Stopping the pill: how long does it take to get your period back?

Often praised, sometimes controversial, the pill remains the most popular contraceptive method among French women . According to the latest figures from Public Health France, 40% of women have adopted it. The pill is also frequently prescribed as the first method of contraception : 60% of women aged 15 to 19 choose this option.

Why do we love it so much? It's easy to take, super effective, and its effects are reversible. If you've chosen this method yourself, have you ever wondered what would happen if you stopped taking the pill ? How long would it take for your period to return or for you to get pregnant again?

The Puissante team has conducted the investigation for you.

What you need to know about the contraceptive pill

What is the contraceptive pill?

Invented in the United States in 1956, the contraceptive pill appeared in France following a major campaign for family planning. While the pill is now well established in our daily lives, it is actually quite recent…

This contraceptive comes in tablet form and can be prescribed by a midwife, doctor, or gynecologist. It is composed of synthetic hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

In theory, its effectiveness is 99.7% , meaning if you religiously take your pill at the same time every day. In practice, its effectiveness is 92% , because this takes into account the risk of missed doses and occasional missed doses .

The pill protects you from the risk of pregnancy but not from STIs and STDs (sexually transmitted infections and diseases). We therefore encourage you to use a condom in addition and/or to get tested regularly.

Furthermore, if you are under 26 and have had unprotected sex, go get tested : it's covered by Health Insurance!

How does the pill work?

On the market, you will find 2 types of pill:

1. Estrogen-progestin pills

Combined oral contraceptive pills , also called estrogen-progestin pills, contain synthetic estrogen and progesterone. There are different types of combined oral contraceptive pills that vary according to:

• the dose of progestin,

• the dose of estrogen,

• the intake protocol.

This contraceptive prevents the release of hormones that trigger ovulation . It also acts on the cervical mucus , thickening it to block sperm. As an added benefit, this pill alters the composition of the endometrium (uterine lining) to prevent implantation should a sperm manage to fertilize the egg.

2. Progestin-only pills

Progestin-only or mini-progestin pills contain only a synthetic progestin. These pills are often prescribed to women who cannot take estrogen-based medication, to women over 35, and/or to women who smoke.

They act in exactly the same way as their estrogen-progestin counterpart on the cervical mucus and endometrium, and they partially block ovulation.

They are both equally effective! The healthcare professional who is assisting you will choose the most suitable treatment based on your profile and medical history.

Instructions for using the contraceptive pill and its effects on menstruation

A pill pack contains either:

• 21 tablets: you take your pill daily for three weeks then take a one-week break which corresponds to menstruation.

• 28 tablets: you take your pill every day of the month but 7 of these tablets do not contain any active ingredient.

If your doctor has just prescribed this contraceptive , the first day of taking it will be on the first day of your period .

The advantage of the pill is that with it, you know exactly when your period will start , since everything is programmed. Of course, the more rigorously you take it, the more effective it is.

For medical reasons, it is also possible to take the pill continuously to avoid menstruation , especially if it is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms. Always consult a healthcare professional!

How is it possible to have periods while on the pill?

If you are not using contraception , you produce an egg each month. If it is not fertilized, it will be expelled naturally during menstruation , along with the uterine lining that had become so comfortable to receive it.

But if you're on the pill, how come you still get your period even though you're not ovulating ? Is this all just a big charade?

A little, yes…

In fact, the bleeding you observe during your pill-free week is not “real” menstruation. These are periods mimicked by the absence of synthetic hormones. They are called “ withdrawal bleeding.”

Another important point: among the side effects of the pill, some people experience light, irregular bleeding outside of their period week. Again, this is not menstruation but a reaction of your body to taking hormonal medication daily. If you decide to stop taking the pill, this spotting will also disappear.

Stopping the pill: what happens in your body

Can you stop taking the pill abruptly?

If you wish to stop taking the pill , it's possible! Talk to your healthcare provider beforehand; they will share the best practices to follow depending on the reason for stopping.

For example, if you wish to change your method of contraception , there is a short transition period during which you must use an additional form of contraception (such as condoms). For at least a week, you are no longer protected against the risk of pregnancy.

However, if you wish to become pregnant or have your periods return to normal , it is advisable to finish your current pack of pills before stopping. This is much better for restoring a regular menstrual cycle and, therefore, (more or less) regular periods.

If you choose to stop taking the pill mid-pack , it won't pose a major health risk, but your body might be a little out of sorts, and your periods could be affected too. Proceed at your own risk!

How long does it take for your period to return after stopping the pill?

The pill is so often chosen by French women in part because its effects are reversible and it doesn't impact fertility . Therefore, you can quickly regain ovulation and natural periods if you choose to stop taking it.

Some women actually get pregnant just a few weeks after stopping the pill!

Of course, every woman is unique. For some, the return to a biological menstrual cycle is very quick. For others, it takes several months. Sometimes, the first natural period can be a little difficult to understand: shorter, longer, heavier or lighter, or more or less painful…

In the early stages, to better anticipate them, pay attention to the warning signs : less supple cervical mucus , a feeling of dryness, a somewhat stubborn premenstrual syndrome … Your body is telling you!

Stopping the pill: can you get pregnant immediately?

If you have missed or stopped taking your pill less than 12 hours ago , there is no risk of pregnancy; you are still protected. Generally, it is recommended to take the missed pill as soon as possible and maintain your usual dosing schedule. This may vary slightly from one type of pill to another, so don't hesitate to ask for advice.

If it has been more than 12 hours (or if you vomited your previous pill), you can become pregnant. Even if you take the missed pill, it is advised that you use a condom for at least a week .

On the other hand, if you have plans to have a baby, you can get started right away! We told you so: as soon as you stop taking the pill, your fertility comes roaring back.

If you had questions about stopping the pill, the return of your period and your fertility , you now have some answers!

Even though the pill is the method of contraception often recommended by healthcare professionals, we encourage you to explore all the options available to you: patch, implant, symptothermal method, IUD with or without hormones…

In fact, abstinence is also considered a legitimate form of contraception. Granted, it's not the most exciting, but it's the only one that promises 100% effectiveness! Otherwise, the pill is a good option too…