Navigating Your Period After Coming Off Hormonal Birth Control
Coming off hormonal birth control is a big shift - for your body, your hormones, and your routine. There are countless reasons you may come off hormonal birth control, but one thing's for sure: your body will need to readjust to its new hormonal state. This can come with side effects like new period symptoms, weight changes, acne changes, even food preferences! Your period might completely change now that there aren't synthetic hormones interfering with your natural cycle, and that can be confusing or scary. It may feel like getting your period for the first time all over again! No matter your age or how long you've had a period, coming off birth control can feel like a huge shift into a new stage of life, so here are our best tips for navigating your period post-birth control.
It may take a few months for your period to return after coming off birth control - that's totally normal! Some people experience withdrawal bleeding - bleeding immediately after stopping hormonal birth control.
Your period might be different than it was on birth control (or before birth control). It may be heavier or lighter, shorter or longer. It will probably take several months before you have regular, predictable periods again, so in the mean time, it's best to be prepared for you period, even if you're not expecting it. We suggest keeping an emergency period kit on you (with some Viv Pads, Liners, or Tampons), in case of surprise bleeding. Track your period and your symptoms so you know when you're back on schedule.
Getting acquainted with your new period is a great time to start a new period routine. Now is the perfect opportunity to choose products that are better for your body and the earth. Use your period as an opportunity for self care. If your period is heavier than it used to be, you may need extra protection. Viv Pads are a great way to stay comfortable & reduce irritation, while being more absorbent because they're made of bamboo fiber.
If you have never tried a menstrual cup before, your new period is the perfect opportunity to try one! Cups are reusable and safe, making them an affordable and toxin-free alternative to tampons or pads, while being completely zero-waste! Plus you can leave the Viv Cup in for 12 hours at a time, so you can forget you're even on your period.
It's important to note that as soon as you come off hormonal birth control, you are no longer protected from pregnancy, so you should start alternative contraceptive methods if you're not trying to get pregnant.
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