Why I'm Coming Off the Pill | The Hormone Diaries Ep. 1 | Hannah Witton

Episode 1 of #TheHormoneDiaries! I talk about the Pill that I've been taking for the last 7 years and why I'm coming off it!
//Subscribe for weekly videos: goo.gl/XXaoae
//Please give the video a LIKE if you enjoyed it :)
Menstrual cup*: www.mooncup.co...
Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoyed the video!
Intro made by Lucy Moon: / meowitslucy
Support me on Patreon: / hannahwitton
Shop: hannahwitton.b...
Twitter: / hannahwitton
Blog: hannahwitton.com/
Instagram: / hannahwitton
Snapchat: hannahwitton
Tumblr: / hannahwitton
Facebook: / hannahwittonofficial
Google Plus: google.com/+Han...
EQUIPMENT*
Main camera - Canon 80d: amzn.to/2kjK7Xj
Lens - Sigma 18-35mm f1.8: amzn.to/2jNEUDW
Microphone - H4n Zoom: amzn.to/2kjGRLK
Vlog camera - Sony RX100 MIV: amzn.to/2k9lREZ
*Affiliate links
Music by Audio Jungle

[@doddleoddle]

I'M VERY EXCITED

[@alissawest8100]

doddleoddle OMG I LOVE YOU HI

[@caolan1079]

Shoutout to all the lads watching this, real MVP's

[@AvatarJillian]

I'm a science student. I like what Hannah produces content-wise. It's very interesting to listen to :)

[@anothercrazyenglishman3494]

I find this a useful insight into something I don't entirely understand. Hannah's also fairly entertaining.

[@64bitUnity]

MVP's?

[@64bitUnity]

Oh nvm. Hehe that is nice to hear ^^

[@ibclovesconn]

We do what we can

[@SallyLePage]

Good luck. I would really recommend doing a daily mood diary - when I tried coming off the pill a few years back I got the worst depression and eventually had to go back on again but only after a very unhappy year not realising what was causing my change in mood. Once I started a mood diary I was able to spot the patterns.

[@jessejames6688]

I totally agree with this-- a mood diary for when you are going off OR on the pill. I fell into a serious depression after starting the pill (2 different kinds of hormonal birth control pills) and had to go off because of it. Mood diaries are great with mental illness because you can spot patterns and be more honest about what you are experiencing.

[@stephaniestorie5825]

+Jesse James I had a very similar reaction to the pill and just came off of it after 3 years. awful depression and mkkd swings were making me a completely different person!

[@afireinsidex03]

I did this when coming off of the pill and had the opposite reaction- but it just proves how everyone's bodies are different!

[@aishaa4199]

I have also come off the pill it’s been 1 year and 3 months I can feel myself getting better everyday but I’m thinking about starting the pill again do you guys think I should?

[@umberdandelion]

The main side effect of taking the pill for me is that my sex drive is almost gone

[@matildas3177]

Me too, it just feels so stupid. Like why am I taking this pill to be able to have sex with my partner whenever, when it takes away my sex drive? I can have worry-free sex, but I don't want that sex now?

[@lucymoon]

YES HANNAH!

[@beccaleeny8599]

Two words - menstrual cup

[@JBCBlank]

menstrual cup has made my life so much better.

[@CattitudeCoTV]

Yasssss, menstrual cups for the win

[@mandy1021]

I had a very similar experience when I went to get my implant removed for the same reasons. The nurses were insistent that there was no way that the implant could be affecting my mental health in any way and then tried to guilt me in to keeping it by telling me I was "wasting NHS money". They were very rude and condescending and i practically had to beg them to remove it - I left the clinic in tears. Interesting to see that this attitude seems to be common practice. I felt so much better after having it removed and i really really hope that similar situations haven't dissuaded others from having theirs removed when it would have been the right thing for them.

[@beccaleeny8599]

Yeah it actually really shocked me! Obviously I can't speak for how people across the NHS might behave but that was certainly my experience. I guess everyone will respond differently to different levels of hormones, based on where their own natural balance lies etc etc. ... I wonder if there are any versions of the pill that use a similar mixture of hormones to the implant that you could try first to see how your body responds?

[@ErinsHoose]

LOVE THIS IDEA! I came off my pill last year and I still feel like my hormones are going a bit mental, but I overall feel better. I also really wanted my body to do its thing! I'm already looking forward to your next video because I don't currently use any form of contraception (apart from condoms) but not sure what I want to do! Not sure if you've seen it, but I vlogged a week in the life of my period. I'd love to see you do that sometime if it's something you'd ever fancy doing :P. Most personal thing I've EVER put on my channel!

[@ErinsHoose]

Yas! I love tellin folk the gory details hahahah. Dunno when I'll vlog my it again though...it gave me ridiculous rage against my camera 😂

[@AmyOrdman]

This is freaking awesome cannot wait for more of thisssss

[@EmilyCooper-cf1qj]

You should try get stories of different people and there experiences on each of the different types of contraceptives!

[@ferrentes]

+

[@sonnymolly4586]

+

[@UnderCanvasrox]

+

[@SomeoneCalledDana]

+

[@EmilyCooper-cf1qj]

+SomeoneCalledDana does "+" mean you agree?

[@marcusperry7461]

As a single man, I find this a highly interesting insight. Two thoughts immediately come to mind though: 1. Supressing a non-damaging natural body function for so long sounds wrong and harmful. 2. Experiencing your body in a "natural state" is something everyone should do. But everyone should also ahve the option to say: "No, I like it better with/without the aide of this substance/training/whatever". Anyway, I see myself posting this line a lot: "... but I am a guy, what do I know!"

[@RukayaCesar]

This is probably the most polite and fair comment I've ever seen on a video like this haha

[@melomana91]

nice seeing such a polite comment from a man :)

[@peachrei]

I wouldn't necessarily call periods 'non-damaging' for all (though it depends on your interpretation), in my case, last year my period pain became so bad that I would sob and vomit for the first few days, resulting in me missing chunks of my education during a year with important exams. So not only was I suffering a lot physically, I became exhausted from being unable to sleep through the pain, socially I suffered from staying inside for many days at a time and intellectually I fell behind in my classes. I went on the combined pill last November to try help reduce my pain and make sure I could get a full education, it's really helped me so far. Just my two cents, as you said, everyone should have the choice to decide what they want to do with their body.

[@avamckechan4810]

+rach Oh god, that sounds awful. Brilliant that you're ok now though!

[@peachrei]

Hollow Zebra Thank you! Honestly it was horrible, I still get pain now but it's just bearable and doesn't leave me ejecting the contents of my stomach like it did before so the pill was a godsend for me.

[@Leadley]

Weirdly, as someone who has a routinely period, I am thankful for it! I like having the monthly update of like "yo, you're not preggo" - I'm on the pill but I take a 4 day break :) ALSO, defo check out the menstrual cup - it's awesome! (also if you need a guest ;D)

[@AlaynaJoyOfficial]

Hannah this is brilliant! I'm so excited to watch :)

[@LikeKristen]

do a period haul!!!

[@JayFlourishing]

Hi Kristen!

[@KikiJik001]

Yes!

[@Lucia-nl6kf]

Yess please

[@kj-fr8uh]

Yessss! Please

[@gimmepugs6826]

+ It'll also probably be useful to the viewers who are new to periods :)

[@emmablackery]

Don't blame you!! I came off the pill about a year ago now and I don't regret it :)

[@ThisIsCronan]

This was just the most interesting thing, like really just so interesting, I'm well excited to see what happens and just learn hahaha

[@littlecorrell]

+

[@kgvptb]

i've been on the pill for a few months now. i was actually put on it because my body naturally produces imbalanced hormones. my periods when i'm not on the pill are just way way way out of hand: obscene amounts of blood, cramps that make me throw up, heat flashes that make me sweat for hours in the middle of winter, etc. I know that everyone really loves the idea of just natural periods and letting your body do what it does (myself included), but for anyone out there whose body isn't naturally balanced, please know that you don't have to suffer just for the sake of being "natural." that being said, i'm excited for you Hannah!!! i hope all goes well!

[@brookofjewels]

Eventually, after getting used to having your period for several months, you should do an episode where you use the menstrual cup. I remember being so grossed out by the idea before I tried it, but it has revolutionized my life. Highly recommend.

[@thewordsthewoods]

yes!

[@samhilton1562]

*has first period in 7 years* *instantly regrets decision*

[@filibusterfirework74]

I am super interested by this series. I think that it is a really important thing to discuss, and I am curious to see how it goes. I would personally like to start by listing some of the things I would LOVE to see from this series: - how not having a period affects femininity/ does it make you feel less like a woman. In addition to this how do you feel more attached to female culture having a period. -how are women separated by their period choices/ how they choose to handle their period (ex: pill v no pill, pads v tampons v mooncup, ect) -what does it look like to love your self or your body threw a period? can you do it on birth control or not? -how easy is it to bring up period issues in a daily setting (non-closed spaces and with those other then close friends, like can you ask for a tampon on the tube?) -would going back on the pill be considered a failure of this project? -how best to support women threw there own self love journey's/ path to understanding whats best for them and their period. I know that I have personally been on some kind of birth control since I was 16 or so and that being said I have had my period since I was 10 years old. The thing is I feel much more normal now that I am on birth control then I did before. I used to really think that it was best to not take the pill if I could avoid it. I felt like I would be less of a woman or that I was being week or something. Honestly my christian side also feared people would think I was having sex which is pretty funny to me now. That all being said my periods weren't nice. I mean I understand none are, but mine were weeks off school throwing up in the morning screaming in pain that only 5 advils will kinda numb kinda period cramps. I finally realized I was probably taking more pain medicine on my period then I would with birth control so I went on. At first I tried the pill, and it felt like miracle. I was constantly bleeding and there was no day I could go with out some sort of pad or protection but I didnt have pain that kept me from functioning. After a while though the constant period was extremely annoying and felt really wasteful ( I didn't know about mooncups yet). I talked to my doctor who is this crazy awesome women who basically mainly focuses on vaginas and periods ect, and she said that actually the IUD had the least amount of hormones and would help my body be on a more normal schedule. Its odd, because I now havent had periods for two years but I feel far more in tune with my period then I did before. I can now notice when my body is having those slight normal influx of hormones that are normal to happen and I might bleed just a little. A lot of the time people look at me like I was crazy for making the decision to not have my period for 7 years, and it can be alienating at times when girls are confuses as to why I don't have period products. But I feel more in tune with my body now instead of feeling like my body is sabotaging my daily life. Ahhh I have so much more to say on this but I realllllly excited and interested to see how this series goes.

[@filibusterfirework74]

I nearly forgot but something huge that I would also LOVE to have talked about on this series is menopause. It is kinda horrific how un-talked about menopause is and how much shame women have around it, and I think it directly related to this issue of are you less of a women if you dont have your period. Personally thats something I would LOVE to hear talked more about.

[@xotbirdox]

I used to be extremely irregular and I would not have my period for up to 8 months at a time. After my first period, I waited an entire year for my second one. I was told that it was "normal" and that it would regulate itself. I'm 18 now and I finally found out I have PCOS last year. Started the 21-day pill in November, have had a period every 28 days since and I love it so much! When I was irregular, I did feel like less of a woman, like I wasn't normal. Now, I feel so much more included in womanhood. Ik it's silly to attach that much to a period but I just felt so unfeminine when I wasn't getting it. I feel so much better now. And I'm glad you found smth that helps you too! :)

[@newearthsisterstarot5515]

I am SO happy and excited that someone is finally making a series about this, especially you!!! Most women and girls take the pill because it's the easiest, least hurtful and most know form of contraception out there. But it's so important to realize that we are one of the first generations who is going to experience its long-term effects, and I'm really worried because there are barely any contraceptives without hormones and its long-term effects are all very unsure.. I'd also like to hear you talk about male contraceptives! Which kinds there are, your thoughts about it,... xxx

[@hajrahrubbani8045]

I'm 13 and I'm so into this series. I probably wouldn't be watching this if I wasn't young and on my period. I want to learn more about the whole female reproduction systems/vagina, how different people's body are and how body's react to being taken off of contraceptives. I think that it's great to find out about these things as I may want to make some of these decisions when I'm older so by watching this at a young age I can be open minded about it and understand more about my own gender

[@DaisySore]

Hey! Have you read Hannah's book?

[@SAMauritz]

YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!! I am literally screaming in excitement for this series!!! SOMEONE EXISTS! I am 19 years old and this past April (2016) I chose to stop the (ever controversial) Depo Provera shot that I have received since I was THIRTEEN YEARS OLD! I'd love to share my story, journey, and more because I am in the exact same boat as you. Thank you SO much for being bold enough to do this - SO many women need to hear as well as associate. I AM ALSO SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!! Ahhh!!! -Sara Ann ❤️

[@TheRainydayvideo]

I had to come off the pill it definitely messed up my mood, I just didn't feel myself. Looking forward to the next episode!

[@stephaniestorie5825]

Same! I'm so glad Hannah is doing this

[@hhhhhhhhhh1919]

I am so grateful for your openness in doing this project. I know this will open up such a good dialogue and help so much of your younger audience. Thank you, Hannah Witton.

[@superoliviaragedjgg]

GET THE CLUE APP

[@r.darling4135]

Yes definitely! for sure

[@toristiefel2137]

I've been doing the pill nonstop for a little over a year now. I did it because I had very painful periods that stopped me from going about having a "normal" period week. It inhibited me from getting out of bed and going to class, so my doctor and I decided to change from the pill with a break to the pill nonstop. I think it's a good decision for you to make to get off the pill. Wishing you the best on this new journey, Hannah! I'm excited about this series.

[@lucym4459]

i actually quite like having periods because it makes me feel like im working properly plus its an excuse to be lazy and eat a lot of crap

[@HeyRowanEllis]

I am sooo stoked for this series (as you've probably already gathered from how much I was gushing about it at vidcon) And yes please period haul XD

[@Applepopess]

Definitely try the period tracking app "Clue". It's great. You can track the days and intensity of your period but also monitor mood swings, food cravings, energy levels, and occurence of specific cycle-related ailments like ovulation pain or headaches. The app also calculates your fertile days of the month. It's an excellent way of discovering patterns in your body and really understanding the whole cycle. I imagine this would be very helpful for you, especially when your body first needs to adjust to the post-pill life and you experience all these "new" changes. :) Good luck!

[@rachelelliot3590]

I'm so glad you're making a series on this Hannah! Its almost expected that every girl should be on the pill when there are so many other options which don't interfere with your body

[@elfstarlight]

This is going to be really interesting!! plus so many people have varying experiences with the pill and periods etc. i would die if i wasnt on the pill, i would pass out/puke/extreme stomach cramps/body go into shock etc on my normal period and after nearly 5 years on the pill i have only experienced light pain whilst having my period. plus the bonus of it becoming regular and my hormones have become more balanced and i have less mood swings. but as i said everyone has different experiences. I did take i different brand for a couple months i went haywire so yeah. looking forward to your natural period adventures!

[@elfstarlight]

I wonder if you could do a video on how the pill isnt only used for contraception? because so many people go on it for period pain/regularity/acne/etc. I get really annoyed by how society views it when there is a myriad of benefits and/or medical reasons!!

[@tillybean7586]

I am very excited for this series! Period Prep: Lil-lets tampons w/ applicators and pads, chocolate, tea, hot water bottle, ibuprofen. I remember coming off the same pill you were taking and it is possibly the greatest thing I've ever done. Obviously all bodies are different but I had constant bleeding (not period level but like spotting style) that left me with anaemia after 4 months, this bleeding combined with a reduced sex drive made sex quite painful for me and my boyfriend definitely struggled watching me go through all this. I understand you when you say you want your periods back as not having mine for 4 months was really concerning and I wanted my body to do what it naturally does. My periods are quite irregular and the pains are worse but I feel the whole experience, although horrible when it's happening, is very much a part of the female experience and it is comforting to know your body is doing something it naturally does. On the contraception front, the coil is the best one I've seen atm. I know a lot of people who have it and love it. Very difficult to get pregnant on it but still possible, always double up with condoms but ofc you know that already.

[@ZoeyMari]

Hannah: I just REALLY want to have a period Me, a trans girl: Honestly, same

[@alexb4185]

Oh honey you really don’t 😂

[@ZoeyMari]

@@alexb4185 The period part is probably not exactly what I'd want, but given that it's part of the whole "being able to get pregnant" thing, I'd take that deal😅

[@MattBiden]

@@ZoeyMari I'll give you a hint, men can't have periods.

[@ZoeyMari]

@@MattBiden sure they can, I know plenty of trans men who do have those

[@MattBiden]

@@ZoeyMari If your born a man then you can't have periods. There are 2 genders and 4 ways to tell which gender you are. If you need help figuring out what you are I can give you a four question test?

[@hannahmay2445]

this is amazing to hear! it took me 2 years to get mine back though, and I cried with happiness when it came😊 and get a moon cup for when it returns...much easier, more hygienic and you feel closer to your body's natural patterns.

[@newxromantic]

I hope you do get your period, your body needs to do it's thing. Great video

[@newxromantic]

I'm sure it would take quite a while, I'd give it a month and if there are no signs, I would go visit your GP. I'm not an expert though. Good luck, and thanks for the reply x

[@molliebirch4861]

+Hannah Witton for some women it can take up to a year to have regular periods again after coming off from their long term use of the pill. I was told this by my doctor, they said it's completely normal and you're body just has to get back into the swing of things:) x

[@narflet]

+Hannah Witton It could take ages, especially if you were never regular. Don't worry about it and have fun exploring menstrual products!

[@jennymoineau6264]

I was on combined pill and it took two months to get my first "normal" period, so yeah, it might take a while!

[@giraffeyoghurt]

+Hannah Witton I came off the pill in March after taking it for 6 years, my period still hasn't come 😭

[@mydearfriendheather1931]

I've been off my pill for over a year now, and I love my period now! It doesn't sound crazy for you to try, even if only temporarily. Being off, I've learned to listen to my body and it's amazing to feel the difference everyday, as I go through each different part of my cycle. I am so excited for this series!

[@raemarie3446]

you should try some cloth pads and like the diva cup! they are amazing and they are good for the environment and it's appearmently good for your health as there is no chemicals!

[@raemarie3446]

* apparently

[@GeorgeofClubs]

As a dude, I'm really excited about this just bc I feel like I'll learn a lot about stuff I wouldn't learn about otherwise

[@MissTilacoide]

Hello from Barcelona! It's the first time I'm leaving you a comment! Woo-hoo! For me, going on the pill has been completely different! I'm 25 years-old, and I started with Diane 35 in October 2015, and OH MY GOD is the best thing I could ever have done! I was suffering from periods of 50 or 60 days, which were unhealthy and caused me to have anxiety. So I went to the gyn (for the first time in my life), and she found out I have PCOS, the reason why I had so many irregular periods along with other symptoms. Now with the pill, I feel a lot better and stronger. I'm looking forward to seeing your development of going off the pill! Sure it will be great! :D Regarding products: Try the Mooncup! Don't waste money on Tampax or pads! Start with the menstrual cup right ahead

[@MissTilacoide]

Also, this app is heaven: www.helloclue.com/

[@rainingwishes6226]

I'm also on the pill because of PCOS, and after trying a few different ones out, all my hormonal related issues have gotten so much better!

[@Fotohalterschaf]

I want to come off the pill so bad, so I feel you! Sadly I was diagnosed with Endometriosis, so hormone free is not really happening right now... So I am exited! I am going to live vicariously through you, Hannah!

[@marinashutup]

I've only been on the pill for about two years and I'm already sick of it. I take a couple different anti-depressants that already affect my hormones/libido/etc. so I don't have a way of going off the pill and knowing what my natural body/hormonal level is like, but I have noticed that after switching to a different type of birth control, I've been having more issues with acid reflux and nausea. I already have stomach problems so the fact that it's affecting them even more makes me want to go off it and try a nonhormonal IUD (which terrifies me tbh.) I've also gained a bit of weight from the pill which I'm trying to be ok with but I'm not super happy about.

[@marinashutup]

I would love to hear more info about IUDs though because being afraid to get one is what has prevented me from stopping the pill!

[@LondonCallingAndCo]

+marinashutup my friends in Canada who had one done all had complications/ got pregnant with it. In total it was about 5 people I know in Ontario and Quebec. I would like to see some positives about it too but they all said the IUD was not worth the surgeries. However- a couple people I know are on the ring- which they seem to like. I went off the pill and it was great except a seven day period every 2.5 weeks and then I got back into a long term relationship so being back on it calmed my anxiety regarding pregnancy. I wish I could be off the pill cause I have been on it since I was 12 (for acne)and am now 22 and dealing with potential blood clot issues. I hope people reach out with more positive IUD stories.

[@zoesaverage]

Positive IUD (hormone) story here! Had mine for almost a year no problems! However, I didn't have any side effects from any of the other previous birth control including implanon (rod) and the pill. The insertion was a little difficult and it took a little while for it to "settle" in my uterus. Mostly just a process of me thinking that I could "feel" it and then forgetting it was there. I would have tried the copper IUD, but I prefer to have less periods, so I chose the hormone one. I'm a big believe in trying EVERYTHING you can get your hands on. And I would probably recommend not reading IUD "stories" online, they tend to be polarised (REALLY GOOD OR REALLY REALLY BAD) and can create unnecessary anxiety. All your questions and worries should be able to be answered/reassured by your health provider. Good luck and don't be afraid!

[@Isirian]

I've tried taking BC and got so sick that within just two weeks I had to stop it. I was tired and had headaches that were worsening each day until I had terrible migraine for several days straight... And I had super strong period for about ten days. It's been two months and so far, I haven't got my period back, when before I was fairly regular... So really, I'm not a fan of the pill. You can try hormonal IUD, because they only affect the area in your uterus, it doesn't go to your whole body as the hormones from pills do.

[@ireallyreallyhategoogle]

Do anti-depressants affect hormones, i thought they just affected neurotransmitters?

[@KateEmThomas]

I'm glad you're doing this series, as a young person with a regular cycle and not yet in need of any contraception. This is seems like it will be very educational !

[@cecelliiiaaaa]

with the intro and outro i kept wantibg to start singing 'its time' by imagine dragons

[@rachelthome165]

just discovered this channel and this series. I'm about to go off the pill after 9 years. You are so cute and relatable! Thank you for making this series! :)

[@vegetariansrock99]

im on progestrone only. best decision ive ever made. I remember all too well what periods are like and Im so happy that I never have to have them again

[@meggletteprime]

good luck! I admire you so much. I stopped being on the pill because of nausea, but immediately started inplanon, which is a hormonal implant, and it's been a roller coaster. sending love and good vibes ❤

[@ripmyfictionalfriends]

woww not a period in 7 years? Is that healthy?

[@defense360]

it's actually totally healthy! as long as a gyno gives you the go-ahead

[@StrongImaginationA]

Since all forms of hormonal contraception are meant to prevent an ovulation from happening (and only if that fails, to prevent a fertilized egg from settling in the uterus), periods are completely unnecessary when on them! The first contraceptive pills were developed in the 50's, and could only be marketed as 'period relief' pills, so a pill was developed which only had to be taken 21 days, with day 22 to 28 reserved for a 'withdrawal bleeding', which is not a real period but appears to be.

[@defense360]

StrongImaginationA great info :-)

[@ripmyfictionalfriends]

+StrongImaginationA ah okay thanks! didn't learn this at school

[@caylac3268]

If you think about when people commonly had many kids right in a row, they naturally would go a long time without a period. Its just recreating that.

[@samfuel]

This is a great idea for a series! I (adult male) didn't understand how the pill worked until recently and it was eye opening to learn about it, I hadn't realised the impact it can have and that it's not just a magic consequence free contraceptive, this will help broaden my understanding further! Thank you.

[@ginamarie9781]

Also, I recommend Thinx underwear for your period! They are AMAZING!!!

[@tobyteddy100]

Welcome back to the period world! Great to have you back. Try the diva cup it's the best thing in the world it takes a bit to get used to so maybe try out tampons for a bit to get back used to periods but I'm never going back to tampons again. I did some research about them and read/watched a lot of reviews so you might want to too, but I fell in love with them and am recommending it to EVERYONE.

[@bestiecon]

Exploring a non binary persons (if they felt comfortable) experience with periods would be very interesting, maybe look into that ??

[@skittalie]

It's great letting your body do its thing, getting to know your hormones is a really eye opening experience. Happy perioding!

[@Cheeewing]

did you take a pill and also wear condoms for pregnancy or do you trust the pill for avoiding babies?

[@Cheeewing]

+Hannah Witton thanks for answering and good luck in your journey!

[@JoshuaCasey]

Even if you're on birth control you should still use a condom. Condoms help protect against STIs. Birth control doesn't.

[@MistaCen]

+Joshua Casey STI's!? And I thought STDs were dangerous...

[@EmilyCooper-cf1qj]

+Clockeye STI Is the same it just means infection

[@MistaCen]

+Emily Cooper sarcasm doesn't translate well in text

[@tashaandrew2132]

I have really irregular periods, I recommend an app that tracks your cycle just so you can see what's going on, what happened last period etc. in a clear way, I use Clue, excited for this series 💛🌟

[@mariapiperata3506]

have Shan Boody in this series !!!

[@LovingSoul61]

agreed!!!!

[@CatBeyondTV]

love that you're doing this! i came off a continuous pill after 4 years of no periods, because i felt like it controlled too much of my body and hormones and mood. i'm happy i got off of it, and i think you will be too! it took me about 40 days off to get my first period, and after that it regulated within 3 months or so

[@Biskwyy]

im a guy but i don't even know why I'm watching this .

[@beckiejbrown]

I didn't realise you hadn't had periods for that long! I went four months without them once, due to medication and that ruined my body for a year! I just hope that things don't go that way for you! I remember we talked about Moon cups all that time ago, I definately recommend them! :D x

[@Benimation]

you had a period of no periods.

[@BlackCirce]

Thank you for taking the time to talk about the reality of contraception and menses! As a female who's nearly in her 30s I grew up trying to learn for myself what was right for my body - depression as a side effect of hormonal birth control is real. But I was never taught that, and as a nurse now I've seen how much hormonal birth control is pushed on young girls and women without what I believe to be proper knowledge and I information about all the pros/cons. Would love to see you do one of your research/informative sessions on side effects. Thank you for empowering our our society.

[@Jessicax3lyonnss]

To be clear, you're not passing judgement on those of us who prefer their hormonal BC? I have the Mirena IUD, and I don't get periods often (though sometimes I do) and the hormones didn't change anything for me (not my sex drive, not my attraction, not my weight, breast size, etc.) I'm super pro-BC, hormonal or otherwise. I just want to make sure if watching this series will make me feel judged or not.

[@izzyclark]

Absolutely not, this is purely based on her personal experiences but she knows it may interest other people who have had similar experiences

[@AConfidentCoward]

Being on the pill completely changed my mental state and was one of the things that brought on depression

[@Chelsss703]

I've been on varying methods of contraception for almost 6 years and this is something I've toyed with too! Unfortunately at this time coming off of protection is not an option for me but I am so much looking forward to this series! You're such a babe Hannah. One of my absolute faves

[@MelismaticMelody]

I've been off the pill for a few months now and the hardest thing I've experienced is my skin has gotten a lot worse. I know it's vain but when my hormones changed things went into overdrive and I've been incredibly insecure. This couldn't have come at a better time, I'm glad you've started this conversation 😊💃🏽

[@JustDeenie]

Looking forward to the rest of this series! I don't feel like any doctor or nurse dealing with my contraception when I was a bit younger explained anything other than how not to get pregnant. It would have been REALLY helpful to know about all the other effects back then! Thanks for this series Hannah! :)

[@Emma-kd4yn]

I've just stopped taking my pill for the first proper time in 10 years and totally agree with your want to feel "normal"....it makes sense! Great video!

[@CharlotteVictoriaB]

I've been on the pill for 6 months and love it, I went on it because I have terrible hormonal acne, but not bad periods. It hasn't affected my hormones and moods hugely, and I haven't taken any brakes, which I really enjoy because, no periods, which is great!

[@TVNikson]

I'm so excited about this series! So many times i thought about stopping with the pill. I want to feel the normal me not the hormonal me, i don't even know who i really am and that scares me. I started the pill because i had my period only 3 maybe 4 times a year. That is just how many times i have a good egg. When i'm on the pill every month i get a period sometimes with and sometimes without an egg drop. This is nice because i know exactly when i will have my period so i'll never be surprised and wake up with bloody sheets. Also i can really check that i don't get pregnant which is also nice and i couldn't do that when i only got 3 or 4 periods a year. I really hope your journey helps me make a important decision in my life. I need no hormones but timed period and no pregnancies.

[@hiltoncraig]

Great video. As a guy in relationship, I don't know enough about this subject. Would actually rather know more than 'find out as I go along'. Looking forward to the rest of the series!

[@shelbyleigh7034]

I'm so excited about this series!!! I consider myself to be a period pro...I am rather obsessed with menstruation and obstetrics/gynecology and love learning about people's experiences. I made the decision to come off of my hormonal contraception about five years ago and I'm so happy I did. In the beginning it was difficult and scary because my cycle was all over the place for a few months but, like you said, your body is so smart and eventually I became even more regular than I was when I was on the pill. I now do "family planning" which is essentially not having sex while ovulating and it has worked for me. Five years and only one scare (which ended up being a problem with a random cyst). Just do what feels right for you.

[@justifymyreasons]

Good luck Hannah, I'm two months into this myself and loving life free of hormones so far. :) Can't wait to follow this series.

[@CarlyLouise09]

I'm so happy you're doing this! I have the injection every 12 weeks, haven't had a period for 2 years and worry about the lack of them and if I'll ever be able to just go back to normal and have kids okay. VERY useful series, thanks Hannah

[@emilywhiteee97]

I'm so excited about this series. I'm considering getting an IUD because I want to stay away from hormonal contraception so I'm interested to see how your body changes with whatever you choose to do

[@musiclistener28]

I went off of my birth control pill in August 2016 too! It's been an adventure so far. Thank you for this. I feel like there is a stigma about women not using hormonal birth control from the older generations. I was put on the pill when I was 13, very shortly after getting my period. I was on it for almost 10 years. I felt the EXACT same as you. I wanted to let my body do it's thing, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's kind of empowering!

[@InadBackwards]

I am so excites to see where you'll take this! As someone who's sort of on the other end of the spectrum (I will be getting on the pill next month to see if I can start getting my periods, since that don't come to me, er, "naturally", or y'know, monthly) and I think I'm going to love seeing you experience something quite different from my own journey. I so understand when you mentioned the part about needing to know that everything was working ok down there in the first place- because that's my main motto and concern as well and just. Fuck. It's amazing to see someone advocate for hormonal health. I wish you good luck!

[@MrsRadcliffe1994]

I came off my pill over a year ago and it was one of the best desicions I've ever made! I'd been taking it since I was 16 and I'm 21 now and it's just not healthy. When I quit, I didn't get my period for 3 months (I also became vegan at the same time so that might have something to do with it as well). But since coming off I haven't had a single migraine, which I used to have all the time! I also didn't experience mood swings that often anymore and I just overall felt a lot happier. So I definitely recommend it! Good luck with it and I'll definitely keep watching these videos :)

[@geewhiz2405]

I am so thrilled that you have done this series! I came off the pill just before Xmas after having been on various versions for 5 years - I feel that my hormones and body were all over the place, and I am still not settled yet! I have not had a period since Nov '15 and my dr said it might take a year...so be warned! Good luck and I can't wait for this series!! x

[@sarahwalsh6857]

I'm excited to watch this series, because I'm currently in secondary school and periods, and contraception is something I don't really know much about. Excited to learn things and to see Hannah's journey

[@adrianaiello1608]

1. i LOVE the intro to this & that you're sharing this ~ will be so helpful for so many people!

[@sawieb]

Very excited about this series. I've never been on the pill for the exact reasons you're going off of it (not wanting to tamper with my body's nature hormone levels etc.) so I'm incredibly interested in your journey going off of it. Best of luck and I can't wait for more videos!

[@katie4499]

This is such a good series. I have been on the pill for around 18 months now purely to stop/shorten my periods. My period lasted for 23 days and meant I became severely unwell and had to have 3 blood transfusions. The pill means it is now at most 7 days and was the best thing I have done. I'm not coming off the pill yet but this series is something amazing that not enough people talk about...I can't wait for more episodes😊

[@starsgirly9139]

Good luck Hannah! I agree, it's nice to know that your body is functioning properly :) I just switched over to using a menstrual cup, and I highly recommend it. I emptied it less times than I used to take out tampons throughout the day, it's silicone so there are no toxins involved, and since it helped the uterine lining leave my uterus faster I had less cramps and less bloating during my [slightly shorter] period. Overall, much more convenient and lots more benefits! I'm also about to try cloth pads, I'm hoping to cut down on my pad usage when I'm at the beginning or the end of my period now. It feels great not to be wasting all that plastic, paper, etc. from feminine product materials! Also, 100% thank you for starting this series. The female body needs to be discussed in this open way- there's nothing taboo about our everyday lives :)

[@hanthedudette]

PERIOD HAUL!!! For the longest time when I was younger I used your video on the different kinds of menstrual products because I had no idea they existed?!?!?!? Even if you don't have all the products, I would love to see an updated version!!!

[@hannaconstantina6844]

I'm super excited for this series! I personally went off hormonal birth control 3 months ago as my long term relationship became long distance and I'm interested to see how others have found the switch.

[@saranordstrom7514]

I'm actually so excited about this series!

[@anajulia-mi1bf]

so excited for this series! i've been in the pill for four months now and i just started because my gyn reccomended bc i have AWFUL periods, 7 days of very heavy flow and cramps every single day, and i'm LOVING it!!! don't even care about having babies, just happy I don't have to deal with that anymore😂😊

[@rashalama7474]

i'm actually really excited for this series because being a 17 year old female in 2016, i think it's about time the taboo of period and sex talks fades away so i know how to take care of my body the way it needs to be taken care of. that being said, i'd love to learn more about natural contraceptives and menstrual cups (pads are pretty expensive and not eco-friendly so i need an alternative) xx

[@Erinp-gp1qk]

I've just done the same thing. I've been on the combined pill for since 2011, but took 9 months off in 2014. It took 7 months to get my period during that time, and I only had one, so i went back on the pill for convenience. My doctor recently told me that if you gofer 6 months without a period you should let them know, but i was surprised to learn that the body only needs 3/4 periods a year to remain healthy. best of luck with your journey Hannah, i'm excited to see someone else going through this at a similar time to me and being so open!

[@TheAnticlockwiseFly]

Hey! I went through a similar thing. I came of the pill around a year back. And after that, I had my period every 3 months.around 4 months ago,i consulted a nutritionist. She gave me a good regular diet and a proper eating routine. Which has indirectly helped get my period back on track. Which is probably the coolest thing. I didnt know that a proper routine can make such a difference. Good luck with your journey.

[@NadiaGilbert]

Ooh Hannah! I would highly, highly reccommend trying a menstrual cup as opposed to (or in addition to) other period products, not only because it saves $ and trash needs, but for your own personal interest bc you're able to actually measure and see how much you're bleeding and learn more about the actual nature of your period! Not to mention that it makes you get really comfortable with your own anatomy- so it feels healthy in that way. For me it was such a great switch and while watching this I felt super compelled to be like "OH! Menstrual cups are GREAT"

[@rachaelwade2888]

I've been off my pill for about 3 months, and it feels so great I use the Fertility Awareness Method (NOT rhythm method) It's about learning about your bodies reproductive process, and using your basal body temperature and cervical fluid to understand when you're fertile and when you're not! I love this method of contraception, and using my ladycomp makes it that much easier. Watch youtubers BonnyRebecca talk about natural contraception, and FemmeHead talk about it + the whole menstrual process! Really wonderful that you're doing this, can't wait for the next episode! Xx

[@JensssaBrooke]

I think this is a great adventure! I went on the pill because I only had my period 3 or 4 times a year and wen I did it was INCREDIBLY painful. Like bed ridden painful. This has been the first year i've dealt with a monthly period (23 years old). I've recently adventured into cloth pads (reusable pads). They're not for everyone but disposable period products accumulate sooo much waste. Personally, I wasn't a fan of that, but everyone has their own preference. I'm excited to watch your journey!

[@theircapitolways]

Hannah - Clue is a really great app that tracks everything! Not just the actual period but your mood swings, cravings, how you hair looks, acne breakouts and everything in between. It's so good! I use it every month all month and I always know when my period is going to be. :) xo

[@awoyski]

good luck with it all hannah! i went on the combined pilled when i was 19 because my periods were very painful and very irregular (i had 5 with only 2 week intervals between them, then wouldn't have anything for maybe 2 months), but i wasn't sexually active at the time. a little later they were still very painful, so i was told to take the combined pill just like the progesterone-only pill, back-to-back, and then come off the pill for a week when i was ready, i.e. reading week at university where i didn't have to move from my bed and just have a mammoth period (i had about 60-70 days between periods!). at this point i was also taking a cocktail of transexamic acid and mefenamic acid tablets to help with pain and flow, amounting to 45 pills per period. NIGHTMARE. i was sexually active though so YAY! i was eventually diagnosed with primary endometriosis, and encouraged to get the mirena coil. i put it off for a while because let's face it (graphic warning!!!) do i really want someone opening my cervix and shoving something up it? nah, not particularly. but i then started getting migraines, so they took me off the combined pill (increased risk of stroke?) and i got put on the mini pill briefly. that didn't seem to settle with me and i was having random periods, usually landing on the weekends i would be visiting my LDR boyfriend at the time. NIGHTMARE AGAIN. so then i moved to the coil. i'm 23 now, the endometriosis pains seemed to have settled for the most part, and it's coming up to 2 years since i had a period. i would love to let my body/hormones do their thing but i couldn't cope with the pain. i do worry about my faulty womb, but fingers crossed it'll work when i want it to.

[@paulomedeiros9381]

I'm so excited!!! It's nice watching it whilst it's happening, but part of me wishes the complete series would have already be out, so that I could binge watch it! Aaaah

[@raven93295]

This series is SO important. thank you for doing this, cause i feel like most people don't know about their hormones and the effects birth control has. Hell i know i'm not 100% sure. So great idea, Hannah :D

[@LieutenantSheep]

this is so cool! It's like a grown woman having her first period! This is really unique and hasn't been done and dammit Hannah this is why you're such an amazing content creator. I think you should try a menstrual cup bc you're older, it's more involved, it's one of those fringe things and i feel like people are interested in hearing about it. You could do a video talking about the pros and cons of different products? Really looking forward to this series.

[@hedgetwentyfour2708]

I really think it's very valuable to have a couple of women's views on what they want from a partner who does not have periods (and never has or will), what do they expect/want and most importantly, how does that conversation come about, cause everyone's different.

[@hanafarnese7078]

love this idea so freaking much such a good role model for young women PRAISE

[@04nelsoni]

So interested to see where this series goes. I've also been on Cerazette since I was 17 and will be switching things up at the end of the month, so will be following your hormonal updates keenly!