First cycle off birth control in years. How long will this awfulness last?

Question

So this month is my first cycle off birth control for the better part of 6 years. Holy crap is this awful! I know I’m not pregnant, I take OPKs every day since I stopped BC, and I haven’t ovulated yet, but I am having SEVERE lower abdominal bloating accompanied by a twisting sensation. My digestion is wack, all smells are awful, and I’m gagging at everything- even having trouble taking my prenatal vitamins because they just form a lump in my throat. According to the apps, I am due to ovulate in three days (can’t confirm if that’s accurate since my OPKs haven’t detected ovulation yet). So I can only assume this is my body being angry/confused at having to ovulate again? How long does this last? Is this a first month only thing?

Answer

Did you stop mid-pack or did you finish a pack and then stop after your period?

Answer

I went off BC in December after 10 years and that first month was awful! Cramps and bloating for what I felt was all month! Your body just needs time to reset itself and regulate. After 2 cycles my body regulate. What helped me was regular workouts and eating super clean/avoiding any foods that cause extra bloating (especially dairy and alcohol). Hang it there! It’s definitely NOT fun. Makes you think of how much bc helps!

Answer

I felt like an absolute train wreck for a good three months after stopping the pill (emotionally, acne breakouts, irritable, etc.). I ovulated about 3 weeks after stopping the pill.