My Experience Going Off Birth Control After 8 Years | Why I Quit, Side Effects, Regulating My Cycle

// My experience going off the birth control pill after 8 years! In this video, I share why I went off hormonal birth control, side effects I dealt with (acne, irregular cycles, libido, feeling my emotions), & how I'm supporting my body to regulate my cycle. I am not a medical professional nor am I shaming anyone for taking hormonal birth control. This is merely my personal experience... I hope this video is informative if you are embarking on this journey! 💛
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Books / Things I Mentioned:
Taking Charge of Your Fertility- a.co/d/1hdLOnS
Period Repair Manual- a.co/d/ccw5df4
In The Flo- a.co/d/5ptFjWX
Seed's DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic (use code MICHELLE, not spons!)- bit.ly/3Ng5OB3
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Articles Mentioned:
Withdrawal Bleeding on the Pill- helloclue.com/articles/sex/pi...
PCOS- www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-c...
Stress & Our Cycles- helloclue.com/articles/cycle-...
HIIT Workouts & Hormones- www.mindbodygreen.com/article...
Cycle Syncing Your Workouts- www.humnutrition.com/blog/cyc...
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Things I Often Mention (some links may be affiliate links):
My Amazon Storefront- amzn.to/3NVUpH7
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Instagram | @michellereed / michellereed
My Podcast | But, What's Next? apple.co/3drvN75
Tik Tok | @michellereedyt vm.tiktok.com/ZMd4hqeqY/
Business Inquiries | [e-mail]
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Timestamps:
00:00 Why I’m Making This Video
02:09 Why I Went on The Pill
05:29 Why I Went Off The Pill
06:20 My Side Effects After Going Off
10:54 Doctors’ Visits
15:02 How I’m Regulating My Cycle
21:00 Books I Recommend
22:24 Birth Control We Use Now
23:21 Fertility Awareness Method 101
25:43 Closing Thoughts
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PO Box Address
Michelle Gauthier
2825 OAK LAWN AVE
PO Box # 190733
DALLAS, TX 75219
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Let me know what other videos you'd like to see from me! Whether that be more week in my life vlog-style videos, week in my life in Dallas videos, Dallas videos, or lifestyle vlogs in Dallas. Or any puppy videos or golden retriever puppy vlogs. Let me know if you'd like to see more finance videos on budgeting, saving, and being financially independent in your 20s! Or more videos of me trying new things for a week, whether that be new skills or habits. Or videos on getting married, planning a wedding, or getting married young! I also make simple living, minimalism, and slow living videos as well!

[@wytneynicklin]

It took me a year of going to different doctors, before a doctor took me seriously. It was very difficult after a while I thought I was going crazy. However I just knew something was not right, so I pushed through. Eventually I found a gynecologist who did the tests and scan, finding out I had both PCOS and endometriosis. I would say for any ladies not getting heard, if you have that gut feeling just push through. ❤️

[@michellereedg]

thank you for sharing this, Wytney 💛 and so thankful you were able to get a clear diagnosis, even if it took so long!

[@ecouch12]

It's very common unfortunately for PCOS to get missed

[@shirleyeyo]

thank you for sharing and for making me realize im not alone in this journey

[@taylorlester3495]

Love you girl! I just transitioned off of BC after 8 years last month and I got my period right on time. I’m so proud of my body. I love hearing your perspective. Thank you for sharing

[@michellereedg]

sooo awesome, love hearing that you got yours back so quickly! 💛

[@HarryThomasPictures]

You are such a wonderful KZbinr Michelle, so sorry your period was so hard to get through but you are incredibly strong and your story is so inspiring. Hugs❤️!

[@oliviafaith5397]

I got off my birth control today and this is perfect timing and confirmation that I made the right choice! Thank you for being so supportive and self aware - it is inspiring!

[@genesisj6707]

How is this going for you? I'll be stopping this week and im nervous 😅

[@chantelstephens904]

Howd it go quitting

[@lilianateniente]

Thanks for sharing your journey! This was very informative and inspiring. ❤ Learning to be in tune with our bodies and being our own health advocates is so important! I’ve learned a lot by watching your videos.

[@michellereedg]

agree 100% Liliana! thank you for the kind words 💛

[@mrsbekahjoy]

Love your perspective! I've recently gone off the pill and I'm currently reading In The Flo.. it's honestly life-changing learning about your body in this way. As you said, I wish we would've been taught more about this in health class. I didn't learn until after quitting the pill that one of the main side affects is anxiety.. and I'm so grateful that my anxiety is waaaaay less since going off the pill!

[@ThePotterfreak7]

i’ve been wanting to get off of birth control for a while, i’ve been on it for 8 years. i started when i was 15 and i feel like i don’t know my body’s natural cycles at all. thank you for talking about your experience with it!

[@marissa9522]

Michelle, thank you SO MUCH for this video. I’m starting my journey off and this helped tremendously. Thank you for being so candid and talking about a topic we need to hear more of❤

[@tiffanysmith3278]

I have been wanting to get off birth control for a while now and I feel like this a sign. Thank you for sharing! 💗

[@katarinagreer]

yes! cycle syncing workouts has really helped my period & overall health! Love doing pilates, going for walks, lifting weights, and dancing :)

[@gisellehart8746]

Hey Michelle, thanks for sharing!! Im 22, I was on the pill from 15-20, and I’ve had acne since I got off the pill! It makes me feel so seen and normal that I’m not the only 20-something that still deals with acne, I really appreciate it when you share about your experience with it! It’s so hard to not get down on myself and feel like a kid - especially as I’ve graduated college and work a typical 9-5, but I just try to remind myself that it’s natural and if anyone is judging me for it, that’s not my problem and it’s out of my control! Thanks again Michelle!! Love your content!

[@DanielleMcDonald98]

My husbands leaving for the army soon and I’ve been really thinking about going off the pill and I’m so grateful for this video!! Thank you for sharing your experience :)

[@michellereedg]

I hope it's helpful, Danielle! this is just my personal experience of course & I would always recommend consulting your doctor beforehand 💛 but I really appreciated hearing stories from others!

[@regangagnon3405]

Currently trying to repair my cycle and manage PCOS. Thank you for candidly sharing your story. & Thanks for giving encouragement 🤍

[@michellereedg]

of course! I know how much work goes into repairing your cycle, firsthand. better days ahead! 💛

[@Aschhhro]

I love hearing your experience with this! I went off the pill after being on it for over 10 years, and it took me 5 months to see any bleeding or period symptoms. It’s been almost 14 months now since I’ve been off the pill, and my periods are more and more regular. I’ve adjusted so many things in my life like you have-changing my workouts to be lower intensity, eating more food and more healthy fats, taking probiotics, getting good sleep, etc. and I feel like it has really helped! I’m still learning what affects my body and my symptoms over a year later

[@simplyehollye6086]

I love this video!! I love the feeling of knowing what’s going on in my body and where I am in my cycle. I’ve been taking my basal body temperature for over 2 years and recently got a Tempdrop armband and HIGHLY recommend it. You just put it on your arm at night and take it off on the morning- no more worrying about taking your temperature first thing! 🙌

[@brookemyshalia8232]

They hand out the pill like candy! So glad you found a doctor that actually listened to you and wanted to hear you out!!!❤️ Also thank you for the book recommendations and being willing to share your journey!!!

[@kaylynnmorton630]

Thank you for sharing Michelle, I’ve been off birth control for 4 months, but was on it for the past 8 years. I love you and have a blessed day.💜✨

[@shaynaneal14]

This was extremely helpful! I appreciate you doing so much research and taking the time to share with us 😊

[@haileyprestegard7978]

thank you so much for this, perfect timing as i’m just coming off it myself. thank you for being so open!

[@nopestoprightthere]

Thank you for sharing so openly! Very encouraging in a lot of ways :)

[@shannonearhart]

This was SO helpful! I am newly married and am considering getting off BC and in the next year start trying for a baby. I have been so interested in the best ways to know your body and understand myself more. I ordered one of the books you recommended and can't wait to learn more. Thanks for sharing :)

[@taylorthompson4670]

You inspired me to finally come off of mine after 8.5 years, I did get my period back right on time which was nice, and each month has been getting better slowly. Still very heavy and painful but it’s been really neat to feel my body go through my entire cycle & get to know myself in such an “intimate” way. We are using Natural Cycles as prevention and I love it. ♥️ wishing you well as your journey continues! I have found Vitex vitamins has helped me a lot and I do think it’s kept my acne at bay! I know the books all mention it & I do find it to be helpful!

[@kalisue6573]

I’m glad you talked about how you’re at a point in your life where you wouldn’t be devastated to find out you were pregnant so FAM can work for you. If you’re (other viewers) looking for a hormonal free bc method, the copper iud has worked great for me & it’s very effective.

[@Emilyghe]

I am sorry to hear you had to put up with all those. I have been going through multiple health issues, and I totally feel you. It’s not easy for us to deal with OBGYN issues…

[@ervinsmoviecorner8748]

Such an incredible job! Keep up the good work, Michelle!❤❤

[@emilyseca1727]

This video is so encouraging and interesting! Thank you for compiling all this information together!

[@michellereedg]

of course! thank you for watching, Emily 💛

[@aileenweil6083]

Feel you! It feels like you’re telling my story. I went to 4 doctors and everyone said I should take the pill… I didn’t felt that they took me seriously. Hope the next one will :/

[@hayleycribbs1030]

I am 25 and was just recently diagnosed with PCOS a month ago. We are trying to conceive and have been for almost a year now. I truly believe my PCOS symptoms were hiding under my birth control because once I got off the pill, my symptoms became very apparent. I am on metformin now for the pcos symptoms so hopefully this will help regulate my cycles!!

[@lubak4956]

Im on metformin as well, do you have insulin resistance?

[@dani_danib]

Appreciate you sharing your experience! Also you remind me of Mandy Moore looks and the way she speaks. 🥰

[@emilywelsh5359]

Thank you so much for sharing about this! I definitely want to read some of those books!

[@abbeyjones8574]

Clicked so fast! Thank you for being so honest!!

[@mariamangion21]

Hands down one of my favorite youtubers ❤❤

[@michellereedg]

thank you so much, Maria! 💛

[@julialowery]

I really appreciate you making this video, such a beautiful video! And super informative

[@joykish7342]

Thanks for being so honest 💛

[@michellereedg]

💛💛💛

[@naatie22]

Thank you so much for sharing Michelle! I’ve been off the pill for almost two years and it’s still a journey but I’m definitely hopeful it will regulate 🤞🏻also I never thought of ovulation strips so thanks for sharing that as well! ☺️

[@nuriaromeronavarrete6314]

Such a good, honest video. Thanks for sharing 🤍

[@cmacspaperbacks]

So interesting Michelle - thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@skylartimm4265]

I’ve been told when trying to get an official diagnosis for endometriosis (still don’t just dysmenorrhea) that ultrasound doesn’t show the endometrial patches in the body unless you get a laparoscopic surgery. Which I don’t have time or money for so I’m just chilling here with my painful cramps that knock me out sometimes. I’m hoping for the day I will get diagnosed. Glad you found your amazing OB, Michelle!

[@paides33]

Hi Michelle! I loved this video! Super interesting and informative. My mum always talked about cycles and natural birth control growing up, so I feel lucky that I never had to go through hormonal birth control. Anyway now that I am in a steady relationship I am using that Daysy and I find it amazing. It is basically a device with which you take your temperature every morning and it tells you if you are fertile or not. It can of course be done with a normal thermometer and tracking manually but I find it more convenient this way as it tells you with a light (green=not fertile, red=fertile) in which part of the cycle you are in. Thank you again for the video, your content is always inspiring ❤

[@amandahill512]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! Love watching your videos, especially how you incorporate your faith ❤️

[@michellereedg]

thank you so, so much Amanda! 💛

[@CarrieSmith1991]

Thanks so much for sharing! I'm currently on the IUD and looking to come off this once I'm married next August - definitely going to look into those books, they sound super helpful :)

[@polinaracheeva9163]

Copper iud? I am on one now, still getting used to it (my uterus feels heavy, some ocasional cramps and spotting)

[@Louise-jl2eh]

I made the decision to come off in October after being on a combined pill for 11 years! I'm tracking my cycle now and side effects etc. Found this video useful!

[@eunicekwon7586]

Hi Michelle! Thanks for sharing it was such an informative video! Not really related but could you share the rings your wearing? Your rings/nail combo is so pretty ❤

[@sofias4240]

I have PMDD which is like a bad constant version of PMS so I had to get on birth control so I can just function normally and it's been a lifesaver. I wish I didn't have to take extra hormones since it does come with side effects. The pill often gets a bad rep and the side effects suck but it can definitely also be a huge relief for some conditions which is amazing. I know I'll have to get off it some day so it's enlightening to hear your story I'm so glad to hear you found something that works for you 🥰

[@hydrangeababy768]

The fifth vital sign by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack! AMAZING book for all of these topics!

[@michellereedg]

her book has been on my list! need to give it a read 💛

[@beccaplans]

I had a stroke BC of Birth Control and in the Emergency room, my doctor's told me I had to permanently go off of it. And I did. Took a year to get my first period off of BC. And it's been 4 years later and just now I've had 2 "normal" cycles! And I couldn't be happier. I use FAM now for natural BC.

[@belleingersoll6240]

sweet && beautiful michelle , wow ! what an absolute beautifully said && beautifully insightful video ! thank you for always being so so vulnerable with us && sharing your journey of being untuned with your body . i absolutely loved this video && just loved how well said this was put . our bodies were created in such a beautiful way && are so intricately made for a beautiful purpose ! the Lord calls us to be in tune with our bodies && just treat them as a temple because they are a precious gift from Him ! i cannot wait to see how the Lord continues to grow you in this season && just prepare you && aiden for a beautiful && precious child ! 🕊️🤎

[@Love34572]

Hello Michelle after long time i see your video but i feel very relaxed because your are soo honest and its pretty hard to be honest in your society were people believe in fake things but i believe being honest in life ia a gift of the life much love dear 💚💚💚and thanks to share your childhood memories i have also period irregular but now it's okay.

[@michellereedg]

thank you so much for being here, Palak and for the kind words! I appreciate your support 💛

[@krazycoco123]

I know you struggled with hairloss before but honestly you hair is looking FABB atm 😍 it looks so volumious and silky! I need hair tips pls 🤣 Also coming off birth control is a wild ride lol never going back on it

[@michellereedg]

ahh thank you, Rosie! definitely still having my share of hair issues but you are sweet 💛

[@karissamartens7997]

Definitely relate to getting my acne back full force after coming off the pill… would appreciate any tips and tricks to help with this!

[@layray210]

thank you so much for sharing! I got off the pill 1 month ago and am nervous for what's to come in regards to my periods/skin... I've also heard that it takes time for your cycle to regulate after getting off the pill (I've been on it since 2015). I'm getting married in 4 months so figured now is a good time to start regulating myself. But also a good time to start learning the ways of NFP. Again thanks for sharing, this was a very informative video. I will be ordering some of those books for sure!

[@lexi6115]

Any updates? I just stopped mine and terrified of my skin

[@layray210]

@@lexi6115 My skin has been ok! I get small chin breakouts mainly right before my period, but nothing I can’t cover up. My period is currently 9 days late, I’m starting to guess I’m skipping this month entirely (definitely not pregnant, we’re being abstinent until wedding night). So still having inconsistent cycles…. We plan to start trying this summer, so after the wedding I’m going to start tracking when I ovulate

[@lvuren_xx]

@@layray210 I had my withdrawal bleed and didn’t start taking the pill again (I was on it for 17 years). My first period post pill was due 5 days ago and I’m not pregnant. Just find it all confusing as I was thinking I’d get a period straight away and now I’m panicking as we’re wanting to conceive asap

[@medicineballetxo]

Such a wonderful video; you are such a beautiful, uplifting soul; May God bless you

[@michellereedg]

thank you for this, Heather! 💛

[@konstancja2973]

Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@michellereedg]

of course! 💛

[@willowandh3523]

This is so cool!. I think it makes me happy!. Have a good day Michelle! :)) 😁.

[@michellereedg]

thanks for being here, Willow! 💛

[@willowandh3523]

@@michellereedg You're welcome Michelle! :D.

[@myandaisyhami]

I just stopped bc last month, I get married next year and I just don’t feel like myself anyone. I want to be me inside and out . Thanks for the video love❤❤❤

[@lydschnid61]

I’m 23 and just now considering going on birth control due to getting my first boyfriend recently. I’m so nervous to start birth control and am considering the copper IUD so I can avoid hormonal impacts

[@kathrync.144]

I would 100% do the copper IUD if you're not allergic to copper and don't need hormonal birth control to help a medical condition!! I am not a doctor, but I have been on hormonal birth control for 11 years and don't recommend it lol

[@hopefields9907]

Copper is highly inflammatory and toxic to your body. Do your research and make sure before making this huge decision!

[@Haii499]

Hi Michelle!! I’ve struggled with cystic acne for over a decade & tried everything in the book, besides Accutane. The cause of acne is 100% unique to each individual but here are some simple things that have helped dramatically - cutting out dairy & gluten (especially dairy) - Fem21 (a natural hormone balancer, I HIGHLY recommend this) - natural, simple cleansers + making sure your skin is moisturized properly - niacinamide for scarring My skin has cleared completely since implementing this!!

[@sarachristianson3035]

Getting of hormonal birth control was the best decision I’ve ever made! Three years in and have absolutely no regrets!

[@lilliangonzales8893]

I stopped last Sunday when I was supposed to start a new pack…I’ve lost so much water this week 😱 I also feel like this week has been without cravings for sugar and carbs…which is rare for me…makes me wonder if the pill contributes to a sugar/bad carb tooth 🤔

[@lianasobczak6749]

I feel like it must, I am about to come off BC after being on it for 10+ years and I can’t remember the last time I didn’t have super strong sugar cravings

[@toridoyle3780]

I had the experience of awfully painful and heavy periods after coming off of birth control. Long long story short, I ended up having a laparoscopy that diagnosed endometriosis. I have been back on birth control since my surgery I am terrified to get off of birth control because I’m scared of how bad my natural cycles will be. Just wanted to share and thank YOU for sharing.

[@itselianamarie]

You had mentioned you do just jogging on treadmill instead of hit what does that look like? I love to run but not a fan of the hit interval running so wanted to find a LISS running workout

[@cakesferdays]

How do i stop losing hair after coming off the pill!!!!!! It’s been 5 months :((

[@cookieaddictions]

I’ve tried going off the pill so many times but my natural period is just so insanely heavy and frequent I always go back on the pill. I’m miserable on my period.

[@lubak4956]

I have pcos, been on BC 2-3 times and the last time I got off the pills was 1 year and 3-4 months ago, my hormones and my period have never been that bad… for me its like my symptoms worsened every time a doctor prescribed me the BC pills And also lets not forget how the pills affect the mental health

[@mylifeinvolvedwithme383]

I have a combination pills. I've been on it for a year now and I haven't have been on my period. What is your advice ?

[@summersnyder7]

This happened to me .. for 9 months they pushed me off .. finally got them to do blood work .. my Vit D was super low . Once started on Vit d … it is way more normal 25-35 ish days

[@madison.12.]

Is anyone else concerned that this is on a kallmekris playlist lmao 😭

[@bea8034]

YEAH FR 🤨😭

[@user-yb7kw5je4e]

Does birth control pills causes melasma

[@RJ-bj8ic]

💛💛💛💛💛💛

[@victoriakaceyy]

Just had my tubes cut and burned, so I’m going off the pill now.

[@elizabethmercadomilligan8018]

I did too and I’m getting off the pill .

[@MaliaKReed]

I’m so happy more and more influencers (especially in the Christian community) are normalizing and educating others on NFP methods. Not too long ago, I would receive so many negative and vitriolic comments when mentioning how wonderful not being on birth control can be!

[@johndoee3850]

The 💊 pill??

[@eeveefrost7975]

It's so dishonest when KZbinrs who are trying for children frame going off of birth control for health reasons and fear of side effects when the reality is they want to get pregnant

[@stephanieniles6692]

Nobody cares about your podcast has nothing to do with the pill 🙄

[@kellygreen6946]

Thank you for all of the resources! A really good one that I found is Sarah Grace she is a hormone registered dietitian and has a lot of good resources on her Instagram and also has a podcast!

[@danibgal88]

I decided to stop birth control (I had tried in May 2020 too but had such terrible acne, I got back on) and I saw my dermatologist beforehand this time. He gave me Winlevi, which is specifically for hormonal acne and it has been amazing so far!! So for anyone thinking of maybe stopping the pill but you’re worried about acne, perhaps Winlevi could help😁

[@emilym.9729]

i am struggling with hormonal acne especially on my cheeks as well after coming off of BC! i appreciate you speaking on this because it is so hard to not feel like yourself! 🫶🏼

[@emilym.9729]

and the stronger emotions i can relate to so much!! it’s interesting to be able to experience

[@michellereedg]

totally! I definitely dealt with this, and still do to this day... not fun, but hopeful for the future 💛

[@user-yb7kw5je4e]

Does birth control pills causes melasma