Sex & Romance
Dear Community,
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
1st month off of BCP.
Hi...I am on my 1st month off BCP and I am feeling kind of gross and was wondering if the symptoms I am having are normal. I have been on the pill for over 10 years and am not really sure what a cycle off the pill feels like. My breasts are very sore and a bit swollen, I am retaining a ton of water. I generally feel achy and tired. I also am noticing much more cramping than I ever experienced on the pill, but it generally is only on one side at a time. Any help would be appreciated.
Re: 1st month off of BCP.
I was on the pill for 10 years and have been off for almost 6 months. The bad news is that the first few (not just first, unfortunately) are MISERABLE. The worst for me is that my migraines are back for a day or two before I start. But, I'll tell you that it does get better! Also, my husband has been so supportive when I am sick. I've learned to listen to my body, take hot baths when I need it, drink tea, take naps, etc. And don't forget, ibuprofen is your friend!
All that said, I love being off BC. We're not TTC right away; I came off to focus on getting healthy and to learn about my cycle, since I have PCOS. It has been a frustrating journey at times, but I know that it's worth it. Since coming off, I've lost 10 pounds. Oh, and my sex drive has come back.
Good luck, hang in there, and most importantly, take this time to really focus on taking care of you.
With BCP, they are suppressing the symptoms of your normal cycle. When getting off something that has been suppressing for a long time will lead to an extreme reaction- enhanced symptoms. This will occur from a month to 4 months until the cycle is back on its normal path.
Cramping is usually due to an excess of progesterone. Eating a healthy diet of beans, legumes and select veggies can help along with taking about 1000 IU's of magnesium. Magnesium has been shown time and time again to reduce spasity of the skeletal muscle. Evening Primrose Oil taken within the first 4 days of the cycle can greatly reduce the effects of PMS. Drink lots of water, stay clear of caffeine and dairy for reducing and even eliminating cramping, gas and bloating. If this still is not helping and you need some immediate relief, try 200mg of naproxen sodium (Aleve) after or with a meal. The effects are almost immediate.
Good luck!