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I went off after 10 years, and had no problems with my cycle normalizing. I think maybe the first cycle after I went off was 5 weeks? But after that it immediately got into a consistent 27 day cycle.

Pros: My skin wasn't affected at all and my sex drive increased.

Cons: I put on around 10 lbs I couldn't ever shake, my cramps were worse (not awful, but worse than they had been). I was a little bit more hormonal right before my period, and always got a bad headache or migraine the day before or day I started my period.

I was on it for 14 years and I didn't have any issues going off it. Well other then more skin breakouts. Cycle went regular right away. Only difference was I would spot a couple days before my period start. I went right off the pill to TTC, and we got pregnant on cycle #3.

@LindsayInNYC: They came back (and then some) when I got pregnant--makes sense since BC works by tricking your system into thinking you're already pregnant.
Actually if you had side effects on BC that is a preview of some symptoms you'll have in pregnancy.

@LindsayInNYC: I gave it several months off before TTC-- stopped the pill in April, started trying in Sept. I was super nervous that it would take a really long time to regular, but it really didn't. I also started charting temps right when I went off so I could make sure I was ovulating, since i was really nervous about that too, but it wasn't a problem for me. It made me feel better about waiting until the fall to start trying, since I knew everything was working as it should be. If we didn't have a scheduled time to start we would have probably given it a month.

Oh and my skin issues weren't that bad, it was more that I had to get used to having oily skin instead of dry skin. Like I needed different face products.

I forgot-- I also go some awful menstrual migraines the first month-- seriously brutal, but didn't get one after the first month until the day I got my BFP.

I felt soooo much better! BC makes me achy and a little bit depressed, so within two days, I felt soo much better in those regards. I had a few breakouts, but nothing terrible. My first cycle was relatively regular, but I had a super short period the first time. After that I had a longer than normal cycle, and then things seemed to smoothe out. Oh, and my atrocious cramps came back. Good luck!!

I was on BC for about 10ish years, and the first month off was pretty rough. I had really awful PMS and cramps almost the whole first cycle! BUT the next three cycles (which became pretty regular right away) between going off and getting a BFP were great! I had no weight gain, no bad cramps, not even my usual menstrual migraine. It was lovely Good luck to you!

I was on BCP for about 10 years. When I went off I gained a few pounds, my skin did break out (but is slowly getting better), my hair seemed to change (thinner) and I started getting cramps (which I've never had before). My cycles are still on the long side of 35 days but each month get shorter and shorter. It seems like all negatives but I am so happy to be off of it. I'm charting and it's really crazy what your body can tell you!

I was only on it for 7 years or so but nothing really changed when coming off from it, my cycles regulated right away.

I feel much better off BC as well. My cycle days since being off have been 28, 25, 29 and 30. I get bad acne right around O time. The differences in CM is also crazy...did not see that coming! Lol

Overall I feel like I have more energy and am more myself. Now that we are TTC I am glad I went off a few months ago to get my body used to it.

I came off BCP in September, after about 10 years on (with maybe an 18mo break somewhere in the middle), My cycles have been longish, but steadily getting shorter - and from what I remember they used to be on the long side anyway.

Have to say, unfortunately I have been experiencing both skin breakouts AND gained a few lbs... not really what I wanted, BUT, in myself I actually feel much better! More positive I guess; since I feel like I am starting to get to know my own body much better, and kinda feel more in control now I can 'see the signs' etc! We're now actively TTC although tbh I'm not 100% sure I've actually ovulated for definite yet. That's been the hardest thing for me I think - not knowing for sure if my body is doing what it's supposed to, since it's kind of "mission critical" to baby-making, haha!

Best thing about coming off BCP? Sex drive is much higher now, I was starting to feel like somebody stole my libido so glad to discover that wasn't the case at all!

Best of luck with TTC!

so exciting! i was on bc for about 15 years and surprisingly i had little to no symptoms going off of it. i was particularly worried about acne, but my skin was fine--that is, until i got pregnant! then i had to deal with it for a few weeks before it calmed down. everyone's different, but in any case, good luck to you!