When getting off birth control, there are several things that may happen to your body. Here are some of the most common side effects that you may experience:

• Irregular periods, heavier periods, and longer periods
• Menstrual cramps
• Acne
• Mood swings
• Weight changes
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Changes in libido

Its important to note that everyones body is different, so you may not experience all of these side effects, or you may experience different ones. Additionally, some of these side effects may be similar to the symptoms you had before you started taking birth control.

The specific side effects you experience may depend on the type of birth control you were using. Most birth control methods will be out of your body when you stop using them, including pills, patches, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and vaginal rings. The effects are gone as soon as theyre stopped or removed. However, the Depo-Provera shot can stay in your body for up to a year, so you may not start ovulating or cycling for a while after stopping it.

If youre experiencing side effects after stopping birth control, you may want to talk to your doctor about switching to another method that may ease your symptoms. Additionally, if youre planning to get pregnant, quitting birth control is the first step to jumpstart your family planning. Your doctor can help you with a pregnancy plan and answer any questions you may have about stopping birth control.