How are you finding natural cycles? I thought about doing it but was put off when I read that you have to take your temp at the exact same time every day and lots of stuff can throw your temp off my a tiny amount which makes the app think you’re ovulating when you’re not. I’d probably use protection either way tbh, but just thought it would be interesting to track what’s going on!
- Notice
Youre a wizard Harry
VIP Member
I came off the pill in January after using hormonal contraception for 8 years (progesterone only pill for 4.5 years, implant for nearly 3 and back to pill for 3 months). I was bleeding every 2 weeks in the last 10 months of the implant and on the pill, so decided to have a break from it and use condoms for the time being.
had a withdrawal bleed a week later and since then my periods have been more regular than they were pre pill! 27-28 day cycle, mild PMS symptoms which are the same each time. Pre pill it was anywhere from 27-40 days. Periods are also lighter than they were before the pill (although I know it can take up to six months for periods to go back to normal so this could change).
I am so glad I stopped taking the pill, we probably won’t be be trying for a baby for a year or so, maybe longer but I have no intention of starting hormonal contraception again in the meantime.
had a withdrawal bleed a week later and since then my periods have been more regular than they were pre pill! 27-28 day cycle, mild PMS symptoms which are the same each time. Pre pill it was anywhere from 27-40 days. Periods are also lighter than they were before the pill (although I know it can take up to six months for periods to go back to normal so this could change).
I am so glad I stopped taking the pill, we probably won’t be be trying for a baby for a year or so, maybe longer but I have no intention of starting hormonal contraception again in the meantime.
bolimepipi
VIP Member
omg mine too we synchedPeriod started this morning!
Since I came off the pill I was having really regular cycles of around 28 days. Then this month I’ve randomly just come on my period a week and a half early. Love it 
not really sure what happened there. Hopefully they will go back to regular next month as I hate not knowing when they will happen (which is why I ended up back on the pill last time)
not really sure what happened there. Hopefully they will go back to regular next month as I hate not knowing when they will happen (which is why I ended up back on the pill last time)Ninetiesbitxh
Well-known member
I feel like I’ve become greasy all over . I put foundation on for the first time in about 12 months yesterday and my skin looked like an oil slick 
. Spotty chest and back, couple on face but not too bad.. hoping it’s due to my period *hopefully* being on the horizon
. I put foundation on for the first time in about 12 months yesterday and my skin looked like an oil slick . Spotty chest and back, couple on face but not too bad.. hoping it’s due to my period *hopefully* being on the horizonSo far I haven’t actually noticed any benefits from being off the pill 
and I’m going to give it another couple of months before I go back on.
Headaches and brain fog have continued, still anxious irritable and mood swings, appetite has increased, absolutely zero libido to the point I don’t even want to cuddle with my boyfriend let alone have sex, I even think I’m more hairy now. Maybe this is just me I thought it was all down to the pill!
and I’m going to give it another couple of months before I go back on.Headaches and brain fog have continued, still anxious irritable and mood swings, appetite has increased, absolutely zero libido to the point I don’t even want to cuddle with my boyfriend let alone have sex, I even think I’m more hairy now. Maybe this is just me
I thought it was all down to the pill!
under the ivy
VIP Member
I’ve been SO moody and snappy this past week. And hungry. I want all of the chocolate.
glitter tits
Member
I had an apt the other week as mine had been 10 months and the doctor said they would expect it to normalise within 6 months so I’d wait until then x
Brianbadonde
Active member
ive Been off the pill for 8 months now and my flaky scalp and grease has finally calmed down (I did use nizoral for my scalp for a while though so could be that)the face spots have calmed but sadly I’ve had a referral to the derm for my bacne.. it definitely changes throughout the month with hormonal surges so some weeks better some it’s horrific. But I’m 35 and shouldn’t have to cover up and not wear vests in the summer so time was right to bring it up with the gp. I did suffer with my back while on the pill too though unfortunately. Keep with it and hopefully the spots and greasy hair will subside52 days since my withdrawal bleed, still no period but I am with you all on the greasy! My skin has gone to shit, not too bad on my face but my chest is covered in spots. My scalp is flaky and spotty but my hair is greasy AF after one day. I was washing it once a week in lockdown! I’ve just bought the Philip Kingsley flaky/itchy scalp set from Boots so I’ll let you know how I get on with that. Hoping someone who’s been off the pill for a while will share some stories about how they transformed into a stunning being with flawless skin and amazing hair after going through this rough patch. @lottiedrynan is good to follow on insta for all things coming off the pill and talks about her (positive) experience with it.
under the ivy
VIP Member
I’m 2 days without the pill (excluding 7 day break) and I’m having the most intense headaches! Is this a side effect?
Brianbadonde
Active member
I feel ya..i'm having my first ovulation since i've stopped taking the pill and my boobs hurt like crazy
sports bra for sure, compression fit if possible. 
I have the worst ovulation symptoms (worse than my period which is barely nothing to be fair) crazy sore boobs, actually feel the pop, horrific dragging type ache/pain, constipation ... it Is shite to say the least lol
JLXRD
VIP Member
Stopped taking my pill (microgynon) 2 days ago as want to start TTC, however I am slightly annoyed as when I have missed 2 pills before you could guarantee the day after the second missed pill, I would get my withdrawal bleed without fail. Now I want to have my withdrawal bleed to kick start getting my body back to normal it hasn’t arrived 
typical.
Using Flo to track my cycles too, did you guys log your withdrawal bleed as a period or leave it blank until your first proper period?
typical.Using Flo to track my cycles too, did you guys log your withdrawal bleed as a period or leave it blank until your first proper period?
my first post pill was incredibly light. Not even a day of bleeding in all honesty. I think it can be quite normal for them to be light and not much of a concern
under the ivy
VIP Member
I’m still waiting for a period 60 days post coming off the pill
It deffo wouldn’t hurt to give them a call, at least then it’s noted on your notes etc
Yes, you can stop at any point on the pill but they say it’s best to do it at the end of the pack.I’m heavily considering coming off I have been in the pill since I was 14/15 and I’m 32 and never had a break and on my break I hardly bleed. I’m not TTC though and the worry of getting caught pregnant scares me and do not want to use condoms (I’m in a relationship) but still don’t want an unplanned pregnancy, what do you all use? I’m not sure I trust an app
Also I’m on my 7 day break at the minute, do I just stop and don’t s start again after 7 days? I’m due my blood pressure check but I suppose I can just cancel that and not take my pill whenever my break ends?
If you don’t want to use condoms, you could use an app and track your cycles. Most women get signs around ovulation (discharge becomes wetter and like egg whites) so you would avoid sex in your fertile window. The problem is that sperm can live in the woman for many days before ovulation so it might not be safe. Worth reading up on!
Gym&Tonic
VIP Member
So Im on my period again. This cycle was 20 days, so really short. But not short enough to cause concern apparently. It’s way too heavy to be spotting. I’m hopping it’s just my body trying to get back into a flow, because I don’t think I can cope with having such a short gap between periods from now on lol. Skin still fine, but oilier but my hair is so, so oily after only a few days.
Ninetiesbitxh
Well-known member
83 days later and I’ve started my first post-pill period! Is it strange that I feel relieved? I’d not noticed any major changes until last two weeks or so when my skin has started to go very oily, I’ve developed spots all over my back and chest which I’ve never had before and some really painful ones on my forehead especially around my eyebrows. I’m hoping that now my period had arrived things will be on the up and my skin will improve but it’s still early days yet. For the last 3 days I’ve felt really low, irritable and self critical and have generally being driving my bf mad with my rollercoaster of emotions. I’ve got period pains but no different in terms of pain levels than when I was on the pill. I just wanted to end this post with some recommendations that have helped me and might help someone else who is going through the no-pill journey. I posted some makeup recommendations earlier on in the thread and I’m still using them, but for the spots on my back/chest I’ve bought the Murad clarifying body spray. It’s not cheap but the bottle is pretty big and you can buy it from places that offer discounts like Look Fantastic, I actually got mine from Asos when they had 20% off. I also like that it’s 360° sprayer so you can spray your own back . It stings a bit but I can see an improvement already, maybe not recommended to use every day if you have sensitive skin though the bottle states it can be used up to three times a day (!). The other recommendation is the BeYou patches. I honestly thought these were an expensive gimmick when I saw them but I got a discounted pack and have since ordered a subscription of them. I suffer with bad period pain and have prescribed mefanamic acid from the doctors which I’ve been taking since before I started the pill. Coupled with paracetamol and a heat patch, this would make my period pain bearable but with those patches I don’t need to take the mefanamic acid as often, the odd paracetamol for when it’s really bad is fine and no more burnt stomach from heat patches! Hope everyone’s getting on okay in their journey, I like how this is a safe space to chat and it’s good to hear input from a range of people.
I’d not noticed any major changes until last two weeks or so when my skin has started to go very oily, I’ve developed spots all over my back and chest which I’ve never had before and some really painful ones on my forehead especially around my eyebrows. I’m hoping that now my period had arrived things will be on the up and my skin will improve but it’s still early days yet. For the last 3 days I’ve felt really low, irritable and self critical and have generally being driving my bf mad with my rollercoaster of emotions. I’ve got period pains but no different in terms of pain levels than when I was on the pill. I just wanted to end this post with some recommendations that have helped me and might help someone else who is going through the no-pill journey. I posted some makeup recommendations earlier on in the thread and I’m still using them, but for the spots on my back/chest I’ve bought the Murad clarifying body spray. It’s not cheap but the bottle is pretty big and you can buy it from places that offer discounts like Look Fantastic, I actually got mine from Asos when they had 20% off. I also like that it’s 360° sprayer so you can spray your own back . It stings a bit but I can see an improvement already, maybe not recommended to use every day if you have sensitive skin though the bottle states it can be used up to three times a day (!). The other recommendation is the BeYou patches. I honestly thought these were an expensive gimmick when I saw them but I got a discounted pack and have since ordered a subscription of them. I suffer with bad period pain and have prescribed mefanamic acid from the doctors which I’ve been taking since before I started the pill. Coupled with paracetamol and a heat patch, this would make my period pain bearable but with those patches I don’t need to take the mefanamic acid as often, the odd paracetamol for when it’s really bad is fine and no more burnt stomach from heat patches! Hope everyone’s getting on okay in their journey, I like how this is a safe space to chat and it’s good to hear input from a range of people.
Gym&Tonic
VIP Member
This happened to me. I had one cycle that was only 22 days long. Really scared me but has never happened since thank god!!Since I came off the pill I was having really regular cycles of around 28 days. Then this month I’ve randomly just come on my period a week and a half early. Love it