Expert: Diane Cheryl - 4/8/2010

Question
Dear Diane Cheryl,
At the beginning of this month I stopped taking my birth control. I was on Nuva Ring. I made the decision to go off my birth control when I was told that I was increasing my already high risk of stroke by taking it. I was already at high risk since I am prone to migraines that affect my vision.

I had been constantly gaining weight (about 20lbs), had lost my libido, and was having problems with acne on my face, shoulders and back.

My question is: How much longer should I be experiencing these side effects now that I have stopped taking the birth control? Are there any withdrawal effects that I will notice?

Thanks so much for any advice you can give! It is truly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Laura,

I congratulate you on going off the Nuva Ring. It's probably one of the wisest decisions you will ever make.

I can't tell you the exact time you will be going through the side effects. Your side effects might be the same as what you have been experiencing but then they also could be different. Let me know what happens. I'll be thinking of you.

Diane Cheryl
CHERYL51@aol.com