anxiety attacks after stopping birth control

I found this thread several months ago, and like many of you, was relieved to find out I was NOT crazy! I would like to share my experience to give some of you comfort in knowing that although it will take time and patience, your body is strong and will get through it! Your body is going through a lot right now! Your hormones, gut health and mental state are all connected, and act like a furnace. When your body needs more of something, everything works in harmony and that furnace kicks on. You've had a space heater on for some times now. That space heater is Birth Control. That space heater causes that furnace to shut down. It's not needed. Now that you took that space heater away, the furnace has been out of service and figuring out what it is supposed to do! You are NOT crazy. I believe our bodies are going through some withdrawal symptoms. Test results may not show it, your doctor may not be aware of what is going on, but it is real. Getting "sick" and out of sorts due to birth control did not happen over night, and getting healthy again, unfortunately, does not happen overnight. It will take time, but it WILL get better. Repeat that to yourself over and over and believe it. Do not give in to the negative self talk and depression, because it WILL get better. It is hard not to fear when you have a glimmer of hope of a good moment, just to be thrown back to the depths of what you "think" is hopelessness, but you ARE strong and it WILL get better.

I have been on Ortho Tri-Lo since 2003. I've come off it a couple of times simply due to the fact I knew in the back of my mind that it wasn't best to stay on it long term. I originally started BC due to very painful periods. After stopping it the first two times, I did not have a period. The first time, I did not have a period for two years (didn't bother me! I thought it was GREAT), UNTIL, I started having pregnancy symptoms such as dizziness, morning sickness and mood swings. After blood tests and an MRI, I found out my prolactin levels were slightly elevated. Medications such as BC have been shown to elevate prolactin levels. Higher prolactin = no periods and lowered estrogen levels. After going BACK on the pill and taking Cabergoline to lower my prolactin, all was well. I went off it a second time, and year later without periods, and tests showed the same thing. High prolactin. Back on the pill and Cabergoline and things got straightened out. You may be asking, why did I go back on the pill? I was told Cabergoline would make me much more fertile and I did not want a pregnancy, so would go back on the pill.

Now fast forward to this June, my THIRD time coming off of the pill. This time those strange "pregnancy symptoms" came back, I was bound determined NOT to go back on the pill. More blood tests, a third MRI and yes, again I have slightly high prolactin levels. I am back on Cabergoline, but NOT the pill. Stay will me...I know this is a lot! Here is how I have progressed since June:
In June, I started having dizzy spells. I thought I might fall! I had lots of tests, and all showed everything was normal. I thought maybe my blood sugar was just dropping. Then I started getting sicker and sicker. Nausea, vomiting, trembling although I was hot...but also felt cold at the same time, I had diarrhea every single day, and RUSHES of anxiety! The anxiety rushes felt like a BURST of fear that started from deep inside and pulsed to the tips of my toes, fingers and scalp. In those moments I felt such fear I thought I might have a heart attack. A deep sadness overcame me. I had no desire to leave the couch. I tried a few times going out to the car to drive with my husband, and suddenly would have to retreat back into my home in fear I was going to be sick. I cannot explain the craziness I felt. I did not feel like I had any control over my own body. I repeatedly told my husband that I think I am slowly going CRAZY! I would sleep fine (surprisingly), but the MOMENT my eyes opened my heart would race and I would start to shake. I had nausea every. single. day. I lost my appetite and quickly lost 10 pounds. I am a very tiny person, and 10 pounds is over 10% of my body weight. Not good. Even when I had an appetite, as soon as I started to eat, I would get very dizzy and nauseous. I have never felt so terrible physically and mentally in my entire life. I do not tell you this to discourage you, I tell you think in hopes to help you understand you are NOT alone!

Now let me tell you, I had EVERY test I could! And having results show normalcy just made me feel more depressed. I had such intense fear that something seriously was wrong with me, I thought I was going to die. Irrational, I know. Here are the tests I had:
MRI - to check for pituitary tumor due to high prolactin - came back normal
blood work (LOTS of it)- normal except high prolactin
upper GI
Ab CT scan
mammogram (because cysts rapidly appeared after stopping the pill) - result was suspected cysts
dermatology I had a sample of a rash sent in (that I still have) that appeared after stopping the pill - turned out not to be cancerous
Ob/GYN check - surprise surprise, was told "just go back on the pill if you felt fine". UGH! I wanted to know WHAT was causing my symptoms, not just trying to COVER them up!!!
Endocrinologist - He was terrible by the way. Tests besides prolactin looked normal so refused to do any more tests
urinalysis and stool sample - normal
and countless numbers of doctors appointments for the constant dizziness and nausea.

I was given lexapro for anxiety, which made me so sick I immediately stopped taking it. I took some meds for nausea and nothing really seemed to work.

Finally, I had had ENOUGH! I scheduled an appointment with a naturopath. I started doing my own research and finding so much information on my own about hormone imbalances directly related to gut health and mental health. I KNOW my hormones are imbalanced. I know I have gut issues (nausea, diarrhea), and I KNOW I am anxious and depressed.

Now what you've been waiting for! What did I do to feel better? SEVERAL things!
1. I may not have control over many things, but I DO have control over the food I put into my body. Read the book "My Kitchen Cure". I started eating as clean as possible. Organic meats and produce, NO processed foods. I cut out all sugar (except fruits), cut out all alcohol, and no wheat. I cut out wheat because I know when I eat bread, it gives me heartburn. So that was a personal choice for me. I also cut out dairy for a week to see if it would help, but slowly added it back in. I started drinking 8 8oz of water and/or herbal tea every day. After about 20 days, I felt worlds better.

2. YOGA! Youtube yoga for anxiety. Getting through the depression and anxiety without meds was important for me since I had such a bad reaction. I know there are other meds out there, but I did not want to chance it. At first the yoga was difficult. I did not even want to try. But the breathing and practice of relaxation eventually helps. That's just it, it take a lot of repetition and practice to be able to get through anxiety without letting it consume you. I also did exercises is self talk, visualization, prayer...you name it, I tried it! Now when I have rushes of anxiety, I acknowledge it, tell my body "thank you, but I got this and there is nothing to fear at this time" and practice breathing (in for four, hold for 7, out for 8). And it's better!

3. TIME!!! I cannot stress this enough! It is now 7 months later and I am still not 100%, but I am so so so much better! Your body has this! Give it an extra boost by exercising and eating well to give your body a fighting chance to overcome this imbalance!

4. Supplement: I take vitamin B complex, flax oil first 2 weeks of cycle, evening primrose 2nd 2 weeks of cycle, probiotic, and woman's hormone support supplement. When anxious, vitamin B complex really helps. I also drink lots of decaffeinated green tea and chamomile. If you're drinking caffeine, don't!

Do yourself a huge favor and research how gut health relates to anxiety. These are NOT new concepts. Gut health, mental health and hormone levels have been thoroughly researched and the SAME things we are hearing now with this "fad" diets have been talked about over and over again. I recently borrowed a book on anxiety from my therapist (who I started seeing to talk through my anxiety...big help to just talk to someone), and this book written in the late 80s says the SAME things about nutrition and depression. Eat only whole foods, no processed foods, no sugar, limit salt, no caffeine, and get enough calcium and vitamin B complex.
Did all these things heal me? Maybe not, but they are giving my body at least the CHANCE to fight the way it is supposed to.

Where am I at today? I'm about 90% there I think! I actually have days where dare I say I feel...normal?! Yes! normal! I am still dizzy. I still get a little nauseous at times. I still may have a brief moment of anxiety, but I do not let to take me to that dark place. I am strong. I got this! And I actually BELIEVE it.

I recently had a blood test done on the third day of my cycle to test for estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, cortisol and prolactin. My prolactin is lowered, but my estrogen levels are very low for my age during that time. Those low estrogen levels could very well have been causing these issues all along. Who knows...maybe I've always had low estrogen and the pill just "covered up" that problem, which is now in the forefront again. Might I have to go back on the pill? Maybe, but at least this time I will have strongly researched what is actually happening to my body instead of allowing a doctor to shove RX after RX at my symptoms without ever really trying to find the exact cause.

I hope this lengthy entry helps someone! It WILL get better!!!!!!

Kris again...I should also mention that every single day for the past 3-4 months I have written down how I feel. I have found that my anxiety and dizziness/nausea really hit the second two weeks of my cycle (before my period).

I went off of the pill and barely 2 weeks later I had a horrible attack. After that it was just nervous feelings and me freaking out over anything...I was doing my make up and I freaked out. I thought I was going CRAZY. It was so weird, I was not myself at all and count be around anyone. After being back on the pill I'm so much better but that one attack has left me anxious/nervous just thinking about it and so scared it will happen again. My time wilth people are some what limited because I start freaking out just thinking about it.

I can off BC a year ago and have suffered panic attacks and anxiety it's been the year from hell I am going to the Drs Monday to see if I can go back on the pill how are you feeling now?? Has going back on made you feel better? I feel like I'm loosing my mind!!!!!

TIPS and GOOD NEWS! Hi all. Just thought I'd share for new readers and women experiencing the same thing that I stopped taking the pill almost two months ago and anxiety and panic attcks hit hard. It came on gradually, feeling more and more anxious for a few weeks. It became almost unbareable. Good news though!!! IT HAS PASSED! It peaked about 6 weeks after I stopped taking the pill and has since tapered off. So hang in there girls. It won't last.

Tips: I logged my anxiety (and other side effects I was experiencing) in a journal. I rated my anxiety a few times each day on a scale from 1-5 and made notes about things that seemed to help keep it lower. This has helped me keep perspective of temporary states and reminded me that my body is just adjusting.

Ditch the caffeine! For me it made my anxiety worse.

Ditch the booze! Although feels good in the moment makes anxiety 10x worse the next day.

I can't stress this enough.. Eat super healthy. Get to the gym (yoga is a great option). The last thing your body needs is to be battling with how you're treating it on top of everything else.

Also, meeting with your family physician is a good idea. I am not able to take anti-anxiety mess bc of my job but it may be a help for you. I would recommend something you can take only when you're feeling extreme anxiety and try not to take everyday to avoid having to come off that at some point too.

Also just an addition for those experiencing it... The hair loss passes too! :) mine lasted about 7-8 weeks and has stopped. I certainly have less hair than before but with time it will all come back to normal. Your bodies are resilient girls. Hang in there! You've got this!!!

any updates on if you got better? i'd love to hear!

any updates on if you got better? i'd love to hear!

any updates on if you got better? i'd love to hear!

any updates on if you got better? i'd love to hear!

I'm in the exact same position. Curious if you were able to get rid of the anxiety and how it was when you were pregnant. I am so nervous to get pregnant again (which was the reason to go off BC) and deal with anxiety 24/7 and possibly more intense. It's already not great.

Hi all I was on bc for 9 yrs went off it just out of intrigue & to give my body a rest. My mind on the other hand well. I didn't research going off I just did. It's been nearly 3 months and im just feeling better (yay) but the panic attacks constant fear, anxiety, the hot flushes. I thought I was going loopy. I'd wake up with anxiety, and it would be constant. Oh and I couldn't eat for like 2 weeks and have loose bowl movements. It's bloody tough. I'm unemployed atm as well so it did take a lot of my day. Now it freaked me out I didn't want to feel like that. With time,talking, exercise good food and anxiety meds.. Only when you really need it and knowing it'll pass you can do it. I actually haven't felt this great in a while. I think now this synthetic hormone is nearly out of my system it's for the best. Never again. Also the last 2 or so months has really made me appreciate life for the ups and downs and how our minds and bodies can go through alot but regardless we still make it out ok
I still have a tiny bit of anxiety ever now and then but nothing like before, more on a normal level lol anyway big hugs for you who are going through this xo :) it'll get better and you not alone.

I would love to talk to you and how you are doing today.

My story, sorry it's long.
Hi my name is Giselle I'm 24 years old I was on Gildess Fe 1/20 for about a year and 5 months then I stopped and got a low-dose hormonal IUD (it's a little T that they put in your uterus that has a low dose of progesterone) I stopped the pill is August 7,15 and got my IUD inserted Aug 12,15 but removed October 14,15. Ever since September 2015...everything changed.

I feel like we aren't told what is going to happen when we get off this damn pill.. especially if we have been depending on it for months/years. I got horrible anxiety,sadness,intrusive thoughts,negative,twitching for 5 months straight,feeling off,crying everyother day due to anxiety/negative intrusive thoughts,guilt,frustration,sadness,hopeless etc. it's certainly all in your head(but not because you want it to is because your body/mind is not balance is all over the place and so nothing is really working well. We are like a car if something is off then the rest of the car will start getting affected eventually. Our brains,hormones,emotions,organs etc. it's all connected.

My life is pretty good/stable. I have a good men, I have friends,my grades are great, my job is easy...I won a scholarship and my finances are getting better. So I know from the bottom of my heart is not situational/environmental but it's more of something being wrong with my body and all that changed when I started feeling like this is me stopping those stupid little pills -.-

I keep this to myself unlike I was in the beginning because I am hopefully just like this came it will go away bc it's very hard to explain to someone unless you are going through it. The thing that keeps me sane when I feel frustrated,overwhelm and wondering why am I thinking such awful negative,intrusive,guilt things or when I'm sad,irritated,annoyed....I breath and I think "this too will pass...I will go back...my body is just readjusting and is not something that will happen overnight..little by little. BABYSTEPS.


I have days were I feel moodswings where I feel happy in the morning or night but not in-between the day. I know right now we are just an up-down and that's okay.

I read it takes women about 6months to a year to get back to feeling 100% so even if we think we are losing our minds with the anxiety/thoughts we need to be strong and realized that while some people stop the pill and are fine ...others are not (like us). Very similar to women who give birth....after birth theirs a huge drop in hormone levels...some women go into postpartum depression for several months bc there body can't adjust that fast from the hormonal changes (being pregnant then suddenly not being pregnant). What happeneds when we stop the pill is that.....we reintroduced our body to a new way of hormonal change...and our bodies are going haywire trying to regulate,kickstar the hormonal production because when we were taking synthetic hormones our bodies were not producing hormones of our own....You know what the synthetic hormone pill makes you do? It tricks your body into thinking it's pregnant and what you have is a "fake period" every month during the brown pills. ---I stopped my birth control around Sept 2015 and I'm still going through a lot of anxiety/intrusive thoughts. However, I'm learning to manage it a little better...it's a hard process because the more you "fight" not being anxious having bad thoughts the more crippling or powerful they become...because you get so much more anxious about having these thoughts. That this get's you paranoid and produce the worst thoughts. It's like your a prisoner of your own anxiety.

I know that my body is slowly going back to normal and your body will too! My period cycle is regulating (not sure if this is because I started doing acupuncture) but I know I will make it through the difference from now to before is that now I have some good days yet I still have very bad days.
My period cycles have been about 31 days,33 days, 45 days (this cycle was so long), 32 days and now it's heading to 28 days.


Before it was all bad days especially around September but now I'm more hopeful. Thing's that have seem to help me: 1. Knowing this is not an OVERNIGHT thing. That it will in fact take several months for your body/mind to resume to 100% normality. 2. Knowing you are not alone, that although you may sometimes think you are losing your mind and get consume in your anxiety/thoughts being sad. That there are a lot of women who deal with this hormonal transition if you google forums a lot of women of all ages from teens to adults after stopping pill get a list of symptoms from anxiety,depression,mood swings,irritability,,intrusive unwelcome thoughts,OCD,nervousness,acne,hair shedding,weight gain/loss,blurred vision,panic attacks,bloating,chest pain,nausea,twitching,no period for months,dizziness etc. but the ones I mention are the most common. 3.Knowing that YOU WILL get back to your 100% self. This experience will make you stronger and you will feel happy and normal/sane again. Give your body time. I went a few months not really sure what to do...but I decided in Dec/Jan to start taking action...I think it has helped a bit but vitamins take about 3 months to take full effect. I did have a horrible bloating after stopping pill and that went away also I was 123 never been that heavy as I'm 5'2 now I'm 116 pounds.This what I have read online as I read alot and what will be beneficial for your health regardless. 4. Taking a wholefood multivitamin (organic) you can find at places such as wholefoods. I currently take 1. A probiotic, your moods/emotions start with a healthy gut/healthy bacteria. I take Dr.Formulated Probitotics Once daily women's 50 billion. 2. Taking an organic Vitamin Code Raw D3 5,000 IU started taking it yesterday it's from Garden of Life. I don't really get much sun and most Americans are vitamin D deficient. I figured Vitamin D will help elevate my mood through this transition. 3. I take Vitamin Code Raw B-complex (while you are on birth control most of your vitamin/nutrients are depleted) so it's good to give your body vitamin/nutrients at least while you are recovering from this change. 4.My acupuncturist gave me this Chinese herb to regulate cycle...I started going last month and this month I was on a perfect 28-day cycle not sure if it's the herb or acupuncture sessions. I take KPC Herbs "Jia wei xiao yao san" I take 2 pills twice a day so 4 pills total I take them 20 minutes before or after eating (as my acupuncturist told me not to mix with food) 5. I started to exercise yesterday as I never exercise and I heard it is good for stress/elevate your serotonin "your happy hormone in your brain" 6. It is recommended to sleep 7-8 hours a night. With lights completely off 7. Three thing's I read to stay away from during this is alcohol (zero alcohol..alcohol is a depressant), no caffeine at all and cut back on sweets/junk food. You can start juicing and eating healthier. 8. Acupunture is known to be helpful. Some health insurance cover it but if yours doesn't then I would suggest to look online at acupuncture they have really good deals just make sure you read reviews before going to one. 9. I take Megafoods one daily whole food multivitamin....However, if your going to buy a whole food multivitamin I would suggest the brand "Garden of Life" better...I will be buying that instead after I'm done with this one. 10. Last but certainly not least other recommendations was to take OMEGA 3 you can buy from wholefoods. 11. I'm also taking Natural Vitality natural calm a relaxing magnesium supplement. I honestly feel that those who react bad when coming off pill is because ur bodies maybe were not as strong. I know for me for instances, I was eating horrible alot of fast food while taking the pill, I never really drank water,I didn't sleep well, I never ever exercised or took any vitamins. So when I stopped giving my body synthetic hormones my body did not bounce back well. I decided to write this long thing to make other girls/women feel that they are not alone and that I have read of people going through what we are going through and 6months to a year they are so happy and back to themselves even when they though it would never end.I actually have read forums on people first saying how bad they felt and follow them through the lasts post were they said that it does go away but what we need is patience. Writing about this myself is actually really soothing because there's days that I get down and feel frustrated too but writing this also reminds me that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. for now we just have to SUCK IT UP and be tough girls and deal with this..be patient yet discipline. 

If anyone has ever gone through this or is going through this. You are more than welcome to share your experiences. This is a forum for women and this way we can let other women know they are not alone and it's normal all this even though it certainly does NOT feel normal.

I had my hormones level check three times and all "normal". The first two times it was about 1-2 weeks after coming off birthcontrol so it was probably too soon to check. The 3rd time it was last month so enough time has passed and it showed as normal. However, the test is questionable and I just don't feel normal. Someone told me a doctor that the "normal ranges" in those blood test vary..so I don't know. I talked to a girl who was experiencing panic attacks and anxiety,crying after stopping the pill and her hormonal and her regular blood test also came out normal.

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My name is Giselle been off the pill for about 5-6 still so bad the same,no improvements severe anxiety/intrusive thougts/twitching in toes/body from time to time.

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Hi! I am going through the same exact thing you went through a year ago. I am desperate for comfort and have to know if and when you started feeling better? I can't bare this.