Serious issues after coming off of birth control pills! Anixety, Acne, Fatigue, Eye Pain, Headaches

So it's been a couple more weeks... Any updates? I'm feeling much better physically and mentally. But I'm still having this tight tingling scalp sensation. It seems like it gets better some days, but other days I feel like I'm right back at square one. I'm going to my naturopathic doctor this weekend to get my blood results back... and if it's not better in a few weeks, I'm gunna go see about getting a head scan. Do you remember about how long your head sensations lasted? I'll keep you guys posted on anything I find out...

Just in case anyone is following this post, I found out a few things from my naturopathic doctor. Blood work shows that I have low A1C levels (blood sugar), hypothyroidism, and a possible magnesium deficiency. I will start taking thyroid meds this week, as well as magnesium supplements, so hopefully some of these symptoms start to go away. I'll keep you guys posted on any progress....

Hi Megan, I am sorry I've been terrible with regular updates. I posted another reply before but I think it got deleted. So it is the end of five months for me. Most of my random shooting pains and pins and needles sensations have improved. I am taking b12, calcium and magnesium supplements right now. I think your hypothyroidism and low magnesium levels explain what you are experiencing and I believe you will start feeling better with the meds. I had another small anxiety attack a week ago and I felt really depressed for about 1.5 hours. I guess these attacks will happen from time to time and hopefully less frequently with time. Keep updating and I will do so as well. All the best

Hi Emily - Thanks for responding. Glad you are starting to feel better, too! It's funny that you mention shooting pains and "pins and needles" sensations... Not too long after I originally posted, I started getting a tingling feeling in my nose and lip too (very randomly, didn't stick around long), as well as a random shooting pain behind my left eye (this was only a couple times, came and went very quickly too) - and I've noticed that my fingers and toes fall asleep much easier than they used to (maybe I'm just noticing it more often?)... I went to my doctor today about the head pressure/tightness and tingling sensation on my scalp. He said many different things can cause these feelings, but he has scheduled a head MRI for this Friday to rule out a brain tumor and MS. I'm pretty nervous, but trying to stay optimistic (especially since a lot of other girls on these forums have had this come back normal). I'll be glad to get these things off my mind though (well, if it comes back negative lol)... I'm sure the anxiety of not knowing isn't helping at all... And yes, definitely stay in touch. It's nice to go through this healing process with other people! :)

Just a quick update... I had my head MRI done and the results came back normal (no tumor, no ms). I'm starting to feel slightly better every day still... I think the thyroid medication and magnesium have helped a bit. I'm still having some issues with my scalp feeling tight, but it actually is getting a little better (I think it's related to my anxiety somehow, maybe some tight neck muscles). I'm still having some slightly strained vision too. I thought that was going away, but maybe not... I'm going to continue going to my chiropractor, as well as taking supplements and trying to lower my anxiety levels. I will keep you guys posted...

Thank goodness I found this forum...... I came of Norimon about 3 weeks ago and it has been horrible and scary. Started with foggy head, shooting pain in temples, stiff neck and slight headache and mild pins/needles that would come and go. I figured this was all part of the parcel. I felt ovulation in week 2, wow that was uncomfortable but a good sign but then Monday this week the pins/needles set in on my left hand and haven't left, talk about scary. It moved to my left leg and has subsided but comes and goes. Stupid me Googled pin/needles and of cause MS comes up?! That is when the anxiety and panic set in. My Dr further scared me advising pins/needles can be anything so we need to start from the head down. Scared me half to death mentioning brain lesions

So I have had my scan and get results tomorrow I have been petrified as it is all so scary but this forum has helped me take a breath and realise that the timeline all fits with coming off the pill. They do not talk about these things in the general websites so I'm so glad you all took the time to share your experience. You just think you come off the pill and bingo your pregnant not all this scary stuff. Hope everyone is travelling well and would be greatful for any suggestions on relieving symptoms.

Hi shrubo - It's totally normal to be feeling the way you are. I am still dealing with a few things since getting off the pill - and it's been officially 4 months since I took my last pill... I would say the biggest things that will help relieve symptoms are the following: REST (sleep as much as you can, even though it might be hard in the beginning), CALM DOWN (I know this is super hard. trust me, I had some serious anxiety/panic attacks that I couldn't control either, but please realize that all of this is pretty much 99.9% likely to be from birth control or the effects of getting off of it), and TAKE VITAMINS/get bloodwork done (there are tons of things that birth control can mask and/or hormone imbalance can cause, so when you get off bc, your symptoms will arise). Be sure you have a doctor look into natural things first before taking any medications. The only thing meds will do is COVER UP your symptoms... Lastly, BE PATIENT. You will start to feel better, even though you think you won't. 3-4 months ago, I was literally scared for my life. Almost to the point where I was planning my funeral (it sounds silly to me now, but back then I was so serious about it). Things will get better, it's just going to take time. (I'm on month 4 and still trying to feel back to normal, I'm still a little scared about some symptoms not going away, but I know eventually I'll get down to the bottom of it)... Once your scan results come back normal, it will help the anxiety for sure... But feel free to keep in touch on here and let us know your results and progress. Best wishes...

I just made 4 months off the pill and I'm so glad to find this. I've had tingling, burning sensations in my head and lips. Cold sensations in my feet and arms. Pressure in my eyes, headaches. Horrible anxiety attacks. You name it. Now that its been 4 months the anxiety isn't constant but worse the week of my period and week after. Nobody knows how long it takes to feel normal?

Hi Chrissy123, I have been off the pill for a little over 6 months now. For me it got better in the 5th month. You are almost there! I still have some problems like pins and needles in random places but they are much less. And I have eye floaters that I got after stopping birth control which haven't improved at all. I just don't notice them as much now. The headaches are completely gone. I still have some anxiety attacks especially before my period but much much better compared to what they used to be like. I find it easier to be positive. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Hang in there. Best wishes

Hi everyone just an update as I want people to be able to relate and offer support. CT came back all clear and blood came back fine as well. Dr still wants to do Nerve conductive study which is via a neurologist and this is in March 2015. The tingling has subsided it has moved all around hands, arms, feet, legs, cheeks and forehead and overtime has subsided. I have been doing research and find it amazing that Dr's do not feel that this can be caused by coming off the birth control pill when there are so many similar stories?? I saw a naturopath and I am now taking Magnesium, Zinc, Calcium with d2,k3 (something like that) and a probiotic, seems to have helped. I have also cut out ALL caffiene and strongly recommend it. I now drink organic chamomile and honey which I actually really enjoy. To add to my hormone issues I found out I was 4-5 weeks pregnant which is now a concern as I have had a CT scan and 2 X-rays which is very bad for a fetus and need to make a very hard choice on the pregnancy long term. My research also showed that the pill gives our bodies "fake" progesterone and as such when we remove this from our bodies it creates these anxiety/tingle issues. Therefore I would recommend speaking with a OBGYN or GYNO over a regular Dr who deals with these levels of hormone imbalance. I have also read the the "lady issue" DRs also regualy see hormonal imbalance coming off the pill and don't just give the line of birth control cannot cause this! My DR also stated that they believe I now have general anxiety disorder........ which may be the case and caused by my hormonal imbalance but I refuse to take any more drugs that impair my bodies natural balance and I am determined to find a natural way to over come this. Although I have not had an MRI I am going to still request one when I finally see the Neurologist as I now have that crazy need to rule out MS due to DR Google but my DR does not feel my symptoms point to MS or peripheral neuropathy and she leans toward anxiety. I hope this information helps, I was petrified when this all started happen within 2 weeks of coming off the pill after 16 years; now it has been just on 3-4 weeks and my symptoms have subsided. The body is a crazy hive of activity and just know that it will balance out, a Dr's job is to rule out all the "nasty" possibilities which scared me but in the end I recommend a naturopath and a OBGYN as resolution to any concerns.  I also want to thank Emily and Megan for sharing as your experiences really helped me get through those first 2 weeks.

SHRUBO

Thanks so much for updating us, shrubo! Glad you are feeling better, too. You might actually be recovering from symptoms so quickly because you are pregnant (the pill tricks our bodies into thinking we are pregnant), so your body is getting a hormone shift again. And congrats by the way! I'm getting married in September and can't wait to get pregnant! :) Most of my original symptoms have gone away (it's been 5 months), however I am still having the tingling/itchy feeling on my scalp (it seems to be getting slightly better). I am starting to lean towards hormonal hair loss, since I've noticed a lot more hair shedding in the shower and a ton of short new hairs growing in all over my head. If anyone is having this problem, it could be that. Although, I haven't talked to any drs about it (nor have I been tested). I think I've been telling myself that so I will calm down lol... I've also noticed that my anxiety is definitely higher about a week before I start my period. And subsides when my period ends. I'm hoping this will continue to get better... until then, I'm just living day to day :) I do have a follow up appointment next week, and assume that I will also get referred to a neurologist... Good luck with everything and please continue to update us!

I just finally found the forum after looking for something REAL for a while!!! I have been taking Cryselle for 3.5 years and just stopped taking it last Thursday. Had previously had a Paraguard IUD where I bled for 3 years. Another story... So with this pill I had increasing headaches, like stabbing ice picks on the right side of my head, or up my neck. Tired all the time, racing heartbeat, dizziness, etc. which would cause some serious anxiety. Not to mention having minor panic attacks at work b/c I felt so awful and didn't know why. So since coming off the pill I'm absolutely exhausted, my eyes hurt, I have a constant headache, and just feel awful. I haven't been able to make myself work out (for the last month and a half too) b/c every time I do I get very light headed, which causes anxiety. I can't concentrate, which is inconvenient since I just started taking a real estate class. My poor husband doesn't know what to do, my mom already thinks I overreact at things my body does, but since reading all of your posts I feel like I'm not alone. It's been a nightmare and so scary. I have been to the doctor a few times, where she reassures me that my issues aren't from the pill. Thyroid is ok, but here have some Xanax and muscle relaxers for your anxiety and spasm in your back/neck. I hate taking meds in the first place. So I guess I had a 'fake' period from Saturday thru Thursday. Also as a side note, my sister had her gall bladder removed 5 years ago after being on the pill for years, now she is having other issues. So after reading your posts I see get to continue to deal with feeling terrible for months. I also don't have health insurance so getting an MRI or CT scan is basically out of the question, so again, anxiety with the unknown. I hope someone reply's so I know that someone has heard my story and we can all still talk about this. Hope you all are starting to feel better! Thanks!!

Dear Kate, it has been 7 months since I stopped taking birth control and it has been one of the most difficult times of my life. Seemingly endless list of problems, pains, aches, anxiety attacks... I've experienced it all and I got all the medical tests imaginable done. Nothing showed up. And no doctor thinks that it is related to birth control. But they are all caused by the hormonal imbalance as a result of birth control use. My thyroid levels came back within the normal range but when I started seeing alternative medicine doctors the first thing they told me that I had thyroid imbalance. It is a known fact that the hormones in the birth control have an impact on the secretion of thyroid. Your thyroid levels may appear within the normal range but you don't know how they are compared to their original levels. At this point you shouldn't worry about the next couple of months but take every day as it comes. It will eventually get better. You need a good support system. Sometimes even the people who are the closest to you, your parents, your husband etc. won't understand what you are going through even though they want to help. You should find things that calm you down or you enjoy doing. One thing that helped me was acupuncture. Keep updating and let me know if you have any questions.

Kate... I have been off birth control for 5 months and will agree with Emily - it has been the most difficult time of my life, too. It's pretty sad because I'm almost starting to get used to feeling so bad every day. I'm just living one day at a time, trying to make the most out of it until I start to feel back to normal (not sure if I ever will at this point)... Things will start to get better for you, but even after 5 months, I'm recovering very slowly still... The only things that have helped me are getting blood work done and taking supplements that I have been deficient in. I have also had tons of medical tests and doctors tell me it's nothing serious - or they "don't know" what is causing everything. It's definitely frustrating, but I'm just waiting it out.... It can't just be a coincidence that I started feeling bad after stopping birth control (as well as everyone else on this forum). Please keep us updated...