Do I Need to Wean Off the Pill Slowly?
Question
I’m 35. I’ve been on the Pill since I was 16. I want to stop taking the Pill. We use other means of contraception. I’m healthy. My question: Should I wean off of the Pill by taking a lower dosage for a month or two (or more?) or can I just stop “cold turkey?” Thank you.
Andrea
Answer
Last Updated: December 30, 2014
Thank you for your question Andrea.
I am concerned that you have been on the pill 19 years but happy to know you are healthy and want to get off it. There is no need to wean yourself off it. Just stop. Do know that your body is going to take some time, even up to a year in some cases, to regulate itself and begin again to go through the natural hormonal changes that it did before you started the pill. The brand and dose as well as the length of time your body was not ovulating will determine when you will have a healthy cycle again.
I would suggest that you take advantage of this opportunity to educate yourself about natural family planning and its many advantages to your personal health, learn the signs each day that your body gives you about your fertility, and come to appreciate the benefits of not using any contraceptive.
You can check this website for a teacher in your area or link to “One More Soul” if you’re out of state.
I wish you well.
Judy Wilmurt
I am concerned that you have been on the pill 19 years but happy to know you are healthy and want to get off it. There is no need to wean yourself off it. Just stop. Do know that your body is going to take some time, even up to a year in some cases, to regulate itself and begin again to go through the natural hormonal changes that it did before you started the pill. The brand and dose as well as the length of time your body was not ovulating will determine when you will have a healthy cycle again.
I would suggest that you take advantage of this opportunity to educate yourself about natural family planning and its many advantages to your personal health, learn the signs each day that your body gives you about your fertility, and come to appreciate the benefits of not using any contraceptive.
You can check this website for a teacher in your area or link to “One More Soul” if you’re out of state.
I wish you well.
Judy Wilmurt
Answered By:
Judy Wilmurt
Judy Wilmurt, Professional Member of CANFP, and past member of the Executive Board, taught the Creighton Model FertilityCare System of NFP in the Oakland region, wherre she resides with her husband Eric.
