Should I take a break from the pill?

**punnitac** · 09-10-2010 11:58 PM

I've currently gone overseas for awhile without my boyfriend and am thinking about going off the pill (levelin) while we are apart (4 months). Is this a good idea?
Should I just stay on it rather than messing up my adjusted hormones?
Will I be doing more damage than good by giving my body a rest from the pill for a while?

**Mes T** · 09-11-2010 07:38 AM

Yeah I think going off it for 4 months would be a bad idea. It would confuse your body.

**WildChild** · 09-11-2010 07:49 AM

Talk to your health care provider. Back in the early days of the pill, doctors advised going off the pill every few years and giving your body a chance to establish a regular cycle without it before going back on. If you went on and off and on and off, I would agree with Mes but this sounds like a good time to give your body a break from the artificial interference.

**punnitac** · 09-11-2010 10:38 AM

thank you for the replies but now i am even more confused.. maybe 4 months is too short a time to go off it and then go back on it?

**ItsASecret** · 09-11-2010 10:44 AM

It depends on what you want. If you feel fine on the pill, as in no side effects including anything from heavier periods to headaches then I see no reason to come off of it. Coming off will make your body readjust to having it not in you in about a month or so. Going back on after will cause your body to yet again readjust to having it so basically coming off and on will be annoying for your body as all it wants is consistency. If you can still take the pill while having insurance then it may be best not to go off. If you do not have insurance to cover some of the cost then you could come off of it to save a few bucks.

**Faerunner** · 09-12-2010 09:45 AM

4 months should be enough to re-set your natural cycle if you want, although as ItsASecret said if you aren't having any negative side effects you might just want to stay on it. I got headaches and cramps after getting off the pill and it could cause some irregular bleeding while you're off it and re-adjusting, which can be a real inconvenience when you're trying to navigate an already complicated overseas visit.

It's ultimately up to you; if you don't think it's necessary or financially worthwhile to stay on it then by all means let your body have a break. Otherwise, I'd suggest staying on it for the sake of predictability and to ensure that when you do come back to your boyfriend you'll be protected immediately rather than having to wait to get back on a regular pill cycle.

**punnitac** · 09-13-2010 08:10 AM

Thanks very much for your responses, I think I will go back on it as cost is not an issue and I am not getting any negative side effects from it. Thanks for helping me come to a conclusion!