Talk to me about side effects of going off the pill. Weird things are happening

The #1 thing, without being too graphic, involves my poor husband not getting any rest. I didn't know I could hit a point with him where he's finally like "enough already!"

I hear some people lose weight, but that hasn't happened to me. No emotional issues, either. Ladies, anything?

Original Post by spirochete:

I was hoping for the weight loss thing my friend got but so far, no such luck 

I went off the pill in February after being on it for 8 years straight. Luckily, I haven't had any unpleasant side effects. I was hoping for weight loss & increased sex drive but so far, I haven't gotten either.

Your age is also a factor - you've got the double whammy of lower estrogen from no pill, and lower estrogen from natural aging.

*feels a little sorry for Spiro's man, but is certain he will be up to the challenge*

I am off the pill - for a second time.  I stopped the pill in 2005 (after 13 years) and had no issues.  I got pregnant and had a baby.  I started the pill back up in 2006 and have finally decided to stop the pill.  Well - this time has been different!

Since I stopped in April 2009 - I have delt with

• weight gain
• simple ovarian cyst
• tired
• mood swings
• digestion issues
• joint pain
• headaches
• stiff muscles

I am eating healthy, working out more than I used to and am still dealing with issues.  There are some positives

• healthy libido
• normal cycle

I just keep telling myself that it will all balance out soon...

Original Post by pezzle:

I was thinking an IUD with a different dosage/type of hormone than what I'm on right now. IDK how well the Copper IUDs work for regulating mestruation.

If you have heavy periods or cramping, these will get worse with a copper IUD. I was shocked at how much heavier my periods were. They were very regular and I've never been a cramper so I was a good candidate for it. I did have a couple of cramps for the first couple of periods with the IUD. They were very mild and it did not continue. My periods had been 2-3 days max. 2 days heavy and 1 day light, 4th day nothing or maybe a little spotting. After the IUD my periods lasted a week with 4-5 days of very heavy flow.

I do intend to get the mirena IUD, which is plastic with a hormone in the next couple of months. It's supposed to make periods lighter which is never a bad thing.