Feeling depressed after stopping the birth control pills?

I'm so sorry that you are going through this. Can I ask what supplements you are taking? Are you able to see a hormone specialist? I've had and still go through a majority of the symptoms you noted. This last month I had peak symptoms around ovulation and my period. I've been off my period 4 days and the anxiety (tightening in chest, head pressure, acid reflux, heart palps, constant need to swallow, shortness of breath, flemmy feeling) are starting to subside A LITTLE. I also had an acupuncture appointment on the 27th which does help balance me out A LITTLE.

Your periods not being regular or normal are signs that your hormones are off balance, not to mention what you are going through mentally and emotionally too. The pill may make your periods regular if you go with a pill that allows you to bleed monthly, but you are still pumping synthetic hormones in your body and I fear that the emotional and anxiety/physical issues won't get better.

The pill stress and our diets tax our adrenal glands, I think they call it adrenal insufficiency. That may be another reason why it's taking us longer to heal. My body and mind literally cannot handle stress, i immediately start getting tension and knots in my neck shoulders and back and I get the panicky heart palps, light headedness.There are 3 main supplements to help our adrenals- magnesium(I take powder form before bed) or whenever I want to feel A LITTLE calmer, ashwagandha(helps with stress and anxiety and adrenals), and vitamin C. I haven't started vitamin C yet because I don't want to start pumping too many vitamins in my system. I'm learning that supplements won't help if our bodies can absorb them or nutrients. Probiotics have helped with that.

I drink tea kava stress relief by Yogi to ease tension and relax throughout the day. Heat pad and hand held massager for neck and back knots. I also have issues with inflammation from the pill. Turmeric helps, but I think ashwagandha is better since I am trying to balance my cortisol levels(stress and hormones). Raspberry tea leaf helps with hormones also, some girls have drank that and it made their periods regular.

With each period cycle we rid our bodies of the synthetic hormones that are stored in our bodies, at least that's how it seems. I think you're taking longer because you aren't having periods. Detoxing in every way you can would probably help. If you haven't, maybe try saliva hormone testing. You may need a creme or insert to balance you out and induce a period. I'm kind of against it because it's just another hormone being added into the mix but it's better than birth control.

As far as anti anxiety medication. The zanex or Valium medication still seems strong. It could be my acid reflux too thats been making my body reject it. I'm thinking of trying Hylands Nerve Tonic Stress Relief when I have high anxiety days. Has good reviews, seems like a light relaxant that won't put you bed either.

I couldn't eat the first 3 months. I would literally force feed myself. I've lost 25 lbs since september with out exercising. For the last month I've been cutting out gluten, dairy, sugar.. haven't had caffeine or alcohol for close to 4 months. That all helps! I think the withdrawal from the pill has made us develope allergies we never had(plugged ear sinus problems food and medication sensitivity). I started seeing more improvement when I ate as clean and fresh as possible. I think my acid reflux has been acting up because I was on vacation last week and ate all the wrong foods thinking I could because I was beginning to feel better, boy am I paying for that now. There aren't as many healthy options at theme parks also which didng help. The acid reflux was also giving me anxiety, ever since this all happened anytime something is wrong with my body, head cold/headache, twitch or a pain, I feel like something is terminally wrong with me. I've also noticed I can see my veins more now then when I was on the pill. Another thing I stood stuck on and almost made another doctor appointment for. Smh.

I never thought this would happen to me.. me celebrating being able to go to the grocery store/outdoors, sit still in a meeting, make eye contact, talk to people with my brain working overtime, or going on Vacation! Things that I could do in the past with no problem, things I feel now like I took for granted. I made myself go on vacation though while going through the hormonal imbalance/peak anxiety of ovulating and having a period. sat in a car for 8 hours there and back.. even rode rides while feeling trapped and fighting that feeling. (Granted I rode the rides days 1 and 2 if my period) my anxiety didn't fully peak until my last 3 days.. everyone is different. But this was still an accomplishment for me.. going from everyday feeling like I was going to die and the mental emotional roller coaster of thinking I'm going crazy. I haven't been depressed for about a month

. I have had a couple cries since then, mostly out feeling hopeless like this will never end. But it has gotten A LITTLE better and I'm grateful for that. Nobody understands what this is until they go through it. My own mother doesn't understand, thinks this is all mental mind over matter, but it's much deeper than that. My boyfriend of almost 3 years hasn't been very supportive, I'm actually looking at him as a stesssor more and more lately. The thought has crossed my mind to leave him several times since this has happened. The only reason I've been so passive about it is because I don't want to add anymore stress and rock my boat even more than what it is. They say not to make any rash or big decisions while going through a rough time like we are. I feel like my moving out and leaving him will make things worse, this is a person I would have to see everyday at work still so... it's weighIng heavy on me though. I wish it were one less thing to worry about. This hurrying up to heal has consumed me, but we only get 1 mind body and soul.. so I don't mind researching or concentrating on what I put in my body. I've learned a lot from this.

I know I don't know you, but I am here for you and I understand. Feel better

This was so helpful!! How long have you been off the pill and which one? Sorry if I've asked that already. I'm going to start signing my name at the bottom, ha! I was the girl on Minastrin, currently off for 10 weeks and still in deep anxiety and depression, brain fog, not feeling like myself at all.

- Shyla

Thanks so much for your reply. I totally agree- nobody can understand this unless they pass through it themselves. It's the most difficult thing I have ever experienced. It feels like it's never ending. i agree about not making any big decisions regarding relationships etc during this time...... i remember the day I stopped the pill-some niggling thought said I was making a mistake going off it but I just shrugged thinking what could go wrong??? Well here I am gone wrong!!! I hope it ends soon. For all of us. Praying for a solution. I lost 2 stone in weight in the last few months. My appetite is back now but nowhere near what it used to be. I'm still not sure what to do going forward. I did get blood hormone test which said hormones were normal. So doctors think I'm a hypochondriac.... btw I also had the acid reflux last month-had endoscopy-the works!!! It's not as bad now. Just feel so down. I thought my body would have recovered by now. I hat what I've done to myself by taking birth control.

Hey Shyla
I'm still new to posting and navigating around here. I created an account, but I guess I've unknowingly been posting as a guest too! My user name is "anxiously waiting" if I don't see it posting under that I can follow up with another post saying who it is from..

I also found that confusing, like am I talking to the same person or someone new. I was on the pill for 2-1/2 years.. started feeling a little off toward the end.. think it was happening to me slowly it just wasn't enough to where I could tell or to send me screaming. I had the majority of my reactions when I went off the pill.

I'm in the beginning of my 4th month being off the pill. It is definitely the worst in the beginning. I hear that the longer you are on the more of withdrawal and healing process you will have, again we are all different.

I was on microgestin which is the generic of loestrin. I could take those pills straight through and not have a period or I could take the week break every month. Toward the end for a few months I decided to take the pills all the way through instead of having a period(I would get really bad cramps and back pain so the doctor recommended taking pill straight through).

In the back of my head I felt like not releasing that egg every month was unhealthy and not clean so I switched back to having a period. I think that switch and shortly afterwards stopping all together may have played a part in how my hormones got all messed up.

I also wasn't taking the best care of myself diet wise. Im not going to lie the depression can be very crippling especially if you have no history and are not prone to depression. You literally feel out of your brain and body.

I couldn't even take St. John's wort or any other natural mood enhancers because it would spike my anxiety. I became very sensitive to food and meds, which was a lot worse when I first stopped. I couldn't eat anything sweet or with sugar without getting heart palpitations and feeling energy crawling out of my skin.

The only thing I could do in the beginning was lay down because I was so drained sad and exausted. Even that was uncomfortable, I'd have to keep getting up to walk around because I felt like my heart would pound out of its chest. That saying "tired and wired" is real. I used to love to read, like I have a library of books, probably read several a month, but when this happened I couldn't even read a paragraph. I went from working full time and earning a 4.0 GPA to dropping all my classes the following semester because I couldn't handle the load. Just this last month I've been able to concentrate enough to read again.

During my worst time I couldn't watch the news, go on social media, be around loud noises. Felt very lost and helpless, at that point I didn't know what was wrong with me other than there was something definitely wrong despite all the tests.. MRI EKG CAT SCAN. Loud noises still startle me a little, but it's not as bad. Everything just felt so dark. What pulled me out of my rut was going into different forums (Aphrodite women's health "effects of stopping birth control" go into the archives) there are hundreds of girls stories of what they were going through and also recovery stories. If their website was more user friendly I would be posting there too. So reading that we are not alone does help, it's been my form of therapy knowing that this does get better.

Anything you can do to destress helps. I have lavender soap, oils that I smell when I'm feeling more anxious. Massage, acupuncture, etc. You basically have to baby yourself unfortunately. Days where I don't get enough sleep I have more anxiety the next day. There's no magical cure except time and taking care of your mind and body. Otherwise I still wouldn't be going through it myself. Yoga breathing exercises help. Anything to calm and relax the nerves is worth trying for the anxiety. Are you taking any supplements? Have you had a normal period yet?

It's hard not to concentrate on what we are going through especially when you have random anxiety attacks physical symptoms or just don't feel like the old you, but movies and sleep were my best friend. The first 2-3 months I had sleep problems, melatonin gummies were a charm. I would take 2 before bed and would still be scared to fall asleep but it just made it easier.

Whenever I feel down or discouraged I just hop on here or another forum and read that this does get better in time. I hope this helps and sorry for the information overload. I wish more girls posted on here or in general. It feels better to know that other people are going through this and that we're not alone.

My blood hormone tests came back what's considered normal too which was discouraging but I heard you are supposed to test them on a certain day of your cycle, something I did not know at the time. I was already 3 months into it so I'm sure my hormones were more off when this all first started anyways and who knows what my levels were before I even got on the pill.... I was at 12 progesterone and 130 Estrodial. I want to say I got them tested on the 12th and I started my period on the 20th. I'm not sure the exact day I needed to get them tested on anyhow thanks for reaching out. This has all been pretty rough, the worst thing I've gone through myself.

It's even worse when people think you are being dramatic and it's all in our heads, it's more physical stuff that sparks the mental/emotional side of things. It not like we are randomly deciding to be sick and put ourselves through this hell. I don't wish it on anyone. The doctors make it no better. They started treating me like a hypochondriac also and told me anti depressants were my best answer. If I had have taken anti depressants last month like they wanted I feel that I wouldn't have made the small improvements that I have.

This has been definitely eye opening. My daughter is turning 11 in march and has just started her period, it's been 2 months. And it has me thinking how Doctors are so quick to prescribe birth control to teens to regulate their cycle or cure their acne. Without even mentioning the possible side effects. Girls/women younger than me are all off balance, it's horrible knowing that this is a common issue.

Back during my depression when I had intrusive thoughts I would always assume the worst and start worrying and getting scared of how hurt alone and scared my daughter would be if I died from this. The physical symptoms most of us have had or have literally mimic other illnesses.. before I knew birth control was my issue I thought the worst. This process is soooo much worse when you have kids and people that depend on you to function. Kinda makes me want to cry right now just thinking of it ugh.

Oh if you can sign your name on your next post so I know who I am talking to that would help!! I created a profile but noticed I had been posting as a guest as well. It's too difficult to tell which guest is who. Feel better

Thanks for replying!

So do you feel you've improved at all? I'm almost to month three. I was put on anxiety meds four days after quitting birth control. I actually got off the pill because i had suddenly become really anxious and down -- I was on Minastrin 24 Fe but on Microgestin four months prior. I'd been taking the Microgestin straight through with no period, switched to Minastrin in June and also my OB told me to start having a period to avoid break through bleeds. Anyway, so I was already feeling off and quit the pill three days into a new pack, had a panic attack two days later. The anxiety medication (Buspirone) made me worse but I didn't realize it until I'd been on it six weeks! So quitting THAT was also a setback because the withdrawals were horrid.

Anyway, im functioning better. I can do things, shop, take my kids out without having a total meltdown but I still feel very, very strange and just bad. Nothing looks the same as it did. I feel foggy sometimes and crowds/lights throw me off and make me feel like I'm in a dream or a fog. It's so weird. And I still cry and breakdown several times a day. Sometimes I can function close to normal. Being around family helps, playing games, anything that distracts me for a bit from how I feel. I still spend a lot of time worrying something is physically wrong with me and I hate that. I have two little boys and I cannot afford to not function. I miss feeling like a mom and not some robot.

Oh also, have you heard of Progessence Plus serum? It's an essential oil. Well, I quit the pills in mid October, had withdrawal bleed, then had a period four weeks later but it was much lighter than my pre-pill days. Then a friend gave me the essential oil. I took the max dose daily assuming it would be more placebo than anything, but I completely skipped my next period! My hormone doctor said the oils probably stopped my period. Anywau so I quit THOSE and now I'm ovulating and will hopefully have my second period off the pill in a couple weeks.

She checked my estradiol the day before my period was supposed to start and it was 70pg/ml. But then I never started and am now ovulating.

Sigh. I get so worried it's not my hormones at all and that I'm just insane. That would suck. I've had anxiety forever but this is off the charts and the depression feels so much like post partum (which I had both times.)

Sorry that was long. Praying we all recover soon.

Shoot. This is Shyla. Forgot to sign my name again!!

I do feel improved especially when I compare how bad I was. I started to feel better not healed, in the beginning of my 3rd month, when ovulation came I experienced mild anxiety felt strange , the constant need to swallow, more head pressure. My recent period brought a lot of those old feelings back though where it was almost like the begginning. I've been off my period 6 days now and I have been feeling better for 2 days so if this month goes anything like the last I may just need to brace myself for ovulation/PMS time.

I too still feel kinda clouded when I have to be out and about or interact, but I've improved compared to how bad I was. I think my biggest fear is never going back to the person I used to be.

I quit mid pack, which may have messed me up. I wish I would've known this could happen before I abruptly got off birth control. They should make awareness ads for this type of stuff. I guess they are too busy trying to sell products and more prescription meds though than worrying about that. Sad stuff.

I still worry there's a hidden illness I have that hasn't been caught, that's when I hop online and read other women's symptoms and remember it's hormones and birth control withdrawal.

It's good that you have a hormone doctor. My doctor wouldn't even refer me to a specialist. I ended up switching doctors shortly after but haven't had the energy or money to make an appointment to see my new one. As long as I keep improving I won't be running back to the doc. They aren't really helpful anyways when it comes to this.

I will say during and after ovulation I had the worst cramps and PMS symptoms which made me think I would start early when I actually started a day late.

I have not heard of the serum you mentioned. I think that could have been a set back or prolonged your healing if you didn't need whatever was in the oils.

Please don't apologize for expressing yourself. I check this thread every hour or so and reading what other women are going through makes me feel better and not so alone. So even if you are having a bad day and just want to vent your symptoms I'm here. You can also email me if you don't feel like putting your business out on the thread. 

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My name is Dee. :) I totally get what you mean about people thinking it's all in you head. I got told by my ex to stop talking about it because nobody will want to listen to me go on about it. So now I just keep it to myself. My older sister is good but she has a lot on her plate right now with her work and kids so I hate being a burden. Also, I've been thinking that I might be in peri menopause (even though I'm only 34).....truth be told my periods or week off pill bleeds went funny the last 2 years on the pill so I'm thinking I might be gone into peri...... that can last between 4-10 years :( I know my family think I have lost the run of myself-I can't even show them the forums about this because they think I've lost it altogether. They firmly believe doctors tests didn't show anything so I must be nuts......!!! Half of me is thinking that when the time comes for their hormones to go funny that they'll understand then. I can't even understand how my mom managed but she just reckons she was fine through it. I wasn't living nearby at the time so I don't know-my sister says she was bad but I don't think she was like me. it's frustrating:( how do women do this? Don't we go through enough?

Keeping it to yourself is the worst thing you can do. That's how I got so depressed I think. I kept what I was going through from my loved ones until I finally had an emotional break down. It felt so good to release all my pain and worry and tell my people that I was going through it. Some understood more because they witnessed my back and forth trips to ER and doc. And then you have people who think what we are going through is minor and all in our heads.. ha! Little do they know.

I noticed that our symptoms do match with pre menopause which is alarming knowing that I'll have to go through this all over again for possibly 4-10 years! I used to think menopause only consisted of hot flashes and the occasional mood swing. Us ladies have it rough in the hormone department.
Have you written or read any of the posts On Aphrodite women's forum "the effects of stopping birth control" its such a good forum but for some reason it's not allowing me to post.. I've tried to set up a profile using 2 separate computers and even contacted their website several times. Never even got a response So all I can do is read, but when I need a pick me up I go read all the old posts. Take care, hope to hear from you and others soon.

Hi! Most people here seem to feel better after a few months, but after stopping the pill five years ago, my life is still a complete mess. I've spent five years trying to figure out what's wrong.
i went from being a happy, relaxed, friendly, energetic person who'd been on the pill for 15 years to having ptsd, depression, weight gain, constant moodiness, rage and anger, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, reactive hypoglycemia, chronic gastritis, no libido, chronic anxiety etc etc. Its been five years and i am wondering if going off the pill has given me a hormone imbalance. Every doctor I saw and asked about hormones just told me I needed antidepressants.
Any advice or ideas?

Go to an ALTERNATIVE HEALTH dr. I have an amazing referral but in South Florida

Hey there. Sorry that you are still in hormonal limbo. It is definitely possible that you still have an imbalance from the pill. I have heard of it taking up to 2-5 years for our hormones to regulate. I think the longer someone has taken synthetic hormones the longer it can take to get out of their symptoms. 15 years is a long time to be on the pill. The stress of the pill, lifestyle, and other medications can have long term effects on our body, but that's not to say that it irreversible. Have your symptoms subsided at all or have they remained the same since you got off BC?
Since the doctors have not been very helpful, I agree that you should seek an alternative health doctor or a doctor that specializes in hormones. I'm not sure how old you are, but age can also play a factor in this and there is a possibility that you could be going through menopause. Im still in the beginning stages of healing(I'm in my 4th month) but I noticed that lifestyle changes have helped me to feel a little better.
DIET.. organic, gluten free, no dairy, small portions through out the day. NO CAFFINE NO ALCOHOL. Basic supplements since our bodies are lacking essential nutrients from the pill. Maybe a natural relaxant to help keep you calm throughout the day. Exercise to enhance your mood, however this works against me if I exercise too hard..I haven't tried lately because I don't want to trigger an anxiety attack by getting my adrenaline/heart racing. Yoga is pretty soothing though and you still break a sweat. I'm sure you love tried it all being that it's been 5 years. I do think seeking someone who specializes in hormones and that can actually test them will benefit you. I hope you start to feel better..

Has anyone had achy breasts/underarms since stopping? Not necessarily sore to touch, but random pains and aches.

Yes, I didn't have that from the start. It began in my 3rd month, intensified during ovulation, sharp pains achey tenderness, and went away after my period. The pain and discomfort was more intense on left side though. My left side has been conflicted since I got off the pill. Fully plugged ear, sinus, chest pains, felt like pinched nerve in left side of neck shoulder under arm .etc. My ear hasn't been plugged for awhile and the popping and pressure feels like it's slowly going awaybut, I still have sinus issues feel very congested when I wake up in the mornings. Neti pots and nasal spray have helped.

I've noticed that some symptoms subside or go away and get replaced with new ones with time and as my body is trying to make its own hormones if that makes sense.