What happens to my hormones if/when I stop taking the pill?

You’ve stopped taking the pill. And now you’re wondering what’s going on with your body.

Maybe your bleed hasn’t come back yet...

Maybe your skin has flared up, your mood feels off, or you’re getting symptoms you haven’t had in years.

Maybe you just want to understand what’s actually happening hormonally now that you’re off synthetic birth control.

Let’s break it down.

First: what the pill does to your hormones

Combined oral contraceptives contain synthetic oestrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone). These hormones suppress ovulation by shutting down communication between your brain and ovaries.

While on the pill:

• You don’t ovulate.

• You don’t produce natural oestrogen or progesterone.

• The "period" you get is a withdrawal bleed, not a real menstrual period.

• Your hormones are flatlined and artificially regulated.

So when you stop taking the pill, your body has to restart its own natural hormone production - which doesn’t always happen immediately.

What happens when you stop taking the pill?

1. The brain-ovary connection reactivates:

   Your HPO axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis) slowly “wakes up” and starts talking again. Your brain starts sending hormonal signals to your ovaries to resume follicle development, oestrogen production, and eventually, ovulation.

2. Hormone levels fluctuate:

   You may experience temporary hormonal chaos... think mood swings, sore breasts, heavier or irregular periods, skin breakouts, or a resurgence of old symptoms (like PMS or cramps).

This is your body recalibrating. Not malfunctioning. Don't worry, this is all part of it.

3. Ovulation may take time to return -

   For some, ovulation resumes within a few weeks. For others, it can take several months, especially if you’ve been on the pill for years, or went on it to “fix” irregular cycles originally - and they weren't regular in the first place.

4. Post-pill syndrome may occur

   Some women experience post-pill symptoms like acne, hair shedding, low libido, digestive changes, or anxiety. Again, don't worry and don't freak out. These are often a rebound effect from suppressed hormone pathways or nutrient depletion (e.g. B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, selenium—all depleted by the pill).

   
   

As awful and negative this can all sound and be to experience, resorting to going back on the pill will not help 1. your HPO axis begin functioning naturally and normally again, 2. your hormones to naturally regulate, 3. your ovulation (and fertility; chances of conception) return.

Stick with it. It will get better.

We're going to cover how to support your body post-pill in a sec.

Does the pill “regulate” your cycle?

Quick reality check: NO. The pill doesn’t regulate your cycle. It replaces it.

If you went on the pill to manage heavy bleeds, acne, or irregular periods, those root causes were likely never addressed, just silenced.

So when you stop taking the pill, those symptoms may return unless you've done deeper work to rebalance your hormones.

How to support your hormones post-pill

If you’re transitioning off hormonal birth control, you can support your body by:

• Prioritising real food: protein, healthy fats, leafy greens, and mineral-rich carbs

• Supporting your gut and liver (crucial for hormone detox): try cruciferous veg, dandelion tea, fermented foods

• Replenishing key micronutrients: B6, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and omega-3s

• Managing stress and blood sugar: two major hormone disruptors

• Tracking your cycle: cervical mucus, basal body temp, and symptom patterns - to gain cycle & self-awareness.

• (Getting in touch with me - if you're struggling, and especially if you're into fitness & training www.georgie.co.uk)

So, to round this up,

When you stop the pill, your body transitions from synthetic hormone control to natural rhythm.

This can feel messy at first, but it’s a sign your system is reawakening.

Give your hormones time to recalibrate. Be patient, nourish deeply, and track your symptoms so you know what’s shifting.

The return of a natural cycle is one of the most empowering signs of hormone health. Give your body the time and space she needs (and support - read above) to recalibrate to her natural normal state.