Side Effects of Discontinuing Use of Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives contain synthetic hormones that prevent pregnancy, regulate menstruation, relieve acne and change blood pressure. Discontinuing oral contraceptives may cause side effects that last several months.

Irregular Menstruation

• The most common side effect of discontinuing oral contraceptives is that menstrual cycles become irregular. This may be a temporary side effect, but if you had irregular cycles before taking oral contraceptives, you may continue to have unpredictable periods.

Amenorrhea

• After discontinuing oral contraceptives, many women do not ovulate or get a period for several months. When synthetic estrogen is no longer present, it may take time for the pituitary gland to start producing hormones again.

Acne

• Acne may be caused by excess androgen that increases oil production in the skin. Estrogen in low-dose oral contraceptives counteracts acne-producing androgen, so discontinuing oral contraceptives may lead to breakouts.

Plasma

• Because of changes in blood plasma concentration that occur when discontinuing oral contraceptives, a 1991 study at the Margaret Pyke Centre in London determined that pills should be discontinued 4 weeks before undergoing any major surgery.

Weight Change

• Because some women gain or lose weight when they start oral contraceptives, you may experience slight weight changes when discontinuing oral contraceptives.