Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 10/21/2008

Question
Hi Doctor,

I've been on birth control for about 2 years...I have decided to get off of them, as I've decided to see if I can keep my body regulated without them (I had irregular periods prior to starting, about 1-2 months apart so I took the pill to regulate it). At this point, I just want to get off it. I'm not sure what to expect as far as side effects. I've been on the low-dose Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo, and I'd like to know what I can do to prep my body for it and to minimize any effects and also, when my body will adjust itself?

Answer
Hello Eva,
Thanks for writing.  When getting off of birth control, most women find it takes 2 or more months to get back to a regular cycle, if there are no underlying conditions.  It's possible that unless the original issue is corrected that you may go back to irregular cycles again--the pills don't always fix the problem, but perhaps it may remain regular without issue.  So if you start to see that pattern emerging again, you would want to seek some guidance in finding out why.  If you can, I'd suggest seeing a naturopathic doctor (www.naturopathic.org) or other provider who will help uncover the underlying issues instead of starting birth control again.  
There are typically some nutrients that get depleted while taking birth control, which might be useful to replace with diet and supplements.  B vitamins, especially B 6, would be first.  GI flora sometimes becomes unbalanced, which is replaced with foods like yogurt or probiotics.  Also, the birth control can be taxing to the liver, so doing a short cleanse or detoxification program, with liver supportive herbs or nutrients, might help return the body to a state of balance.  
Good luck as you make this transition.
Dr Conner