Stopping the pill: what are the positive effects?

The pill is a widely used method of contraception among French women. According to Ifop , 8 out of 10 women have taken it at least once in their lives ! However, for the past few months, it has no longer been our preferred contraceptive method: it has recently been dethroned by the copper IUD , a non-hormonal and equally reliable solution ( Inserm ).

Less invasive than an IUD, the pill is often the first contraceptive method prescribed to young girls at puberty. While it has proven effective as a contraceptive, many questions remain about its use and side effects.

More and more women are choosing to stop taking the pill to explore new ways to control their fertility. If this applies to you, or if you have many questions, here are the positive effects of stopping the pill !

A few words about the contraceptive pill

To fully understand what happens in your body when you stop taking the pill , you need to be very clear about how it works.

If you are not taking the contraceptive pill , your body prepares itself each month to receive a potential embryo and carry a pregnancy to term. Under the influence of sex hormones (particularly estrogen and progesterone), you release an egg at the time of ovulation. Simultaneously, your uterus prepares to receive an embryo (fertilized egg) which will implant on its lining (implantation).

The contraceptive pill is composed of synthetic beta hormones . There are two types of pills:

• Combined pills , or estrogen-progestin pills, which contain synthetic estrogen and progesterone.

• Progestin-only pills that contain only a synthetic progestin.

First, second, and third generation contraceptives (and more if applicable) refer to the type of synthetic cell contained within the pill. Your general practitioner, gynecologist, or midwife can advise you on the most suitable medication for your needs and medical history. Note that the contraceptive pill is free for women under 26—we love that!

A pack of pills lasts 1 month : it contains 3 weeks of treatment and 1 week of medication without active ingredient. During this break week, you may experience bleeding that mimics menstruation ; this is called " withdrawal bleeding ".

If the pill has done its job correctly, it's not a true period because the contraceptive has blocked ovulation . The body is simply "reproducing" a typical menstrual cycle without any real physiological effect.

Stopping the pill: the positive effects

The benefits of natural hormones

As soon as you stop taking the pill, you give your natural sex hormones a central role once again. Estrogen, progesterone, LH, and FSH return to the forefront!

These hormones have many benefits for your body , beyond just ensuring reproduction. For example:

• They contribute to the bone regeneration process and therefore support your bone density.

• They protect blood vessels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

• They contribute to the elasticity and vascularization of tissues (skin, mucous membranes).

• They allow for good hydration of the mucous membranes and good lubrication of the vagina.

• They balance the metabolism and support the maintenance of muscle mass.

In short, these natural hormones do wonders for your entire body!

You understand better why when their rate drops in During (pre)menopause , your entire body becomes more fragile. Hormonal deficiency explains many symptoms: hot flashes, vaginal dryness , loss of libido …

Your menstrual cycle is back!

Another positive effect of stopping the pill : your menstrual cycle returns quickly (well, more like a trot; it takes a few cycles for it to return completely). Your hormones gradually get back on track, and after a few months, you start to regain a regular ovulation pattern .

This is great if you're planning to have a baby and want to maximize your chances of getting pregnant. With a natural and regular cycle , you can identify your fertile window ! In fact, some women get pregnant the first cycle after stopping the pill.

Beyond the baby project, restoring a natural cycle makes it easier to detect any hormonal dysfunctions that may be masked by the pill (PCOS or endometriosis for example).

According to a study conducted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the natural menstrual cycle is considered a true indicator of gynecological health , on par with a vital sign.

“ The menstrual cycle can help identify gynecological pathologies because abnormal variations in its duration, regularity, or the amount of menstrual flow often reflect underlying dysfunctions. ”

Note : If you suffer from a rather stubborn premenstrual syndrome (irritability, cramps, digestive problems, intense fatigue), do not hesitate to talk to a healthcare professional and explore natural solutions that can relieve you.

Stopping the pill: what impact on your libido?

One of the undesirable side effects of the pill is a decrease in libido. Again, this is (almost) simply a matter of sex hormones.

By stopping the pill, you'll regain a libido largely governed by the natural rhythm of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This doesn't mean you'll be high all the time: libido is generally higher during ovulation and lowers before menstruation. If you experience a slight dip in libido at that time, you'll know why!

No more side effects from the pill!

By deciding to stop taking the contraceptive pill , you also protect yourself from all its undesirable side effects, of course! Among the most common are:

• An increased risk of meningiomas, benign tumors of the meninges (confirmed by the ANSM, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products ).

• Micronutrient deficiencies ( vitamins, magnesium, zinc) with effects on stress management, the condition of your skin and hair, among other things.

Beyond these two side effects referenced in medical literature, each woman experiences taking the pill differently . Some express very few side effects , while others see their body completely disrupted (weight fluctuations, acne, mood swings, etc.).

Side effects don't stop immediately after stopping the pill . Your body needs some time to completely eliminate the synthetic hormones and return to its natural rhythm . If the transition period is difficult, don't hesitate to consult a doctor, gynecologist, or midwife.

Some tips for stopping the pill under the best conditions

Are you thinking of taking the plunge and stopping the pill ? The best advice we can give you is to make an appointment with a healthcare professional to determine the best time. They can also advise you if you'd like to try a new method of contraception : copper IUD , patch, implant, symptothermal method , etc.

It's generally best to stop taking the pill at the end of a pack . This triggers your artificial period and you then start a completely new cycle, without synthetic hormones. You can, of course, stop taking it whenever you want, without serious consequences, but your cycle may be a little irregular in the first few months and you'll find it difficult to predict when your period will arrive .

Consider choosing a temporary method of contraception (such as condoms) if you don't wish to conceive. If you no longer wish to use hormones and prefer to use the symptothermal method to track your cycle, wait a few months before starting to practice, to allow time for everything to return to normal!

Stopping the pill comes with many positive effects . It's an opportunity to rediscover a natural menstrual cycle and benefit from all the advantages of your sex hormones. Don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional before stopping your pill; they will guide you through a smooth transition.