I have been taking ortho cyclen for the last ten years. My husband and I decided that I would get off of them Jan 1. Â Since then I have had episodes of confusion, decreased alertness, and some dizziness, just plain not feeling myself. The first episode lasted for a couple of days. Â And now once again, it has been a couple of days of feeling unusual. I am not even sure if the bouts have anything to do with the birth control. I have read that there is changes in mood, weight… but not mental clarity. Have you heard of anything similar??? Could these symptoms be related to me quitting birth control. I live in Mexico so it is difficult to communicate this situation to any doctors. Â What would you recommend? Thank you so much for any help.
Home » Ask The Expert » Decrease in Mental Clarity after Discontinuing Oral Contraceptives?
Decrease in Mental Clarity after Discontinuing Oral Contraceptives?
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Last Updated: July 3, 2013
The symptoms you describe should definitely be evaluated by a physician. There are many possible causes of confusion and dizziness; some of them are quite serious. A thorough exam is always indicated, when a person has a new onset of symptoms such as you are experiencing.
I do not know of any relationship between your symptoms, and discontinuing the BCP. You mention dificulty in communicating with doctors where you are. I am not sure if you mean it is difficult to see a doctor, or that it is hard to talk to the doctor. If you mean the latter, perhaps you could take a friend or your husband with you, to help verify what you are experiencing. It is also a good idea to write down the specific things that occured, and when, as well as any questions you have, prior to the visit, so that you do not forget something, once you are at the doctor’s office.
Gail McNaughton
I do not know of any relationship between your symptoms, and discontinuing the BCP. You mention dificulty in communicating with doctors where you are. I am not sure if you mean it is difficult to see a doctor, or that it is hard to talk to the doctor. If you mean the latter, perhaps you could take a friend or your husband with you, to help verify what you are experiencing. It is also a good idea to write down the specific things that occured, and when, as well as any questions you have, prior to the visit, so that you do not forget something, once you are at the doctor’s office.
Gail McNaughton
Answered By:
Gail McNaughton, NP
Gail McNaughton, NP, is a Nurse Practitioner
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