Going off hormonal birth control can lead to changes in blood pressure for some women. The amount of time it takes for blood pressure to return to normal varies depending on the individual and the type of birth control that was used. In most cases, blood pressure normalizes within a few months after stopping birth control.
Overview of Birth Control and Blood Pressure
Hormonal birth control methods like the pill, patch, ring, shot, and hormonal IUD contain estrogen and progestin. These hormones work to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. However, they can also have systemic effects on other parts of the body, including the cardiovascular system.
For some women, being on hormonal birth control can raise blood pressure. Studies show that estrogen increases levels of angiotensin, a hormone that narrows blood vessels and causes fluid retention. Progestin can also increase blood pressure by promoting sodium and water retention. However, the effects vary – some women experience a dramatic rise in blood pressure on hormonal birth control, while others see little to no change.
Once hormonal birth control is stopped, angiotensin and sodium levels start to normalize again. This leads to a drop in blood pressure. But how quickly this happens depends on the individual and the type of birth control they were using.
Blood Pressure Changes by Type of Birth Control
The effects of hormonal birth control on blood pressure can vary based on the method:
- Combined oral contraceptives (estrogen + progestin pills): These can increase blood pressure in some women by 5-10 mm Hg.
- Progestin-only pills: These tend to have less effect on blood pressure.
- Birth control patch: The patch contains higher hormone levels and may have more significant effects on blood pressure.
- Birth control ring: The ring delivers consistent hormone doses and is associated with less blood pressure fluctuation.
- Birth control shot: The effects may vary depending on the hormone dosage.
- Hormonal IUD: This delivers progestin directly to the uterus, so less reaches the bloodstream.
In general, methods that contain both estrogen and progestin and deliver higher systemic hormone doses appear most likely to increase blood pressure in susceptible women.
Timeline for Blood Pressure Changes After Stopping Birth Control
So how long after discontinuing hormonal birth control can you expect blood pressure to return to normal? Here is an approximate timeline:
- 1 week after stopping: Estrogen and progestin levels start declining rapidly. Blood pressure may start to decrease.
- 1 month after stopping: Hormone levels continue falling. Blood pressure decreases more.
- 3 months after stopping: For most women, hormone levels have now dropped close to pre-birth control levels. Blood pressure often normalizes within 3 months.
- 6 months after stopping: Blood pressure typically stabilizes at this point. If not, consult a doctor.
Of course, this timeline is an estimate and can vary. Some women may see a more rapid decline in blood pressure, while for others it may take a bit longer. Things that affect the timeline include:
- Type of birth control used – methods delivering higher hormone doses may take longer to normalize.
- Duration on birth control – blood pressure is more likely to quickly revert after short-term use.
- Pre-existing blood pressure – those with hypertension may require more time to normalize.
- Age – blood pressure changes faster in younger vs. older women.
- Other health conditions – medical issues like diabetes or kidney disease can prolong effects.
Factors That May Delay Return to Normal Blood Pressure
For most healthy women, blood pressure will stabilize within 3 to 6 months after discontinuing hormonal birth control. But there are some factors that may cause it to take longer:
- Long duration of birth control use – Years of hormonal birth control use can make it take 6 months or longer to revert to baseline blood pressure levels.
- Older age – Hormone metabolism slows down as we age, so blood pressure changes more gradually in older women.
- Obesity – Excess weight exacerbates hormone effects on blood pressure.
- Sedentary lifestyle – Lack of exercise prolongs blood pressure normalization.
- High-salt diet – Excess sodium delays blood pressure stabilization.
- Stress – Stress hormones also raise blood pressure.
- Smoking – Smoking and nicotine keep blood pressure elevated.
- Alcohol use – Heavy alcohol intake can prevent blood pressure from dropping normally.
Making positive lifestyle changes like losing excess weight, exercising, eating healthy, managing stress, and quitting smoking and drinking can help normalize blood pressure more quickly after stopping birth control.
Monitoring Your Blood Pressure
The best way to track your blood pressure after discontinuing hormonal birth control is to monitor it at home. This allows you to check it frequently and watch for trends.
Guidelines recommend monitoring blood pressure:
- Daily for the first week off birth control
- Weekly for the first month off birth control
- Every 2 weeks for months 2 and 3 after stopping birth control
- Monthly after the first 3 months
Checking it at the same time each day provides consistency. Take the average of two readings done 1 minute apart. Here are optimal target ranges:
| Category | Systolic BP | Diastolic BP |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 mm Hg | Less than 80 mm Hg |
| Elevated | 120-129 mm Hg | Less than 80 mm Hg |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130-139 mm Hg | 80-89 mm Hg |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | 140 mm Hg or higher | 90 mm Hg or higher |
If your blood pressure is not trending downwards or remains persistently elevated after 6 months, consult your healthcare provider. Certain medications or lifestyle modifications may be needed to get your blood pressure under control.
Other Post-Birth Control Transition Effects
In addition to blood pressure changes, stopping hormonal birth control can cause other effects as your body adjusts. These include:
Menstrual Cycle Irregularities
It can take several months for ovulation and menses to normalize after birth control. Expect irregular, heavy, prolonged, or frequent periods as your cycle regulates itself. Track your periods to monitor progress.
Acne
Birth control helps control acne for some women. Post-birth control acne is common as hormone levels fluctuate. Use over-the-counter acne treatments and give it a few months to improve.
Mood Changes
Hormone shifts can trigger mood swings, anxiety, irritability, or depression. Emotions usually level out around 3 months post-birth control.
Weight Fluctuations
Some women lose or gain a few pounds after discontinuing birth control pills, the patch, ring, shot, or IUD. Stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Changes in Sex Drive
Libido often decreases on hormonal birth control. Many women experience an uptick in sex drive after stopping birth control pills, patches, rings, injections, or hormonal IUDs.
When to Seek Medical Care
While transient side effects are expected, consult your healthcare provider if you experience:
- No improvement in blood pressure after 6 months
- Extreme high blood pressure (systolic over 180 or diastolic over 120)
- Lack of period for over 3 months
- Persistent or severe post-birth control symptoms
- Signs of pregnancy
Your doctor can check for underlying issues, prescribe blood pressure medication if needed, and help ensure a smooth transition after discontinuing birth control.
Conclusion
For most healthy women, blood pressure starts decreasing within 1 month after stopping hormonal birth control and will return to normal within 3 to 6 months. It may take longer with extended birth control use, older age, obesity, inactivity, or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Monitor your blood pressure daily to weekly to keep tabs on your levels. With patience and healthy lifestyle choices, your blood pressure should stabilize in a reasonable timeframe.