Expert: DW - 9/11/2007

Question
I have been on and off birth control since I was 18 and now I'm 24 I have been on the shot for about 2 years the patch for about three months and most recently tri sprintec for about a year.  I recently stopped taking it in June because I want to lose weight I gained about 15-20lbs on it, but I have noticed that ever since I stopped I get constipated before my period (I also got constipated when I started the pill but I didn't connect it until now) I am also very bloated and nauseous often.   There is no way I'm pregnant, I haven't been sexually active in a very long time.  So is this normal and when will my body go back to normal??  

Answer
Hi Chris,

Thanks for your email. I'm not a medical doctor so I urge you to ask your own personal physician. yes, there are many side effects from any kind of hormonal birth control. All 3 kinds that you have been on are hormonal. The symptoms you are saying are some of the side effects. I was just wondering if I could ask you a question. Please feel free to email me at DWooley97@yahoo.com with this information so I can advise you. I was just wondering why you are on birth control when you are not being sexually active. Please let me know. I can't predict when your body will go back to normal but are you going to stay off birth control right now?
Thanks.

Diane W.
DWooley97@yahoo.com