10 Things That Happened When I Stopped Taking the Pill

Like many women out there I first went on birth control as a teenager to regulate my then super sporadic cycle.

Overall, I was a late bloomer. My first tooth didn’t make an appearance until I was 14 months old and I didn’t have any hair on my head until I was 2! I was one of those girls who prayed for my period to come and envied my sister who had been wearing a bra for years before I could barely fill one out. I remember picking out my very first bra like it was yesterday (from Joyce Leslie at the mall, of course). I wore it with a TON of pride in all of its metallic rainbow glory (sorry, Mom!) and modeled it for all of my girlfriends.

At the age of 19 my period was out of control and anything but regular. I would spot for weeks at a time, and then when I thought I was in the clear, my period would reappear again full force a week or so later. It was then that I made the decision to go on birth control.

A decade later, being in a committed relationship, and approaching my thirtieth year of life, I’ve decided to walk the plank into the unknown of finally knowing what it is like to get more in tune with my “natural” cycle, sans the pill. I thought the only thing that would change would be the predictability of my cycle, but so many other things also (pleasantly) took me by surprise. Below are some of the changes I’ve experienced:

1. MY CYCLE IS A SOLID 28 DAYS

Amen to being basic! Thanks to my handy-dandy Monthly Gift. app, I’m able to track my cycle with confidence.

2. MY PERIOD MELLLOWED OUT

I went from having a four-day super powerful period to a five-day mild period.

3. I’M LESS PUFFY

The gaseous cloud that would park itself inside of my body during my period is gone. Don’t get me wrong, I still bloat, but it has been super minimal.

4. THINGS HAVE EVENED OUT

The intensity of my mood swings has decreased significantly (not kidding, ask my boyfriend!).

5. SPEAKING OF BOYFRIENDS… THE ATTRACTION TO MINE HAS INCREASED, A LOT!

We’ve been together for almost six years and the sparks seem to be flying more than ever recently.

6. I FEEL GOOD

I’m feeling lighter on my feet and more confident.

7. THE FORECAST IS PRETTY DANG SUNNY

Not that I was a Debbie-downer by any means but it really is taking a lot these days to get me down – I’m super cheery.

8. I’M BRINGING A STRONG NAIL GAME

Ever since I’ve ditched the pill my nails have been growing faster and stronger.

9. MY HAIR IS ONE STEP CLOSER TO BEYONCE-LEVEL LOCKS

Along with my nails, my hair is also growing faster and is a tad thicker than it was before. Don’t get me wrong, I still have super fine hair, however, for those of you out there that also have fine hair, you know every extra strand counts.

10. I’M HAVING AN OVERWHELMING SENSE OF WANTING TO CONCEIVE

I’ve always wanted to have children (3 of them to be exact) but something in me has ignited and I can’t wait to take that step.

Coming off of the pill wasn’t a decision I took lightly. I first discussed my options with my gynecologist to understand any risks that may be involved. After that, I discussed the idea at length with my boyfriend to make sure we were on the same page regarding contraception. There were many awesome things that came along with being on the pill, like being able to plan my period around summer vacations at the beach, oh, and having 99.9% certainty that I could not get pregnant, but I have to say I am very pleased with life after the pill and am happy with my decision to part ways with my dear pink packs.