Anxiety after stopping birth control: Post birth control syndrome

If you’re currently experiencing anxiety after stopping birth control, you’re probably wondering why this is happening and how you can manage it. While we want to acknowledge that more medical testing is needed to explain the link between hormonal contraceptives and anxiety (especially considering that some women who go on hormonal birth control find that the medication actually increases their anxiety [2]), we first want to affirm your experience and let you know that it’s quite common to have anxiety after stopping birth control as well.

In this article, we’ll have a conversation about anxiety as it relates to birth control and what you can do to manage your mental health during this transition.

Why do I have anxiety after stopping my hormonal contraceptive?

It’s a valid question, as many people associate birth control with physical health rather than mental health after all. However, your hormones influence many of your bodily functions — not just your menstrual cycle. And while anxiety has many different causes, hormonal change is one of them. [3]

Let’s do a quick refresher on how hormonal birth control works. There are different types of birth control that work in several ways to prevent pregnancy. Hormonal birth control works by alterating hormone levels in our body, this usually stops ovulation (the release of a female egg cell). With no egg cell to fertiltize, we can’t get pregnant. Hormonal birth control also tends to thicken cervical mucus, this can stop sperm from traveling through the reproductive tract, also preventing fertilization from happening. With that in mind, there are currently two potential explanations for why people who come off of hormonal birth control experience anxiety:

1. Hormone restabilization: One explanation is that your body’s natural hormones need time to return after the synthetic hormones in the contraception withdraw from your system. This transition can take a few months, but your body’s natural cycle and hormone levels should return to normal relatively soon. If that’s the case, anxiety should be temporary.
   
   
2. Underlying condition: The other explanation is that the birth control was actually alleviating an underlying chronic anxiety disorder, or a hormonal sensitivity such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), that was present before you started the hormonal contraception. When you come off of your contraceptive, any existing conditions that were present before, including anxiety, may come back. [4]

When will my anxiety go away after stopping my birth control?

The answer to this depends on the root cause of the anxiety mentioned above. If your natural hormones need a few months to restabilize after stopping your birth control, you should see this anxiety subside within three cycles (or about three months), and up to six cycles maximum. Some women find that this happens sooner — sometimes even within a week of stopping their birth control. It all depends on your body’s unique chemistry. [4]

If your anxiety doesn’t seem to be going away within this timeframe, it’s worthwhile to see a doctor about the potential for an underlying chronic anxiety condition that may need specialized care and treatment. More on that below.

How can I manage my anxiety after stopping my hormonal birth control?

In this transitional period, there are a few widely accepted methods you can use to manage these symptoms while your body is working to naturally stabilize your hormones. These coping methods include but aren’t limited to:

Mindfulness meditation

Hundreds of studies reviewed by the American Psychological Association have shown that mindfulness practices are effective at reducing anxiety and other mood disorders. A daily mindfulness practice can encourage healthy emotional regulation by training your attention to focus solely on the present moment (giving your mind a bit of a break from worry), and helping you build a sense of acceptance and peace. [5]

There are many mindfulness meditation resources available at little to no cost, including apps designed to teach you helpful techniques right in the palm of your hand. All you need is a few moments of calm and a quiet space to practice. You can also check your community for local meditation meetups, usually found in yoga studios or the like. They may offer guided meditation or specialized breathing classes along with yoga.

Exercise

Exercising regularly can energize you overall, support your bodily functions, and alleviate anxiety. It is generally recommended to get about 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, which is about 30 minutes of exercise five times per week.

Studies have shown that high-intensity exercise like running and other types of cardio is particularly effective at reducing anxiety, but any movement that you can manage can help alleviate symptoms (especially if you’re just starting out – it may not be safe to jump into a high-intensity workout session right away). [6] You may find a brisk 30-minute walk outside is enough to boost your mood and reduce anxiety.

Extra vitamins and supplements

Some studies have shown that prolonged use of oral contraceptives can lead to a deficiency in vitamin B and folic acid. Vitamin B particularly influences our mood, so taking a B-Complex vitamin as well as a folic acid supplement may help to stabilize your anxiety symptoms. [7]

Everyone’s body, lifestyle, and environment allow for different levels of engagement with the activities listed above. You may find a separate coping method that works well for you outside of this list (painting, reading, socializing, or even cooking can all be meditative, relaxing activities as well). We encourage you to follow your instincts when it comes to rest and mental health. You know what works best for you and your body.

What is post-birth control syndrome?

This sense of anxiety caused by a change in your hormonal birth control regimen is sometimes referred to as ‘post-birth control syndrome’. While it’s important to note that this is not a formal medical diagnosis at the moment, you may hear natural practitioners using this term to refer to the experience of mood disorders (and other symptoms) after coming off of birth control. [4]

Are there other symptoms of post-birth control syndrome?

Yes, post-birth control syndrome encompasses all symptoms associated with stopping hormonal contraception. Many of the other symptoms aside from anxiety are quite similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and can include acne, breast tenderness, and headaches. [4]

An over-the-counter pain killer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help alleviate headaches and breast tenderness, as well as warm compresses. Over-the-counter pimple patches, facial washes, and gentle creams are usually a cost-effective and simple method for treating acne, especially if it isn’t chronic or cystic. If the condition is more serious, you can always consult a doctor or dermatologist for a more intense antiseptic cream, retinoid gel, or the like. [8] Learn more about the link between birth control and acne.

Some women also experience irregular periods when they come off of birth control, usually having heavier periods than they did on the contraception. Read our article on what to expect when stopping birth control to learn more.

Remember that any underlying conditions you may have had before starting birth control, including PMS, PMDD, or other conditions that are associated with anxiety, may return after stopping birth control. [4] This is part of why testing this particular syndrome is complicated for the medical community — it is currently difficult to know for sure which condition these symptoms are stemming from.

While it’s normal to have slightly irregular menstruation for a few cycles after stopping birth control as it can take your body a while to adjust, it’s important to note that if these last longer than three to six months, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor. They will be able to rule out any other conditions and may be able to give you more information about the changes happening in your body.

Should I see a doctor about my anxiety after stopping my hormonal contraceptive?

We always recommend talking to your doctor when you’re thinking about changing or stopping birth control. They can help you transition in the safest way possible and may have specific, personalized recommendations based on your health and history.

If you’ve stopped birth control already, and your anxiety has persisted for several months, it’s also a good time to talk to a healthcare professional. You should also see your doctor if your anxiety is so severe that it’s interfering with daily activities and relationships, and if the coping methods listed above don’t seem to be making a difference. All of this may indicate an underlying chronic anxiety condition that needs a different form of treatment.

They may suggest new medications to manage the condition, or forms of talk therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (also commonly referred to as CBT). Your doctor may also refer you to a specialized psychiatrist who can better assess your symptoms and create the best treatment regimen to make sure you feel your best each day. [1]

There is a lot of stigma surrounding both the menstrual cycle and mental health, and that means conditions relating to these often go undiagnosed. But you don’t need to suffer in silence. There are treatment options, and help is available. If you find your anxious or depressive thoughts are becoming too much, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention helpline, where you can get free and confidential support. 

Get to know your natural cycle

Moving away from hormonal birth control? Natural Cycles is a hormone-free alternative that’s FDA Cleared and certified as contraception. Not only can you prevent pregnancy without hormones, but you can also document symptoms and cycle changes in the NC° app, making it easy to spot patterns and document anything you’d like to share with your doctor. Why not find out if natural birth control could work for you?