anxiety attacks after stopping birth control

Hi! How do you feel now? Did your symptoms went away? Because I am experiencing the same like you did.

I am in exactly the same boat. Its been six months since i went off the pill and i truly wish i had never started taking them. Im now considering taking ativan to help with anxiety which seems crazy to me because ive never been anxious!! What is more disturbing is the score of doctors who dont believe that anxiety can be caused by birth control pills. I have beenseeing a naturopath and have tried lots of nnatural supplements with no luck. Getting my hormones tested is the next step. If that comrs up fine ill either take the ativan or go back on the pill :( Does anyone have any stories of things completely levelling off and feeling better?

Ladies - I don't know if any of you will end up reading this because it looks like these posts are really old, but I have been on bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for almost 4 months in hopes that it would help my anxiety and depression. When I started the hormones I was still on BC but I stopped about 2.5 months ago. I've had 2 periods and about 2 weeks ago I was starting to feel a lot better, genuinely, but for the last week I have had MAJOR anxiety. I caved and had to get an RX of xanax. I'm hoping and praying that my body will get used to the hormonal change and the bio-identical ones will start working. I know it takes a lot of time for all these to get straightened out. It's really tough, but we all gotta keep strong. I've also started taking St. John's Wort, as it's supposed to help with a lot of these issues. It's also a very strong herb. I will say this - if you're still consuming any amount of caffeine, it just fuels the anxiety fire. 

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Dear Ladies,

I found this site and a few others about a month and a half ago when I was experiencing symptoms that many of you refer to.  Reading the "success stories" on these pages really helped me through the bad days, so I wanted to add my story for those of you still suffering with these symptoms.  Like so many others here have said (and even though it was hard for me to believe when I was experiencing my own anxiety) there truly is a light at the end of the tunnel!

My background for my symptoms - I started taking Junel Fe oral contraceptive the beginning of October 2014.  This was my first experience with birth control.  That month, I had horrible physical reactions to it - violently ill and nauseous most of the time.  My doctor wanted me to wait it out another month to see if my nausea subsided, which probably should have been a red flag.  Long story short, after the first month, the physical symptoms went away, but I experienced mood swings, and decided after month 3 that this was not the route for me.  December 28, 2014 was the last day I took the pill.  The following Saturday, January 3, I experienced a severe panic attack - depressing thoughts, strong physical reaction, shortness of breath, intense pressure in chest, increased heart rate, shaking all over, numbness.  I had never had a panic attack before and have no history of anxiety. 

After that day, I had consistent anxiety and felt like I could cry at any moment for 2 weeks straight.  Beginning January 18, my anxiety lessened and was only present in the mornings, and by mid-morning I felt much more like my old self.  This pattern continued (anxiety in the morning, back to normal "me" by lunchtime) until January 30.  January 23 was the first day of my period, and my first cycle since going off the pill. 

Since January 30, I have barely thought about my anxiety!  I still very occassionally feel a bit "off" but nothing like that first month after going off the pill.  I've had my second period since going off the pill, and things seem to continue to get better!  As many of you have said, I felt like I was dying, my body utterly out of control, and unable to control my thoughts.  As a rational, level-headed individual, who has never experienced anything like this, I was terrified, but I want you to know you will make it through this!

One other note I'd like to share. I changed my Primary Care Physician to one who was a bit more understanding to my situation.  She said to me that I was the most severe case she had seen of someone having anxiety after going off the pill (which, let me tell you, did not make me feel that great).  But it was reassuring to hear that it was a side effect of the pill, and what I was experiencing was my hormones readjusting.

Now that I am feeling better, I not only wanted to share my story to give those of you going through this some bit of hope, but I thought it might be helpful to share HOW I made it through each day, hour, even those minute-by-minute moments, in hopes that you might be able to take something away from my experience and find it useful for yourself.  I feel like a list might be easiest to follow, so here it goes:

1. First and foremost, I confided in my closest friends and family.  Having someone who knows you and cares for your well-being holding your hand through this process helped me keep my sanity.  As they say, better out than in!  Share what you're going through with someone who cares about you and is non-judgemental.  Getting it out helps, I promise.

2. I started a daily journal.  Every evening before bed, I put a header at the top of the page with the date and "Day #X of Anxiety".  Then I noted the weather, what happened in my environment throughout the day, what my emotions were like, and finally my physical symptoms.  As I started to see progress, I would write things like "morning anxiety better than yesterday, but not as good as weekend" etc.  That way, I could see myself getting better - it also helped me center and focus what I was experiencing.

3. I bought lavendar candles, lavendar soap, and lavendar oil.  It is a soothing scent, as many of you know I'm sure.  Just having the lavendar oil in my purse when I was on the metro stuck in a train with dozens of people, and felt the walls caving in helped.  I would take a deep breath inhaling the oil's smell, and focus on my breathing. (A note: I really wanted to make it through my anxiety without any prescriptions from my doctor.  To each her own, but I didn't want to experience any other side effects - having the natural lavendar helped calm me down...even though I know it was mostly a mental thing).

3. I printed several inspiring quotes and taped them to my bathroom mirror.  Every morning when I dragged myself out of bed, reading them put things into perspective for me, reminded me "you will make it through this".

4. I started a "smash book" - a collection of quotes I liked, pictures that made me smile, letters from friends, articles that moved me, etc.  Having that creative outlet helped me, again, to focus my efforts on something constructive and get my mind off the anxiety, but also help me get down on paper how I was feeling.

5. TV first thing in the morning.  I found it helped me, as I was experiencing my worst anxiety in the AM when I woke up.  Having something upbeat (I watch Good Morning America) and sort of light on in the background while I was getting ready made the mornings not so tough.  Plus a good laugh before heading out to work can never hurt.

6. I planned things to look forward to.  Every weekend for a month, I made sure I had something fun with my friends or family to look forward to.  That way I didn't have any down time to be left with my anxious or sad thoughts and could plan for something fun.

7.  Everyone has their own thing, and so many forums tell you to get active.  I really found going for a walk every day at lunch was IMMENSELY helpful.  It cleared my mind, the fresh air and daylight and briskness of the winter weather was rejuvinating.  I also took up yoga, which I have come to love.  The breathing and concentration during my classes were often the only times I didn't feel anxious those first couple weeks off the pill.

8. Finally, I made a playlist of songs that bring back good memories, songs I find empowering, silly songs, and upbeat songs.  I also started following a few podcasts that make you think and have funny and relatable hosts.  Just more things to take your mind off the anxiety, and refocus you when you are in those minute-by-minute phases.  I popped my hedphones in at work and would switch to something mindless for 15 minutes or so till I could focus again.

I do hope at least some of you find this helpful.  Knowing that there are others out there experiencing what you are experiencing made it a little bit easier for me. I understand so well that this can be the hardest thing for you to go through.  Just know YOU WILL MAKE IT!  Stay strong and remember that you've already made it through 100% of the bad times you've experienced so far!  You will make it through this!

Sending you all good vibes and positive thoughts!

Hi there, I have just come on here because I have been off the pill since May last year, after taking it for 14 years. I am having really bad side effects and want to go back on it but we are trying to get pregnant. Anyway one thing I wanted to recommend for your hair loss is liquid silica. You can buy it from the herbal shops and it is amazing. My hair dresser recommended it to me a while back and it worked for me. I hope everything has settled for you now.

Hi, you sound exactly what I'm going through now. How are you now?

I can not express how grateful I am to have stumbled on to this fourm it has brought me so much comfort and reassuarnce. I got of my birth control 1 1/2 months ago after using it for 1 year and have developed severe anxiety which is causing me to frequently be at unease, nervouss/anxious, expirence racing thoughts, inabilty to focus, I overanalyze & over think everyyyythhing, and every now and then I flat out cry for no given reason. This surge of overwhelming emotions has made it so difficult for me to be myself and is scaring me sh*tless which causes me to sometimes question my own sanity/whether I am lossing myself. Worst part of it is I feel like I have no control of these feelings even though I tell my self its all in my head . I have never felt this way and am longing for things to go back to the way they were, a happy 19 year old who just started uni (which has negativley affected my academic studies). Its good to know I am not the only one who has expirenced this and that it does get better. If so how long till I can regain control of my life again, any info is appreciated !

Hi everyone :)

I want you all to know there is HOPE. Please believe me when I say the symptoms WILL PASS. I have now been off it for about 5 months and everything is starting to seem 'normal' again.

I was on birth control for about 12 years...a very long time. I started to experience panic attacks and constant, extreme anxiety and insomnia after stopping the pill for absolutely no reason (I was on HOLIDAY at the time! With no stress at all). I am now 100% sure that the main cause was withdrawals from the 'drug' - the synthetic hormones in the pill.

Some things that helped me were: not fighting the anxiety but accepting it (might sound crazy but it works), sleep meditation, exercising, focusing on 'the now', speaking to others about your feelings (Friends, family), accepting it is just your body adjusting, swimming, music, not 'overthinking' etc...it will take some time to adjust but it will get better. I had to have a lot of faith too and believe that I would get better, also be very kind and gentle to my body and myself. I want to stress that I have NEVER experienced anxiety and/or depression (which occurred after the anxiety faded) like I did when I went off the pill..I too thought I was 'going crazy' but I swear after 5 months I am 100% better. I still have my moments but it does even out.

I recommend some vitamins too as your body is depleted...I am taking a multivitamin daily. I also used apple cider vinegar to 'clear out' my system/detox and some natural anxiety tablets from a naturopath (I did not want to use antidepressants or drugs only natural items). Stay away from caffeine as that will amplify anxiety in some cases (I am a lot more sensitive to caffeine now than when on the pill, if I have coffee after 5pm I will NOT sleep until 4am! So I can only have 1 max a day first thing in the morning - this was never a problem before). Also perhaps if you are like me stay away from alcohol/nicotine where possible (not saying this will be the same for everyone but it did impact me).

Although I personally did not seek professional help I encourage anyone who is seriously struggling to seek help and support...everyone is different. Please hang in there everyone, seek help if needed and know that if you have not encountered severe anxiety, panic attacks, depression, constant nervousness etc before there is a good chance it is birth control withdrawal.

Love and support to all and I hope I brightened someone's day with hope xxx

can i just ask how are u now are u back to normal? I have been experiencing the same myself since starting depo provera and cannot see light at the end of the tunnel with the anxiety :(

Hello!

I was on the patch for many months when I suddenly had a full blown panic attack, not realizing that I was having a hormonal imbalance I went straight to the doctor whom suggested the depo shot. Naturally, I would do anything at that point to feel better so I agreed. Boy, was I wrong. Horrible choice. The first week of the depo shot, I was so aggressive and had such violent rage/thoughts that I was afraid to be around anyone for fear that I would snap. The next few weeks I experienced the deepest depression ever. I thought about death, suicide, why I was living, my mind felt in a fog, I had confusion, questioned everything about life and could barely drag myself off the couch everyday because my joints hurt so bad. It was as if I was living in a dream world. So I went back to the doctor and begged her for the Implanon, at this point I was still convinced I needed birth control because I am sexually active. So she put that in when I was only about 6 or 8 weeks into the depo shot. The Implanon did mellow me out some, but I was still suffering from anxiety and depression. Needless to say, I only had the Implanon in my arm for one month and had it taken out. With no prior history of depression or anxiety, I am done with any form of birth control. Yesterday, was 12 weeks exactly since I had the depo shot and yesterday was also one week that I have had the Implanon out. I am feeling much better, so unfortunately all that I can say about the depo is let it wear off and you will most likely feel better. I am still getting anxiety when I wake up, and have some racing thoughts in the middle of the night but not anywhere near what I was experiencing after first getting the depo shot. My motivation is still pretty low, my sex drive is somewhat coming back but I fear that I have a long road to recovery ahead of my from the past three forms of birth control that I've been on in just the last 6 months.

I pray for everyone on here, remember you aren't alone, and aren't losing your mind. I am hopeful that we will all return to normal very soon :)

it sounds like you may have pcos and should go get your hormones checked

I'm 24 and I've been experiencing exactly the same thing. I am so relieved that others are in the same boat as me! Been a few days since I've come off Marvelon and have been feeling nervous, anxious, depressed and sometimes paranoid and what's sad is that I know I'm not like this at all....I guess it doesn't help either that I have Seasonal Affective Disorder to add more to the fun as well haha! We just need to realise though. This WILL pass, we are NOT crazy! If anyone wants any tips on how to battle the anxiety, I've found that things such as going to the gym regularly, drinking green tea, walking, going out with mates, doing hobbies such as playing an instrument, arts and crafts and even chores around the house help to soothe the nerves and kick anxiety in the butt. I say the worst thing you can do is sit alone worrying about it. Busy yourself. Keep yourself active and you'll hardly notice it :) obviously you all do what you thinks right, but these things have helped me big time. Also I think maybe for some if nerves are really getting to you, instead of ping ponging from pill to pill, maybe give your body a break for a month or two and not have anything. Really detox and flush it all out and hopefully the hormones will return to normal :) End of essay :) xxx hope you all get better!

This thread has helped me aswell so much. Thank you for posting it! This is clearly a problem for many women yet still doctors and media don't talk about it. I will never ever ever use any hormonal birth control ever again in my life, they have messed me up so bad. I was on Yaz for about 2,5 years and I thought they had no side effects on me. I started them because I had acne. How ever I did start having panic attacks and anxiety somewhere around 8months on the pill, I just didn't see the connection. I wish I had stopped the pill right then and there. Of course it is not just the pill, my mother has panic attacks as well and stress adds to this too. The panic attacks would come and go, few times a year and always they kept coming for a few weeks and then go away. This May I hadn't had a panic attack for 7 months when I suddenly had one, out of the blue. I felt it coming but went anyway to see a theatre show when it peaked and I had to leave. This time it was followed by much more severe anxiety than before and also depression. I got really scared that I was going crazy and due to this fear had more panic attacks. I ran home to mom and went on like this for a week. This was followed by some better days, this was when I realized this might all be because of Yaz. I went to a doctor who said that first thing when someone is going like this they recommend going off the pill. She said I should feel better in about a month and if I didn't then we should look in for something else. For like 3 days after stopping the pill I felt better and also had a "period" the last one caused by the pill. But then on the fourth day off the pill I started feeling weird. Like my brain was floating. Again I was certain I'm going crazy. The panic attacks felt different; it wasn't very physical any more, it was all in my head, just feeling super dizzy and anxious and had horrible racing thoughts. I went to a gynecologist because I thought she should know about the effects of the pill but she didn't get my feelings at all. She said that birth control only makes women a little angry (???), not depressed or anxious. I looked at her mouth wide open and told her that it says on the package of Yaz pills that it may cause both depression and anxiety. I asked her to take my thyroid and walked away. Thyroid was fine. My anxiety and racing thoughts wouldn't go away and I had to ask my mother to come and keep me company since I had school and couldn't come home. The weekend was horrible - insomnia, scary and suicidal thoughts racing, feeling totally disconnected and scared. Mom bought me some herbal meds that should help with anxiety and melatonin to help me sleep. The beginning of the second week off the pill I was feeling better and I thought that it the worse had passed. I came home to mom on thursday because I was starting work in my hometown on friday. Friday was thank god only 2 hours because the whole time I was feeling weird again. When I drove back home I felt disconnected and once I hit home I was having some sort of depression attack and felt completely empty. Saturday morning same started and first thing in the morning I just cried. Sunday I was feeling fine until I started having really weird and absurd thoughts that caused me anxiety again. This night I found this thread and I was so relieved because the thoughts in my head scared the hell out of me and knowing it's the pills helped me ignore the thoughts. Third week off the pills I felt almost myself but kept having little anxiety attacks all the time at work. At that time I found this thread very helpful and I could quite easily push the thoughts aside and not go to panic mode even though my mind tried to get me there. I also had bad headaches and hot flashes and a little hard time getting sleep because the racing thoughts started at night. Weekend was quite good and I slept very well and again I thought that I was finally getting truly better. But no, it started again on sunday night - I couldn't sleep well and in the morning I felt a bit off again. Fourth week off the pill and I felt like back to beginning. At work I felt dizzy and weird and when I came home BOOM again this disconnected feeling. I think it is some sort of depersonalization, I know everything is happening and is true but I feel so weird like I'm in a dream and I'm having hard time remembering things as well. So scary. The racing thoughts have turned into complete opposite and I feel my brain is just blank, I do stuff like a robot and try not to panic or shut down but it's very hard and I have to push myself a lot. Crying helps, it makes me feel more human and relieves stress. I'm proud I haven't stopped working and like many others find doing stuff and seeing friends helpful but it is also very emotionally draining because I can't show weakness at work and don't want to overwhelm my friends and family too much. I started to take some strong B-vitamins today and hope they will help my brain function. I haven't had my real period yet and I'm hoping when it comes this all will get easier and my hormones will settle better. It helps to tell someone about what I'm going trough, the symptoms seem smaller and easier to manage that way. Humour helps too, even though some moments it's very hard to think straight and see the situation I'm in in a laughable way. I send everyone who is going though this strength and will power and hugs! Let's power trough together. x Greetings from Finland

Your experience is very similar to mine. I've been off the pill for a full month now and have been keeping a journal to track symptoms/progress. I would say the week after my "period" w/ the last pack was the worst yet (I hope), I missed work, was hyperventilating from the anxiety and just miserable. I was on the pill for about a year and a half, then missed two months, back on for a month and now off for GOOD for a month. I think all the on and off really messed up my hormones and my body is trying to balance back out again. The mornings seem to be the most difficult for me as I usually wake up anxious/depressed and have a crying meltdown feeling hopeless that I feel this way every day. I pushing my fiance away, I feel terrible but I know he has no idea how to help me and is just frustrated as I am with it all. I've gone to several drs. had blood work done, thyroid checked, the whole nine yards. I was prescribed Lexapro but am extremely against and just plain scared to take antidepressants unless I feel like nothing else is working and I can't function. I've been trying to run and do yoga most days but it's difficult as I'm not sleeping well at all and just getting through the work day is difficult. I'm taking some vitamins, (magnesium, E, folic acid) and am going to make an appt. with a naturopathic doctor asap. What B vitamins are you taking? I'm hoping to get my period soon and maybe that will help to even things out a bit. My regular family dr. said it takes an average of 3 months for all the hormones to clear your system. I can only hope months 2 and 3 are better. I'm so thankful I found this site and another where we can all share and support each other. I hope you are feeling better and message back when you can. Sending encouragement from Texas.

How are you feeling now that it's been a couple months? I've been off BC about a month and it's been a VERY difficult road thus far for me.