Expert: Brigid Kowalczyk - 7/24/2006

Question
Hello

I am 28 years old and have been on Ortho-Cyclen 28 for 11 years. I really didn't think there were any side effects till I started reading around and realized that perhaps underneath I more of happier person. And maybe I do have a sex drive. Currently on the pill I really don't.

Anyway now that I have decided to quit, I want to know what the symptoms will be. I've read on sites how people are more miserable and more emotional, and I want to know when everything should return back to normal. Right now I am on day three and the first day I felt so exhausted and awful, I'm not sure why.

So if you could provide some answers that would be great. Also what form of birth control would you advise since I'm not looking to get pregnant?

Thanks so much.

Answer
It will take time for your body to regain normalcy.  I cannot predict how long that will take.  Unfortunately, sex drive can be lost permanently by taking the pill for a long time, like you did.  But eventually you should feel a lot better as your natural hormones take over and the problems from the artificial ones gradually dissapate.  Other than that, there are no side effects, there is just gradual improvement.