- A withdrawal bleed occurs after taking the last pill. This bleed is menstruation which has been induced by the drop in progestins in your body. Withdrawal bleeds occur whether you have finished a packet of pills or have stopped in the middle of a cycle.
- Menstruation may be irregular for a few cycles after you quit taking birth control. This happens while the body is reestablishing a natural rhythm. The length of a cycle can be affected, along with the amount and duration of menstrual bleeding.
- One function of combined birth control is to suppress ovulation. It may take several cycles for ovulation to begin occurring again. When ovulation occurs regularly, fertility is restored.
- Many women, such as those suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome, are prescribed the pill to regulate their menstrual cycles. During the time they are taking the pill they will have regular menstruation. After quitting birth control, these women may find that their imbalance returns and cycles become irregular.
- The estrogens contained in combined birth control can cause water retention and weight gain in women who are on the pill. Women may find that weight gained due to the hormones in birth control is lost quickly once treatment has stopped.
- What to Expect When You Quit Taking Birth Control Pills
- What Would Happen If You Took Birth Control During Early Pregnancy?
- What Are the Side Effects of Taking Birth Control If Pregnant?
- Birth Control Options for Smokers
- How to Understand Whether You Should Take Antibiotics With the Birth Control Pill
