By Alice || Edited by Go Ask Alice Editorial Team || Last edited Sep 21, 2026 100% of users thought this Q&A was helpful ## Resources - [Medical Services (Morningside)](/resource/medical-services-morningside) - [Sexual and Reproductive Health Visits (Morningside)](/resource/sexual-and-reproductive-health-visits-morningside) - [Medical Services (CUIMC)](/resource/medical-services-cuimc) ## Cite this Response ### MLA 9 Alice! Health Promotion. "What should I expect when I go off of birth control pills?." Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University, 21 Sep. 2026, https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/what-should-i-expect-when-i-go-birth-control-pills. Accessed 27, Sep. 2026. Copy Citation ### APA Alice! Health Promotion. (2026, September 21). What should I expect when I go off of birth control pills?. Go Ask Alice!, https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/what-should-i-expect-when-i-go-birth-control-pills. Copy Citation Dear Alice, I've been taking birth control pills for almost seven years and decided to stop taking them as of my last cycle last week. What kind of changes should I be expecting? How long will it take for my body to get used to not having the hormones? In the past few days, I've been feeling very edgy, tired, and with on and off headaches. Is it true that once you withdraw from birth control pills, you may actually lose a few pounds? ## **Dear Reader,** Your body can go through a real hormonal shift after stopping birth control. It’s common to feel on edge, fatigued, and have headaches in these early days. As you stop the pill, your estrogen and progesterone levels can take some time to settle. These fluctuations may contribute to physical and emotional symptoms you might experience during this transition. Keep in mind, everyone's experience can look a little different. Read on to learn what you might expect after stopping birth control, and how long the symptoms may last. ## What happens when you stop taking the pill? When you stop taking birth control pills, you’re no longer getting a consistent dose of synthetic hormones to your body. These synthetic hormones may be either progestin only or a combination of estrogen and progestin. These synthetic hormones didn’t replace [your body's own hormone production](https://www.bedsider.org/features/317-all-about-hormones). Instead, they established a communication system with your brain to keep your menstrual cycle steady and prevent pregnancy. They may have had other effects on your body, too, like affecting your mood or acne production. After you stop taking the pill, most people find their body settles into its new rhythm within one to three months, though this varies from person to person. ## What side effects can you expect when going off birth control? While there can be a number of side effects, not everyone experiences all changes. For someone who has been on the pill for seven years, some of those symptoms may feel unfamiliar. Some [commonly reported changes](https://www.bedsider.org/features/3053-5-things-that-happen-when-you-go-off-hormonal-birth-control) include: - **Changes in your cycle.** As your period cycle regulates itself, you may notice some light, heavy, or irregular bleeding, mild cramping, changes in cervical mucus, or changes in your sexual drive. You may also notice more noticeable [pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780) symptoms in the week before your period, such as bloating, fatigue, or mood shifts. - **Fertility.** Your ability to get pregnant can return quickly after stopping hormonal birth control. If you want to prevent an unexpected pregnancy or to restart birth control, you can start a [new birth control method](/fact-sheets/birth-control-options-barrier-methods). Explore [other methods](https://www.bedsider.org/birth-control) to find one that matches your needs and lifestyle. - [**Mood and emotional changes**](https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-mood-link)**.** If the pill helped stabilize your mood, stopping it may bring back irritability, anxiety, or intense shifts in mood. At the same time, for some people, stopping the pill may bring positive mood changes. Everyone responds differently and factors like your age when you started birth control and your mental health history can both influence how your mood shifts. If you notice intense or distressing emotional changes, speaking with a [mental health professional ](/answered-questions/how-can-i-find-therapist)can be a helpful next step. - **Changes in energy levels.** Some people feel more energized as their body adjusts to its natural hormonal rhythm. Others may notice more fatigue, particularly in the first few weeks due to your hormones fluctuating in the adjustment period. - **Physical changes.** You might notice shifts in [acne](https://www.texashealth.org/areyouawellbeing/Health-and-Well-Being/Hormonal-Acne-Why-It-Happens-and-What-You-Can-Do) and hair growth on the face or neck due to temporary increase in oil production as your natural hormone cycles adjust. There is currently no strong scientific evidence that stopping the pill can directly cause significant [weight gain or loss](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-lose-weight-on-birth-control#research). However, birth control can temporarily cause water retention or appetite shifts, so you may notice a small weight shift when you stop using them. - **Menstrual migraines.** If the pill helped prevent migraines, you may notice the pain return after stopping. For others, stopping the pill may improve headaches. ## How can you navigate through this transition period? A few things that can help support you while your body regulates itself are: - [**Nutrition**](/fact-sheets/nutrition-101)**.** Foods rich in vitamins, magnesium, and zinc can support your overall health during this period of transition. Aim to include a mix of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your diet. - [**Staying active**](/answered-questions/does-exercise-really-reduce-stress)**.** Regular movement can support your mood, hormone balance, and overall well-being during the adjustment period. - [**Stress management**](/fact-sheets/stress-basics)**.** Stress can impact your hormonal changes. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling for 10 to 15 minutes a day can help you feel better. - [**Tracking your cycle**](https://www.bedsider.org/birth-control/fertility_awareness) **and symptoms.** Keeping a log can help you spot patterns and give your health care provider useful information if you decide to check in with them. Your body has been on a hormonal schedule for seven years, and finding its own rhythm again will take some adjustment. If these changes feel unmanageable, last longer than three months, or you’d like to explore different birth control options, consider reaching out to a gynecologist or primary care provider who can help you figure out next steps. 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