Expert: Glen Aukerman, M.D. - 10/21/2008

Question
Hello Doctor,

I have been on birth control for about 2.5-3 years...I have been doing some reading and have had an annoying side effect (I've been getting outbreaks of canker sores around 1-2 times a month). I started taking my B-vitamins and it went away...but then I realized that the pills were depleting my body of essential nutrients..I've done some studies in homepathy, and natural living and have decided to discontinue the pill for health reasons...I have been on a low-dose Ortho Tri Cyclen lo and am now on my off week. Instad of resuming my new pack Sunday, I will continue to stay off of it...what can I expect? Drastic changes? Weight loss? Hair loss? Hormonal mood swings?

Also, what can be taking in to prep myself? I already take in pure fish oil (liquid form), distilled and from Norway (from health food store), B-complex vitamin derived from whole foods (tablet form), including my folate, B-vitamins and a bit of biotin, etc.

How long can I anticipate before getting back to normal (with my hormones)? I started the pill due to my irregular cycles (about 1-2 months apart) and the pill corrected that...but I do not wish to stay on this for that reason, because I am a healthy individual. What would you suggest?

Answer
if one was taking the time released B-100 from www.puritansale.com and the omega-3 supreme from the same company before each meal then should be OK to come off but will be very fertile and back to normal in 3 months from our experience
The company product you mention does not appear to work