I recently stopped birth control, what can I expect?

[Oscar Doe]

I have been on a large dose of progesterone for a very long time because my periods were really bad and painful, I also got a lot of gender dysphoria from them. I recently stopped taking birth control because I am trying to lose weight and birth control had caused me to gain a lot of weight. I really don't know what to expect. Today I woke up and thought I was bleeding but it was just discharge. I'm scared my period will be just as bad as it used to be. I also don't know when my period will be it makes me so nervous waiting for it. What can I expect? How soon should I expect bleeding? Will I stop gaining so much weight? (I'm also exercising and eating healthy) What can I do to prepare for my period or make it hurt less?

[KierC]

Hi Oscar <3

There’s a few pieces to this where everyone’s body reacts differently, so the amount of time it’ll take for your cycle to return to pre-pill levels will vary person-to-person, as will the symptoms you experience. Some folks find that their period is a bit irregular for the first few months after stopping, and some people find it goes back to what it was before a bit sooner. This can usually take a few cycles, so I think it’s wise to prepare some things to comfort yourself during your periods as it changes. (Also I apologize, I wish there was a more “it’ll take X amount of time” answer for you, I know it’s nerve-wracking).

As for the weight, if birth control made you gain weight, stopping it will remove that one source of weight gain, so it’s possible to stop gaining weight. It sounds like you’re working out and eating healthy, too, which is just good all around!

Is there anything you did when you had heavy periods before that helped, and did you see a doctor for those symptoms? My personal favorites for pain is something like Advil for headaches (though I’ll note that this is a personal preference and I can’t recommend any medication as I am not a medical professional), heating pad, distracting TV shows, your favorite food. Sometimes if you find your back hurts during your period, laying down on your side with a pillow in between your legs can help relieve some of that tension. I hope some of this helps <3