Post-Pill PCOS

Post-pill PCOS refers to the emergence of PCOS-like symptoms—including irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, and hair loss—after stopping hormonal birth control. Birth control does not cause PCOS, but it can mask underlying hormonal imbalances by suppressing ovarian androgen production and regulating cycles artificially. When the pill is discontinued, these pre-existing symptoms resurface as the body's natural hormonal patterns resume. Symptoms typically resolve within 3-6 months as the body recalibrates, but if they persist beyond this period, medical evaluation for underlying PCOS is warranted.