Expert: Diane Cheryl - 1/17/2007

Question
I've just recently stopped my birth control pills after being on them for a little over 4yrs.  I had my period last week but didn't start a new pack of pills on Sunday (1/14).  Since being off them I feel constantly hungry almost like I do when I pms sometimes. I am also taking Trim Spa to try and lose weight, so Im not sure if this is the culprit to increase in hunger.  Can coming off birth control cause an increase in hunger? Are there any other side effects to stopping the pill?  

ps. My husband and I are going to try to conceive that is why I got off birth control.

Answer
Dear Jennifer,
Thanks for your question. I'm not a medical professional but I just read an article which stated these side effects--
anxiety, panic attacks, heart palpitations and fluttering, depressions, excessive weight gain, and hair loss. So it doesn't say specifically hunger but it does say weight gain.
I congratulate you in advance on your new addition to the family. Hope all goes well. Please email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com and update me.
Thanks.
Diane Cheryl