From CANFP
Side Effects from Quitting the Pill?
By Delia Z. Reyes
Feb 19, 2005, 21:49
Question
Is it normal when an individual goes off the Pill to experience mood swings and irritability? How long does it take to have your hormones return to normal?
Answer
For Question #1: Is it normal when an individual goes off the pill to experience mood swings and irritability?
Answer: Mood changes- depression, irritability and premenstrual symptoms tend to improve with pills. But in some women they become worse. So if these symptoms change for the better or for the worse, the pills may be reason. Other possible causes of mood changes such as changes in life situation, relationship with partner, physical abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, job dissatisfaction, illness or financial difficulty etc. should be considered.
Question #2: How long does it take to have your hormones return to normal?
Answer: The woman may be temporarily or even permanently anovulatory after stopping the pill resulting in a long period of time in which ovulation and menses does not occur. Between 1% and 2% of women will not menstruate for 6 months or more after taking pills.
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