Why I Quit the Pill + Haven't Looked Back Since

No really, hasn't even crossed my mind to get back on hormonal birth control.
This topic was what I covered in my very first video here on the Tube: bit.ly/2uLzCgW
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For those new to FAM and charting, who want to learn more about the sympto-thermal method, and whether it's a good fit for their birth control method (hint: it is)
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Do you really want to quit your hormonal birth control, but you're really nervous about how your body will react? Scared of acne, irregular cycles, cramps, etc.? Take my hand and let's go through all that you need to know together. And you'll find yourself ready to toss that HBC in no time!
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[@helenavaldich5070]

it’s crazy how many women relate to the anxiety and how doctors (at least mine) always tell us these side effects are not very prominent

[@alialo6550]

This is so crazy, I’ve been thinking about getting off the pill and watched this for more information. I’ve also experienced chronic UTI’s, mild depression, and lots of anxiety attacks. Definitely going to try going off the pill for awhile

[@samanthaandvhinna2341]

alia lo how are you feeling now? do you still have anxiety and depression?

[@Nelapiorkowska]

how are you feeling now? did u try to quit? i have lots of anxiety too :(

[@lillianp2856]

@@Nelapiorkowska so do I :( how are you feeling now?

[@stephaniecarrillo2589]

I will never go back on the pill. The psychological and physical effects are just not worth it. I am now dealing with an autoimmune disease that I am confident is a direct result of years of being on the pill. Thank you for helping to inform people on the dangers of the birth control pill.

[@czolg2014]

Same here... The pill is the worst thing a woman can take

[@hannahpuchmayr3072]

how do you know that your autoimmune disease was caused by the pill? I immediately went off the BC when I was diagnosed with mine

[@czolg2014]

I mean, I can speak for myself, but there is plenty of research showing that taking synthetic hormones for a longer period of time eventually leaves your hormonal system totally out of wack, also one of the Hashimoto's triggers (which is my issue) is too much of estrogen, and most of the pills make your estrogen levels too high anyways. Also my endocrinologist said that taking the pill affects the TSH levels results, so you can't really know where you're at while taking it. Also Hashimoto's is linked to gluten and lactose intolerance and at least in my country there are no pills without lactose in it. Not to mention the physical and mental disadvantages of taking the pill, or the pill impairing vitamin and mineral absorption...

[@hannahpuchmayr3072]

war paint True, I have Hashimoto's too (so many people have it), and my GP also said it's good that I went off the pill because it could have possibly played a role in the development. Do you think it is possible to heal and get better after stopping it? I hope to go into remission at some point

[@czolg2014]

I hope so... But the more I read I'm more and more hopeless and don't know what to think of it, I'm off the pill for a month now so definitely not enough to be in any kind of balance, but I'm quite prepared with the herbs and supplements so I hope it won't be as bad as it is in most cases. If it comes to Hashimoto's the key is a clean gluten-free and lactose-free diet and stress-free lifestyle which is I think the most difficult part. But the 'trigger' can be anything, from hormonal imbalances, parasites, gluten, lactose, or soy intolerance, to chloride& fluoride in the water and BPA from plastic bottles or simply not enough sleep and stress... So it's really difficult to discover what are the reasons that you or me have this disease.

[@elissaanntorres9123]

I just got a new job and have to wait 30 days before I can get on their insurance and my birth control ran out a few weeks ago. I've been anxiously waiting to get insurance so I can get back on birth control. Watching your videos has made me second guess why the hell I'm on birth control to begin with! And I, like you, thought it was something that women just did or had to be on. Thank you so much for your informative content. You're seriously opening my eyes when it comes to my health. THANK YOU AGAIN! ❤️

[@retearwqtaet]

I know this comment is too old to help Elissa, but you actually can buy BC without insurance. You'll just have to pay out of pocket, but there are coupons for most generics you can find online to get the price down to usually under $50/60 bucks. You can also go to Planned Parenthood for some if you live near one.

[@beamyers8853]

I've had one of those "oh, THAT'S what that was..?!" moments watching this video.. The symptoms you're describing are so similar to what I experienced.. Constant UTIs, anxiety, mild depression.. and I never made the link. (In some ways I'm feeling quite stupid, but I did go to the doctors on several occasions - also to get antibiotics because that's all that would help rid me of the UTI - and they never suggested the connection..) In many ways this episode of my life was truly damaging. Damaging because I had thought that losing the person I was in a relationship with would be the end of the world, when in fact they cared little for me (evident by the way the relationship was ended). I came off the pill as I took time to be single deliberately, as I knew I needed to be okay on my own. Over that two year period, just like you, I started to take better care of myself, went vegan (in part because my skin was in such a state, which I attribute to the damn antibiotics messing up my gut flora!) and invested in myself emotionally. I'm kinda shocked at how similar our stories are, and in the same moment I feel awful that other young women might go through the same, especially as there are viable alternatives.. Maybe (just an idea) you should make a short video that has the title along the lines of "feel depressed or anxious? Constant UTIs? It could be the pill" and then maybe it would reach more women who are looking for their symptoms, and in turn they could be directed to some good info (i.e your site). Much love Victoria, keep up the good work, and I'm glad you're in a happy place too. Bea x

[@Marciaibanez]

Bea Myers same here, it's really sad.

[@bubblegummel]

I'm going to quit the pill today after considering doing so for 2 years. I've been on hormonal birth control for 10 years now and if my mental health suddenly drastically improves I'll be so annoyed that I've been struggling with mental health issues for years!!

[@isabellemay9071]

Hey, how did it go? x

[@aliciadanielle230]

I had a iud for 7 years & I started getting infections once a month. Doctor didn’t know what was up, gynaecologist couldn’t figure it out and they alllllllll said “your iud wouldn’t cause that”. Took it out, haven’t had one since.

[@tarilein]

I‘m so happy that i finally found this. You are describing the EXACT symptoms that i am experiencing and today is my Day 1 of birth control pill free life and you just gave me so much motivation and made my decision feel even more right Thank you for sharing with us 💕

[@mintysam]

Tarilein Today is my first day pull free as well! :) How have you been? Anything improved?

[@tarilein]

Adriana Ramirez a lot actually, my body feels better than ever. My pms is not half as bad as it was on birth control and it starts a lot later. My anxiety is getting better each day, my mental health is so much better (even though we are under quarantine lol), yes, the periods might be stronger but i have almost no pain to no pain at all, no back pain and i finally feel my body as a whole again. Maybe you don‘t know what i mean by that just yet but trust me, if you listen to your body you will get a whole ther feeling and sensitivity for it. I will never ever go back to the pill.

[@stephaniesantos771]

I didn’t even realize some of the connections you made with the pill that I also had... teeth problems (I also chipped my back tooth on popcorn lol) 3 cavities for the first time in my life a year after going on it, chronic UTI’s, and depression. I went off of it a month ago after being on it for 5 years and it was the best decision I ever made! I already feel the world of a difference. So crazy.

[@chlover9037]

I was born because my mom was on antibiotics while on birth control lol

[@Beauty_bydeborah]

my brother was born because I ate some of my mother's birth control pills (I thought it was candy).

[@malikathueler2529]

Deborah Praha 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Nicole-im1xq]

starry eyed serenity lol same

[@Tinavvv]

Thank you for this video, I'm going through the same thoughts right now, I told myself the exact same thing "you are not this negative sad person, you used to be so happy and positive" I just never realised before that the pill may have been the reason for this change. I have decided to quit, hope things will get back to normal soon

[@alison6173]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience--definitely not too much info! I went through a similar time where I was getting UTI's almost every month. I was on the pill from age 14 (for ovarian cysts, long painful periods and acne) until 22 because the doctors said there was no other treatment for my hormonal issues. I'm now 25 and have been off the pill for 3 years. I've not had a UTI for 7 months which is the longest stretch in over 3 years. I think eating a vegan diet and cutting down massively on sugar and alcohol has also helped a ton with the UTI's and my acne! Love your video's!

[@bellab8792]

Alison how do you deal with the ovarian cysts without the burst control pill?

[@nateezus]

Could you do an update vid on libido if you don't mind talking about it? I know you made one a little while back, but another video with tips and factors that play into libido would be super helpful :)

[@astaciaking60]

Hey!!! I just wanted to say thank you. I am very new to choosing the non-hormonal birth control method. I have o.d'd on your videos, ordered "Taking Charge of your Fertility" and fully immersed myself into the book. I've been off of hormonal birth control for 3 months due to chronic yeast infections. I've changed my diet, did a candida cleanse and the day I had to choose to go back on hormonal birth control, I made the split decision to not and am so thankful I made that choice! I finally feel like I have taken control of my body and to be able to recognize all the changes has been such a source of empowerment. I think you are doing an awesome job and hope to join your charting class some day. Again thank you!

[@backwardsbrilliance]

Ugh I relate with the UTIs thing so much. I just want to feel free, like I don't have to suffer thru this medication but also not stress about unplanned pregnancy....

[@BBbizzle]

Same

[@nortiz08]

I’m coming off the pill after 3 months. I know it doesn’t seem like a long time. But it has taken a toll on me. I made the decision to get off the pill last night. I’ve been researching just to make sure I was making the right choice

[@lexie3840]

same i took the pill for 3 months! on the pill i have pain during the sex and i have low libido + panorgasmy, OCD + panic attack. now I stopped the pill 3 months ago and i'm Better but anorgasmy is still present 😩

[@mallorystump2465]

I'm so glad you mentioned getting several cavities, I noticed that as well , ever time I went to the dentist I would have a cavity! I'm a daily flosser and brush my teeth both twice daily. So I was really upset , assuming it was because of the pill . I'll be seeing if my teeth are strong in the next six months when I go to the dentist . I've been off the pill since April , thank you for your videos , they have helped me so much

[@Izzzy_R0LL]

Did anyone experience hair loss while on birth control? Because I feel like my hair has been falling out more than normal.

[@MsBlackjack50]

Yes me. I talked about it with my doctor. She said birth control can affect your hair cycles. Now I have thin hair. I'm off pill control for 3 months now. And I swear it won't stop falling out. (It did stop for a while. But when I quitted the pill, it fall out more)

[@Izzzy_R0LL]

MsBlackjack50 i stopped in December and my hair doesn’t fall out as much. I can recommend to use nioxin shampoo i started using it and i feel like not as much falls out. I’m currently just having acne issues after being off it but my hormones and myself, i feel more like myself again.

[@MsBlackjack50]

@@Izzzy_R0LL I use garlic shampoo now. Before I used calia products. But I always had hair fallout , but the birth control made it worst

[@ecofriendlyhippie]

Yes, my hair started shedding a lot and became super thin

[@kiranerys7073]

My hair became super dry no matter what I did I just always felt dry and unhealthy

[@hruss2]

I’ve been on the pill for 5 years after I had my son. I blamed a lot of these side effects on having a kid and my body changing. Now I’m a week off the pill and omg! I can’t believe I let all these problems slide for so long, I feel amazing and I feel like myself again! 😁

[@michellemizikoski7895]

I’m convinced the first pill I was on, microgestin, affected my teeth and gums!! I feel so validated

[@selinasesshy]

This pill made my hair so thin

[@kasp8932]

I have been off the pill for 2 months and have never felt better! I was on it for 5 years, I never realized directly the effect it was having on my body & my mind. Things are so much more clear now, I feel like a functioning woman, while being on it I didn't feel this way, I was thinking about going off for at least 6 months or more, then i finally got to the breaking point- where I had changed so many things in my life (healthy diet, etc.) and i still didn't feel like me, so I knew this was the last step- the last cure. I had so many digestive issues that I had no idea could relate to the pill- I thought I was so sick and would never get better, now off the pill all those ISSUES i suffered with for years, are gone!

[@iamalexandra.]

Kas P My story is similar! My eating habits are super healthy and the only thing I was doing that harmed me was being on HBC. I was diagnosed with IBS when I went on one of the most dangerous pills, and now that I'm off it my belly doesn't hurt nearly as much...

[@jadedrummond1847]

I got on the pill when I was 18, after 4 years I switched to the implant since it is the most effective method. We need more education.

[@anastacey8735]

So, i am in the 6th month without taking the pill.. I can only say that things are looking a bit more brighter these days. I was on them for 2 year and i never thought that they could effect your body and mostly your mind in any bad kind of way. Just before i started taking them i had just broken up after a realy long term relationship wich upset me and caused ny period iregulations so my OBG suggested i took them,so i did! I have always been a happy bubbly person that made everyone laugh and suddenly i turned into this realy moody person that noone could expect what was going to come out of my mouth next. I just thought that all these feelings were due to my brake up and the fact that i was getting over it. Aftet a couple of months i became very nervy and i had frequent stomach aches due to the anxiety i developt,then i started feeling deprest. I know that moodswings are listed as side effects so i didnt think much of it. I was upset.. I had no idea what was going on.. Why i got so anxius.. Why i got depresed.. It came to a point i didnt even want to leave my house.. I started to overthink about everything.. I realy thought i was getting paranoid..After a visit to my health doctor ( due to another upset stomach) he asked me if i was on anything and the only thing that i was taking was the pill. He recomended i stopped it right away and see if all of the symptoms will calm down. So i took myself off to the OBG to ask for his advice and the only thing that he said was "i dont think the pill is our problem" but i went off it anyway. That was 6 months ago.. I can say that i am in a much better place today.. My stomach aches havent been back since.. I do feel sad sometimes..i do get anxius aswell.. But not to the point i was 6 months ago! I realy cannot explain what the hell went wrong and the period i took that pill is a complete blur to me..I started to research the internet about simillar problems that other women experience..The lists are countless..Others beveloped health problems.. Other mental health problems.. With dippression and panic attacks being first on the list.. It is not surprised that half of the womem taking the pill are perscribed antidipresents.. There are although other fortunate women that have no sideffects and can take them for years. Ill never tell anyone not to take them if they need to.. But i do recomend that everyone does a good research before pumping hormones into their bodies!!

[@angelachapman2541]

Omg, thank you for sharing this. I have been on the pill 3 months I know it's not long, but dental and anxiety 👎 I'm sure it's the pill, I feel so sick. I'm so happy I found you and you are sharing this. 🙂

[@lyndseylee3]

Yes! Dental health! Root canals non stop since I went on BC- till I finished and UTI/yeast infections controlled my life

[@KatMarie]

SO glad I found your channel. Quitter here too and SO glad I did.

[@lauradurbin4653]

I’ve tried getting off the pill before but got the worst acne of my life. I’m going to see a naturopathic Dr next week to *hopefully* learn how to get off the pill without the cystic acne! Wish me luck!!

[@chelseyxoxo518]

Pregnancy weakens teeth and bc mimics pregnancy. I noticed the same with myself.

[@chloejimenez475]

I quit the pill 4 months ago, mostly thanks to you! So thank you Victoria :)

[@carolinepachulski880]

America needs whatever book you are working on. I need it. America NEEDS it. Also, you should Ted talk this topic for sure.

[@dianeschmidt17]

This video spoke to me so directly. I was ALSO put on ortho tricyclen in 2009 when I was 18 and I stayed on it for 10 years until I was switched to a progestin only pill after a trip to the ER and neurologist. My mental health has been steadily declining since and I am on day 2 of being off of hormonal birth control. I hope I have a positive experience as well

[@EllieJayden]

I’m currently 4 months in to coming off the pill and I’ve noticed my mood changing for the better but I’ve acne now and I’m trying to balance my hormones and stress levels etc, it’s hard but I hope things will eventually balance out.

[@saraforutan]

EllieJayden hey! How did it work out with your acne problem? It’s day 6 for me coming off the pill and I can tell a mood change (for the better) as well. I’m just really scared of acne and hair loss (I read a few experiences). When exactly did your acne start and did you have acne before taking the pill? Thank you

[@marissaangulo7573]

Thanks for this. Just coming off bc and needed to hear a positive outcome

[@ericarose4600]

I started the pill when I was 15 because of my heavy period and I was on it for about a year before they changed me to a different brand of birth control. I stayed on that for about 6 months before I decided it was making me too emotional and stopped taking it. That was in the beginning of October, I had one normal period the 15th to the 19th. And since then I have only gotten my period once in April. Before birth control I had a very regular period. I've talked to my doctor and set up a gyno appointment but she told me my period may go back to normal after a few more years or it may be irregular for the rest of my life. I honestly wish I never went on it.

[@elizabethheavenly9102]

Oh my gosh girl! I just love you and your channel! I’ve also had chronic UTIs (D-mannose and veganism cured it!) And I’m currently reading the TCOYF book and want to order Daysy. Thank you for your videos! You’re amazing!!! Hopefully soon I’ll start a channel in Russian (that’s where I’m from but I currently live in the US) and share all of this valuable info with Russian girls! ♥️ You’re an inspiration. Xoxo Lisa

[@erikaabbott2692]

Your videos have helped me so much with coming off the pill! I purchased "taking charge of your fertility" and also the daysy+ I am also learning how to chart along with the daysy! I just went off the pill and I am waiting for my first real period to begin. I am vegan eating a whole food diet+ run, and do yoga+ supplement with vitex, maca powder, b vitamins and also taking a probiotic. I am trying to get my body back on schedule. I know everyone is different but how long did it take you to get your first real period again after quitting hormonal birth control? I want to hear from someone else who eats a vegan diet/ is active!

[@jennataylor12]

Ok but what did you experience AFTER going off the pill....?

[@backwardsbrilliance]

I just started reading Beyond the Pill, you should look into it!

[@sarapaxton6782]

I am so glad I found your videos right before I started becoming sexually active. I never liked the idea of putting hormones into my body, and your channel showed me I don't have to put hormones into my body! I never heard of FAM or the daysy until I started watching your videos. I just use condoms for now, and once we get enough money my husband and I are going to buy the daysy. I've never used HBC and I'm never going to after listening to you

[@iamamandawilliams]

This was great! Thank you! Definitely helped with my decision!

[@kyleecrook171]

Ortho tri cyclin treated me horribly, i got panic attacks to the point where my throat was closing, i always had a lump in my throat, and i got galbladder disease from it.. .my thyroid levels were off. I switched to the mini pill and alot of those symptoms went away. Sitll have mild anxiety, and now have my galbladder out. I plan on stopping the pill and hopefully mastering fertility awareness ☺️😁

[@stevie2035]

The dental health totally is! It makes your gums swell and probably effects you in other ways!!

[@jaszp4]

You're awesome. Just discovered you! Thank you! I'm researching & just discovered FAM. I am ready to quit my Hormonal BC! #LateDiscoveryOfFAM #WifeMommyLife #ThankingGodForYou stay blessed!

[@emilyellithorpe8553]

I have just quit the pill and love your videos! You have inspired me to use a more natural birth control method. I would love a video more in depth of cervical fluid and cervical positions. I don't really know what I'm supposed to be feeling for, or how it is supposed to feel different. It is a bit confusing!

[@iamalexandra.]

Emily Ellithorpe Only with time will you be able to notice the differences in CP... CF is pretty easy to check - just Google their definitions and photos.

[@emilyellithorpe8553]

alexandra Thank you!! After I wrote this comment, I watched a few videos about it. I think I have more of an understanding now!

[@iamalexandra.]

Emily Ellithorpe Cool! In the beginning I thought it was going to be very difficult, but it was actually super easy :)

[@lindseyshelton1060]

I just went off last month. I feel emotional but also way more myself!! It's been 12 years since I was capable of having a period. Happy to report, I finally started!!!

[@emilyellithorpe8553]

Welcome to the club!! Haha I have just had mine, and it wasn't bad at all! Just very emotional. But now I can pinpoint my emotions and more so control them by thinking "This is just because my period."

[@sheilaemadian]

In my case, I have to be on birth control otherwise I would literally die of the severe pms nausea which made me unable to eat and lack of appetite and I lost 20 lbs in just a couple months. I started the beginnings of perimenopause which needed intervention. I’m 38 and I have had to shut down my body ovulation because pre ovulation and pre period stage I was so so very nauseous. The hormone imbalance started causing me extreme anxiety and panic attacks and trembling and heart palpitations. I felt like I had morning sickness all the time. The problems were all resolved going back on birth control after not having been on it since my teens/twenties. It’s basically keeping me alive and functioning and feeling normal again. I was on ortho novum 7/7/7 and ortho tri cyclen 9 years and nuva ring 1 year for total of 10 years birth control. Had 2 kids and did bbt charting, and at 37 my body started having weird GI issues, cravings, horrible nausea which by age 38 was chronic nausea and sick the whole cycle and had to get back in nuva ring which was a rough and brutal adjustment but in 2.5 weeks I feel better than ever and back to myself. I had thought I was going to die because I went from 90 lbs to 70 lbs at 5’2.” It was the scariest time in my life, so brace yourself for your late thirties or early forties for a big change that is not always pleasant and you will be begging for birth control!

[@_wejdxn]

wait did anyone else notice that that was the dad from switched at birth???

[@kayla5386]

Lol! I wonder where she saw him

[@trinaceleste3711]

You’re just so beautiful and your voice 😍 I can listen to you forever

[@chloep6197]

I’m so glad I came across your video as I’m doing some research in terms of affects after coming off the pill. I have been on it for 4-5 years now and also recently got out of long term relationship. Did you just suddenly stop at some point or did you wait until your period finished to then stop taking the active pills?

[@srishtiarora488]

Thank you so much for this video

[@FemmeHead]

Not that I noticed!

[@Daisy-cz1tv]

i have PCOS and I stopped taking pills this month and now am worried because my periods are 2 week delayed 😥😥 i also treated my facial hair with laser but they are coming back after stopping pills 😫😫 Please ma'am suggest me something its very depressing !! please help me

[@annae9013]

Yes! My back tooth chipped eating bread!! I'm getting off this stuff.

[@Nikcholey]

I really think my dental problems came fro the pill as well!! at 18 I had never had a filling, and then fast forward a few years and my dentist told me I had "cavities EVERYWHERE"! I didn't count them at one point, but after moving back to my home states I was up to 14 fillings in 18 months. I even had a tooth break off while I was FLOSSING! Since quitting the pill I don't think I had any more cavities - and I hope to keep it that way! I know there is no "real evidence" at this point, but I think it is interesting that pregnant women are encouraged to go to the dentist more often, and the pill tricks your body into believing it is pregnant. Coincidence?

[@iamalexandra.]

Nicole Roden I'd never thought about it that way! That may very well be the reason...

[@FemmeHead]

I asked my dentist if they knew anything about hormonal birth control and cavities and she said the same thing about pregnant ladies having to be more on top of their teeth and that they're could be a connection there.

[@Smiirkwood]

Oh my goodness! I have been on the pill for 6 years now and I always have UTIs. Nothing is fixing it and I never thought it could be related. I’m here because I already decided to stop the pill. This may be a fantastic side effect.

[@algirl80]

What non-hormonal methods do you suggest other than FAM and the copper IUD? FAM is only 75% effective (I don't like those odds) and my body doesn't like the IUD (already tried it).

[@ayymejay]

i have wanted to get off of birth control for about 6 months now, however while off birth control i have extremely irregular periods so i dont feel like i can reliably track my period and know when i am fertile. any suggestions?

[@cninusa]

Fortunately I have said no to birth control pills for several times. Sadly nowadays, The automatic response from the OB/GYN is prescribing birth control pills to ladies who has problems with her period. Right now I'm facing a decision whether to take progesterone pills for my endometrial hyperplasia which is one of the factors for my period problem. I want to fix this problem naturally.

[@Mrg524]

I also got a bunch of cavities from birth control! I could tell it was from the birth control, especially while I took Ocella. I took ortho tricyclen before had, and had anxiety and mood swings. I knew the ocella was causing the cavities because I only had a couple of cavities in my life before m going on it, and I haven’t had any since going off of it, in 2017

[@rachelspotts5221]

LOVE THIS SO MUCHHHHHHH

[@kellixxhearts]

Is that Angelo from Switched at Birth at 0:40??

[@adeletaber]

I am on the implant, Nexplanon. I am and have always been a pretty mentally stable person and have been on Nexplanon for around 10 months. Which doesn't seem to be that long but I feel like it has completely turned me into a different person than who I was prior. I am sad all the time, my boyfriend and I get into arguments more and more frequently because I am genuinely so filled with anxiety and sadness 24/7. If anyone has any advice for either a different form of birth control, or some advice on managing my fertility like apps ext... and tips surrounding that area I would appreciate it as I am only 19 and don't need kids lol!

[@thecypressfarmhouse2608]

Yes girl! My whole mouth was loaded with cavities when I was on BC.

[@elizavetalogacheva1410]

Hey please reply !! So what do you do when you have sex? Or if!?!?!? I am experiencing all of those symptoms and my boyfriend thinks I’m just overthinking and I’m crazy...... I want to go off it as soon as I finish my pack. It also made me gain 20 pounds.

[@NonieDeLong]

I had all this on BC pills, also. Tried about 10 of them and the ring. See it in clients all the time and many more now have clots. What does it do to our hormones in the long run?

[@Noemskie]

Thank you

[@itspersonalchannel]

Can someone tell me if the pill can also give you ibs or random food intolerances or bad stomach problems?

[@inesalmendra7876]

I have been on the pill from age 12 till now age 30. Yes 18 years. Because I had acne and bad menstruation and then became for contraception. I have been depressed for so many years but I am not a depressive person so last week I finally made the decision to be OFF the pill. Hopefully it helps 🙂 thank you for this amazing video I related so so much I hope I have the same outcome has you 💜💜💜

[@sarahaha469]

How are you feeling now?

[@inesalmendra7876]

@@sarahaha469 I think better 😊 but I also think it’s too soon to say I have more acne but honestly if On the inside I feel better I don’t really care 💜

[@lizarcher1]

I'm having major dental problems and I've always had good teeth. Severe depression, now bipolar 12 years on the pill I never thought of another option either

[@Probablylani]

Any input on implants? I am wondering if that’s a better alternative.

[@k74728]

Implants still release synthetic hormones, so likely the side effects are the same.

[@AlohaSissi]

Awesome video

[@rachelspotts5221]

Just yessss so much yes

[@jadasade5824]

How did you fix or cope with your UTIS ? I have chronic utis as well and it's really depressing.

[@FemmeHead]

Back then I just chugged as much fluid as possible until I could get some antibiotics. Got rid of them by getting off the pill and changing my diet.

[@jasminehamilton694]

does anybody have panic or anxiety after coming off the pill?

[@taylorcarter2857]

About how long did it take for anyone to start getting their period again after not taking HBC?

[@iamalexandra.]

Taylor Carter It's different for everyone... You can get it the following month, months after or even a year after... I ovulated after I came off it and I had a 35-day cycle, and I'm currently on my period.

[@Beauty_bydeborah]

I've never been able to quit my birth control. I've been on it for 12 years with no side effects. I went on it because of my cystic acne and cramps that made me passed out and go to the hospital for intravenous painkillers. So the doctor said it was either birth control + spironolactone or accutane and she wanted to try the birth control first. And it worked wonders (although I was very irritated during the first few months, but that was it). I've tried to quit it or just take a break and I cant because the acne comes back in a matter of days and my hair looks like I just dumped a gallon of oil on it lol so it's hard and I'm scared of even trying to quit again. The pill I take is belara, never been on any other.

[@iamalexandra.]

Deborah Praha Read 'The Period Repair Manual' and 'Woman Code'. It's normal that your acne gets worse for a few months after you come off it.

[@Beauty_bydeborah]

Thanks for the book recommendations, I'll add them to my amazon list. The problem is that my acne was always so aggressive that even a month can do A LOT of damage to my skin when it comes to scarring.

[@iamalexandra.]

Deborah Praha The 'Period Repair Manual' recommends that you start taking the supplements and make the dietary changes a few months before you come off the pill :)

[@JenAnna]

What do you think of non-hormonal copper iuds?

[@malikathueler2529]

Jen Anna She already did a video on it, but it wasn't very informative in my opinion and with quite a lot of misconceptions

[@smOVERCOMINGITALL]

Girl... i know this is an old video but i am 27 and just started looking into getting off the pill after 7 or 8 years of use. I first off gained weight. which of course DR say never happens. i'm 5'0 and my whole life i was teeny tiny naturally. anywhere from 95-98 pounds which was always seen as on the smaller petite end of healthy by my doctor. i'm a "healthy" weight now at 115 pounds, but that's a significant weight gain when my highest was 125 pounds at five foot nothing. it takes a lot for me to stay at the 115 pound mark as it is. I have been getting UTI's like CRAZYYY for the last 5 years. My doctors are thinking about putting me on low dose of antibiotics to take everytime i have sex... i told them ABSOLUTELY NOT. I have had depression and anxiety for YEARS and thought... well i guess this is me now. i'm learning that's probably not true. i mean, girl... the more i research the more HBC is scary and i'm glad you made these videos.

[@sandeefisher]

aaah I wanna quit the pill since I am taking it since like forever.. but I am SO scared of getting really bad skin. :( I take a really high-dosed pill (35) and have always (also during the pill!) dealt with bad skin, especially around my chin... any tips?! it scares the heck out of me when I think about getting acne all over my face. :(

[@daniellem8790]

sandeefisher A lot of skin issues stem from what's going on inside the body, primarily gut health. And also hormonal issues. Really look into the foods you may be eating (dairy is a huge factor with skin issues) and do some research about how naturally heal your skin and just how important gut health really is. Coming from someone who doesn't know you, I'm not saying this is necessarily your issue or even the only answer out there but something to consider!

[@iamalexandra.]

sandeefisher Yup, dairy is definitely the worst for acne. Also, sugar and fried food. Drinking 68oz / 2L of water and foods with a high water content helps a lot. Some people also see a difference when they stop eating too much salt. A zinc supplement and some good quality probiotics will be your best friends.

[@Beauty_bydeborah]

Girl same. All the times I've tried to quit it the acne came back full force on my face and on my back,, it took me months to get rid of the scars on my face and lots of money and chemical peels. Nothing really works. I've tried to heal my acne naturally before and for some people (like me) it's just hormonal and not much can be done. The only thing I notice is that soy triggered my acne and dairy too (but Im lactose intolerant as well).

[@Beauty_bydeborah]

Yes for zinc! Birth control usually deplets our zinc, so it's good to take anyway. My doctor actually recommended it after seeing my levels. I havent tried probiotics yet but I know people who did and loved it

[@iamalexandra.]

Deborah Praha Those are the two best supplements for acne :) like the commenter above me said, when you break out it's because something's wrong with your gut! And you're completely right about the pill. It also makes women deficient in many other vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins!

[@emeliasoderlund]

I would love if you made a video about skipping one cycle. It happens to me maybe once a year and I need some tips. Haven't really figured out if it's because of exercise, stress, lacking something in my diet or something else. And how can I make it come back faster?

[@iamalexandra.]

Emelia Söderlund You can't know how many periods you're getting if you're not charting your cycle. In summary, when you ovulate, you get your period, but when you don't ovulate, you get a breakthrough bleed. It's important that you find out if you've been ovulating or not.

[@emeliasoderlund]

Thanks for your reply! I'm using the app Clue to chart my cycle, so not with a thermometer (thinking about it though). My normal cycle is about 38 days long (plus minus 2 days) but maybe once a year I don't ovulate and my cycle ends up being around 80 days.

[@iamalexandra.]

Emelia Söderlund Yeah, what I meant when I mentioned "charting your cycle" is using the Symptothermal Method, as it's the only way you can know if you're ovulating or not :) get the book 'Taking Charge of Your Fertility' and you can create an account on Kindara, if you wish. It's definitely weird that your cycles vary that much.

[@emeliasoderlund]

alexandra Thank you so much :)

[@iamalexandra.]

Emelia Söderlund You really don't have to thank me! I'm just glad to help :)

[@sarafaidutti3041]

And you waited 4 years ??? Ok

[@rebeccaroeder5090]

Birth control can cause gum inflammation, so I totally believe that could be why you were struggling with your teeth!

[@Yeodoongiiie]

Never going back to that awful pill! And

[@xiaoxuee]

idk what to comment ahhh

[@chelseyxoxo518]

Ortho is terriiiiiible . Ahhh

[@alialo6550]

This is so crazy, I’ve been thinking about getting off the pill and watched this for more information. I’ve also experienced chronic UTI’s, mild depression, and lots of anxiety attacks. Definitely going to try going off the pill for awhile

[@samanthaandvhinna2341]

alia lo how are you feeling now? Do you still have anxiety and depression?

[@angelachapman2541]

Thank you