Expert: Norman Solberg - 9/1/2010

Question
Hi,
I am 25 years old and have been taking birth control almost constantly since i
was 18. I haven't had many problems except a few brands that made me very
moody and heavy periods. i have been thinking about getting off the pill, one,
because i am a student and the pill is expensive. Two, i have heard a lot of
issues with the pill such as strokes, tumor growths in the liver and other
blood issues. Are there any complications that could arise from getting off
the pill? Any insight would be helpful. Thank you!

Answer
The only issue from getting off the pill is that your cycles will be under the control of your ovaries.  Many women have lighter, more regular and less crampy periods on the pill, plus possibly less acne.  When you go off the pill, your ovaries start controlling your cycle, as they've been resting during the years you've been on the pill.  If there has been any change in your system since you started the pill, you'll notice it now.  Expect that your next period after the initial pill withdrawal period will be a week or 2 late.
By the way strokes and tumors in the liver are very rare, although they're a little more likely in women on the pill.