What Causes Nausesa And Breast Tenderness After Stopping Biirth Control Pills?

Posted on Wed, 30 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 Answered on

Tue, 20 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : We have been trying to conceive for 6 months now, I came off the pill in November. I have had irregular periods, this month I have missed a period, I have had a negative blood and urine test. I am experiencing, light headedness, some nausea and breast tenderness. I am concerned that there may be something more sinister happening to me?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
AS BELOW

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
ONce you stop the pill, it takes upto 3 months for cycles to become regular, in some women, it might take longer.
THis could be one reason.
ANother is the return of PCOS that you had, as the underlying hormonal imbalance always persists.
As long as the blood and urine pregnancy tests are negative, do not worry, there is nothing sinister going on.
THe symptoms match those of hormone withdrawal from the pill or an approaching period.
When was your last period ? And what is the longest delay that you have had between periods after coming off the pill ?
Please let me know so that I can opine accordingly.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (6 hours later)

Hi thank you for your response. I wasn't actually diagnosed with PCOS rather polycystic ovaries. My last period was 5/03/14. This is the longest delay I have had so far. I had an abdominal ultrasound today along with a trans vaginal US. They didn't tell me much but they counted about 25 follicles on each ovary. Is this normal ? Do you think this would be impacting my fertility ? I am trying to keep positive by telling myself that I can conceive due to my pregnancy history

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
AS BELOW

Detailed Answer:
Yes, the ultrasound scan is highly suggestive of PCOS.
Polycystic ovaries is the picture on ultrasound, clinically corelated with delayed / irregular periods makes it a complete PCOS - polycystic ovarian syndrome.
To confirm whether you have the syndrome, get the following additional tests done apart from an ultrasound scan -
FSH, LH, TSH, Prolactin, OGTT, DHEAS, Free testosterone, Fasting Insulin, Lipid Profile.
PCOS can impact your fertility, as irregular cycles mean erratic ovulation.
You might need the help of ovulation inducing agents like Clomiphene citrate to help fertility.
You should be positive as there is no reason that women with PCOS cannot conceive, just proper treatment is required.
Also, Metformin can be given for symptomatic control.
If you are overweight, weight loss is also critical for success.
Even a 5 % weight loss will help to achieve better results.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar