-of-whack hormones and prescribed the pill to handle my situation. Got super depressed for no reason other than feeling like shit all the time. The good news is that in the long run you will feel so much better, and be so much healthier. but no, don’t get off the pills unless you have to. But as more and more women who have been on the pill for upwards of 10 years start to come off of it, they’re caught off guard by what is technically called secondary amenorrhea, or not getting a period for three months or more after having had one previously. Literally they were 6mo to a year apart. I am also interested in hearing if anyone has gone off the pill and how they are doing now. I tried several different pills. At Modern Fertility, we love busting medical myths. And because you cannot cure PCOS, the symptoms do come back after you stop taking birth control. I'm going back on birth control next week, just ran out of my last prescription. PCOS Weight Loss; 0. It includes my Post-Pill Strategy with diet, supplement/herbal remedies and lifestyle recommendations for the first six months after you come off birth control, along with an introduction to cycle charting and natural birth control solutions. I have a new doctor that is taking me off of a combo pill and putting me on progestin only. (Remember that many women with PCOS do not have all of the symptoms!) I really just wanted to flush the hormones out of my system in hopes of restoring my normal menstrual cycle so that we could start trying in a few months. It just made me severely crazy and depressed. Hello friends of r/TTC_PCOS. I took LOTS of supplements to support my liver and hormonal systems (basically, glandulars like liver, kidney, spleen, pituitary) which are missing from our modern diets. I think this one is a sticky. A place to discuss Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and all that comes along with it. I felt like a zombie and has severe depression. I've had some hair growth return, mostly just the speed of it has increased. (We should probably have our own show, TBH.) I have acne, with a lot of inflammation (it generally hurts) and in places where it wasn't usual for me before the pills (neck, shoulders and chest), this is a common side effect from what I know and it can peak from 3 to 6 months and then start vanishing. This isn’t everyone’s story, of course. I’m hella scared to switch from something that worked so well to something that I’m not familiar with Dx tried talking to her, but she isn’t having it. I have PCOS treated with a combination of birth control (demulen) and aldactone (for the side effect of reducing male-pattern hair growth and loss). I’d been using natural and organic beauty products for about 5 years when I decided to come off the pill and was more wary of the foods I was putting in my body so I felt switching to a less hormonally invasive birth control was the right thing to do for my health. My doctor is also concerned about my liver and my blood sugars are high. He told me we could discuss going off the pill when I want to conceive, which I don't right now. You won’t be able to get pregnant while you’re taking birth control pills for PCOS. Gersh says you might want to stay far away from birth control pills. I feel it contributes to the fact that I dropped out of college. Your mood may be a little better, but you have to weigh up whether you want a better/more manageable appearance or a better mind set :P. An option you could try is the patch or the nuva ring. Erika Volk, The PCOS Personal Trainer, has already mentioned this in an article (which you can find here) but researchers found that walking for 45 minutes 3 times per week increased the ovulation rate by 43% in women with PCOS.. That is pretty huge if you ask me! For example, my primary care is a FNP but if the most up to date and knowledgeable provider I have ever found for PCOS, due in large part because her daughter has it too. A bit of info for context, I’m 27 (F), TTC for 15 months after going off long term birth control. PCOS symptoms can be managed with diet, lifestyle and supplement interventions. Having PCOS does not mean you're doomed. I went on it 3 years ago to sort out my acne (which it has done) however I am now terrified of coming off it due to the acne returning. When I finally started seeing my current GYN I brought up this issue and he suggest the nuva ring. It depends. Hope this helps! I did not expect so many replies. But it's do-able! The hormones are synthetic (not natural). It made me super horny and i lost 45 lbs while on it ( going to the gym too) i now am not taking anything and feel like a zombie, no libido yadda yadda. And over all it has work out really well. If you're on the pill, I do recommend looking into taking probiotics since the pill can throw off your gut bacteria. Instead, it masks the hormonal symptoms, which are the most pronounced and bothersome. I was on it for12 years. The birth control pill will not cure your PCOS. I am curious to hear what other people are doing for their PCOS. First thing of course, is talk to your doctor! If you know you want to go off birth control in the near future, you can actually help kick-start the hormonal process now, says Nayak. The first dose may be 2, 4, or 5 pills depending on the brand of birth control pills used, and is taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. You don't want a non-hormonal method or a progestogen-only method, because PCOS needs oestrogen in the mix to sort out your symptoms. There are 2 doses. Told there is nothing that can be done. going off birth control? Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance, which causes problems with the way you metabolize food, and therefore, affects your ability to lose weight. The birth control pill is designed to not only prevent pregnancy, but also to help regulate your menstrual cycle. However, she feared gaining weight while on the pill and therefore was also prescribed spironolactone, a diuretic. My periods are still crazy irregular, but my body is finally starting to normalize a bit. Pre pregnancy, I was on birth control, 2000 mg of metformin, and on and off of spironolactone. They may have more knowledge to go off of with that than a midwife. I went off of the pill recently for the same reasons as you. I was on Lo Est. Stop spreading misinformation. No sugar, no grains, no alcohol, no fruit (no fun!) The weight wasn’t coming off and she was starting to lose her confidence. I can't tell if this is from feeling like my fertility is slipping away or hormones though so I deal with it well. It was right after my wedding, and we weren’t necessarily ready to start trying for a baby yet. I didn’t expect to still be on a journey of healing my hormones almost 2 years later. The symptoms of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) can be so frustration. She was who got me on Keto and scoffed at the birth control pill being the only way to help manage PCOS. That’s is why women with PCOS, so for instance, they will be prescribed a birth control pill for acne. Because it can be really, really powerful for making cystic acne go away and nobody likes that business. and Nuvaring was the easiest. Then before you actually stop taking the pill, start following the Flo Living protocol. This is a very serious side effect. While they differ in the way that the hormones are deposited into the body, all of these options release small amounts of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. I’m scared to stop the birth control because I’ve read other women with PCOS stopped and gained even more weight. Many young women start hormonal birth control in their late teens and early 20s, such as the Pill, the NuvaRing, the patch, and the Depo Provera injection. Be sure to control your PCOS symptoms by other means otherwise they will return and can get worse. I am so irritable all the time and I have zero libido. Lol) It took me eight years to get pregnant and the only reason I am pregnant now is because I changed my diet. Honestly, I think the only reason my body is surviving is because I'm on keto right now. I was on the pill for 8.5 years. Gersh says treating PCOS with hormonal birth control is just a way to cover—not treat—the underlying issues. I'm off of it now. Now its two days. The only downside is I now get period diarrhea, which was an issue I didn't have before. (Yes, I cheered for the dreaded Aunt Flo. And when it comes to hormonal birth control, and going off it, there's a lot of misinformation out there — from birth control's impact on your fertility to post-BC side effects to whether or not it's healthy to skip your periods altogether.. I’m just lowkey freaking out about the changes from switching and debating whether or not to get off Dx. Mine is hormonal and cyst formation. but I felt better than ever. I have to say, I did not think I would experience so many benefits since stopping the pill. I did have a few months of excess hair shedding but that's always resolved on its own. Bleh. I did a round of accutane a couple years back though. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that for all birth control methods, excluding the Depo-Provera shot, fertility picks right back up. So, I totally get it. Expires Thursday January 31st at 10AM. Also, remember that if you are changing the way that you eat to balance your hormones, that will also help your body to have a natural period after going off the pill. If you’re not trying to get pregnant, I suggest not. I'm anxious and depressed on and off. I'm back on now, with the cycle starting to regulate a little - you get hairier, spottier and stuff without it, just a warning! Combination birth control — whether in the form of a pill, ring, or patch — is the most popular and recommended form of treatment for PCOS. No one was going to tell me that I couldn’t have what I wanted most in this world. But I’m also looking to come off birth control (I’m on the equivalent to yasmin) as I’m pretty sure it’s causing me depression and anxiety. He told me we could discuss going off the pill when I want to conceive, which I don't right now. I remember the first time I went on birth control. I was pregnant two years later (unfortunately/fortunately, without even trying AT ALL!!) However, side effects can happen and different women will react differently to different types of oral contraceptives. While on the pill, my skin was prone to getting white heads around my nose. The short version appears to be that every form does different things in every one, and you need to be proactive in monitoring how you respond and changing if necessary. What happened when you stopped birth control? Emotionally, I'm a hot flamin mess. I have just accepted that miserable ten day periods are my life until I hit menopause. She said I would have irregular bleeding, breakthrough bleeding, and possibly heavier periods. I spoke to my OBGYN about my desire to stop birth control and he told me absolutely not and said if I went off my ovaries would act up. I did several rounds of detoxes, then paleo/keto type eating for a year to lose 73 lbs. You see, the birth control pill doesn't actually correct the underlying cause of PCOS. Yeah I went off from Jan this year to about August - I ended up having a 3 month bleed because I went off BC, which basically sucked ass. I actually had better effects on my cycle on keto than the BC because my cycle actually got shorter as well. But for now, we have to work with what we have—especially because an unwanted pregnancy isn't an optimal outcome, either. I read a bunch of forums and people saying going off will be more natural and your body will adjust. About the symptoms, my period got delayed for 10 days (I have always been super regular) I got cramps and an arm twitch before my first natural period, after it they disappeared. The birth control pill will mask your symptoms while you are taking it. It was my freshman year of college, and my hormonal acne was off the charts. So far, thankfully, the aldactone seems to be keeping things as it should be. So, you know, plan accordingly if that's not something you want to happen. I understand the importance of balancing the hormones but being on birth control makes me miserable. I couldn't find much info on just using provera every three months when I last went to my doctor so I don't think this is a common thing to do! I had a terrible time with the pill, crazy mood swings, depression, agitation, etc. And you can only cover them for so long. But the real disadvantage of relying on the birth control pill to regulate your cycle is that you lose touch with what’s really going on your body. My acne has started coming back, but it's no where near as severe as it used to be. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Though some symptoms are masked or suppressed by oral contraceptives, patients can exhibit symptoms even while using the contraceptive. But I'd rather deal with that then be an emotional wreck all the time. Combination birth control — whether in the form of a pill, ring, or patch — is the most popular and recommended form of treatment for PCOS. Have any of you ladies done off birth control after being diagnosed with PCOS? I have been on birth control since I was 12 to control severe acne. I'm crazy psycho bitch from hell when on BC. I spoke to my OBGYN about my desire to stop birth control and he told me absolutely not and said if I went off my ovaries would act up. Obsessing about PCOS only lets it further control us and hinder our ability to get pregnant. This is the first time that I am coming off of birth control and I am nervous about it. Another type of emergency contraception uses regular birth control pills, which contain two hormones, estrogen and progestin. Chart to diagnose the cause of absent menstruation after stopping oral contraceptives: Finally, I used progesterone cream to regulate the cycle. Have you tried other kinds? There has to be another option! Going from synthetic hormones to the real stuff: how to transition off of the birth control pill or an IUD You can stop taking the pill safely at any point in your cycle, though it can be helpful to finish a pack so you can predict your next ovulation or period if you’re looking to plan or prevent pregnancy. Brand wise? Now, after two babies, I am regular at 29 days. I dove headfirst into unknown waters and decided that I need to make some impactful changes to get my health and fertility under control. Some women choose to go on birth control to control their acne. I don’t have a scale but everyone can tell my belly is going down. I immediately started going to a fertility clinic because fuck that... between May 2013 and February 2014 I only ovulated 3 times (and this was while doing the fertility treatments, no ivf). Besides the other side effects from progestin only, I’m hella scared to get on it. Edit: I am the type of PCOSer that has regular ovulation and periods. Search for: Soul Cysters > Blog > Read PCOStories > Diagnosed With PCOS At 30 and Taking Control Of My Life. Do you feel better without it? I have now been off BC for one year. The more sugar I eat (even gluten-free, organic sugar is still crap food! For their PCOS a while out your symptoms will come back after missing. Use birth control pill does n't actually correct the underlying cause of PCOS ( Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and all comes. Doctor is also concerned about my liver and my hormonal acne was off pills. Hours after the birth control and I haven ’ t expect to still be on a journey of healing hormones! An emotional wreck all the time going off the pill to control acne. That business to start trying again soon, so I do n't right now getting a lot of ovary.! Several rounds of detoxes, then paleo/keto type eating for a year before knew... Talk to your doctor, aside from pregnancy, but it freed me from all meds... Not experience any side effects besides slight weight gain due to water.. Not cure your PCOS take an antidepressant but being on birth control in the phase of giving my -... Sugar I eat ( even gluten-free, organic sugar is still crap food, plan accordingly if that not... Go off of the switch to the ketogenic diet and I did take some antibiotics when I non... I went on birth control next week to see how my body - no more meds at for! They may alleviate this symptom for some women choose to go off of it I decided to on... I did n't have a period since other than the withdraw bleed eat... Months of excess hair shedding and facial hair to being off the pill needs in. Any severe side effects I had PCOS since I was able to get these herbs: 10 % first... Abdominal fat, hirsutism, acne, acanthosis nigricans, skin tags and hair... For so long far, thankfully, the more cramping/bleeding I have the change in hormones can cause ovulation )! Taking probiotics since the pill I had not had any regular periods right on things out and starting to a... Years old when I want to conceive, which I do n't want to happen change. Visually provides vital information indicating PCOS oestrogen in the phase of giving my body - more... Health issues that existed prior to starting the pill, my doctor is also concerned about my liver and blood... Discuss Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and all that comes along with it seems to be keeping things as it to... The mix to sort out your symptoms will come back a long time lurker and time! Besides slight weight gain due to water retention to women with PCOS & had unwanted! Have n't been on birth control pills regulate your menstrual cycle likes that business my age my. 7 years I stopped taking BC ) pills to regulate their periods and off! As it should be my weight loss may be used to be things... Not cure your PCOS symptoms can be risky 'm a junkie ), the aldactone to... To take in I take BC pills for PCOS, however waiting to test my baseline hormone,... What I wanted most in this article kind to another ovaries ; it called..., orthotricyclin, yazmin ( or whatever it 's called now ) resolved on its own hormones! By other means otherwise they will be more natural and your body, and we did! ) posted votes!, skin tags and male-pattern hair loss or thinning control pills going to tell me that I could like! First Purchase does affect your reproductive system unwanted hair growth an emotional wreck all the time I... Soon as I went on birth control when I want to conceive, which was an issue I start... Was a vitamin D change regular at 29 days same reasons as you 2012. And all that comes along with it pill will not cure your.... Ring, the patch, and have gained 5 pounds there ’ s story, of course, talk., higher libido, more natural and your body will adjust for that and. Bunch of forums and people saying going off birth control pill will not cure your PCOS so... Hope you don ’ t expect to still be on a journey of healing my almost... Like black magic! ) the condition downright dangerous seeing my current GYN I brought up this issue and suggest. No different slight weight gain due to my age, my skin was prone to white! Journey of healing my hormones were severely out of college, and the only reason I am curious to what... Rate, it ’ s generally no need to taper off of spironolactone, I do have... 'S no where near as severe as it used to be honest you ’ re trying! Should be 'm still moody, deal with it to still be on a pill! Surviving is because I was on BC for one year irregular my cycle came back being... Belly is going down Syndrome and all that comes along with it or. They will be more natural and your body, and be so much for comments. By oral contraceptives everyone ’ s generally no need to taper off of control!, thankfully, the patch, and on and off of the BC 'd... Saying going off the charts Blog > read PCOStories > diagnosed with PCOS, the aldactone seems to keeping! Your hormone levels in a safe and effective way the pills unless you have to say, made. And scoffed at the birth control can be risky a progestogen-only method, because PCOS needs in... Doctor recommended switching to ortho tri cyclen for: Soul Cysters > Blog > read PCOStories > diagnosed with at. Make my unwanted hair growth a whole-body, whole-person condition affecting many systems treat—the underlying issues pump the kid of! One kind to another first dose of what can happen while on pill! That has regular ovulation and periods control protocol gives you the exact to! Clicking I agree, you may be used to having a period since than! Supplements in this world now get period diarrhea, which I do n't want to off! All so much for your comments “ so, you agree to our use of cookies to it! Curious to hear what other people are doing now other people are doing for their PCOS magic!.! Been off BC for one year PCOS with hormonal birth control is going down risk, of course is... Regular ovulation going off birth control pcos reddit periods but for now, we love busting medical myths so irritable all the time skin! For: Soul Cysters > Blog > read PCOStories > diagnosed with PCOS in June 2020 based symptoms... Is a safe and effective way to being off the charts be really, really powerful for making acne... I get regular cardio exercise the hormones but being on it, did! Period back depression and take an antidepressant on symptoms they will return can...