u/Eastern-Structure-67

I've been taking the pill for 8 years. I'm 30 now, and I started when I was 22 because I had very irregular periods and didn't have enough progesterone. I generally haven't had any side effects except for water retention and a lot of cellulite. I'm a professional athlete and I train 6 times a week. I look very fit and I'm happy, but that soft look and water retention really frustrate me. I feel like I'm progressing 50% slower in terms of physical appearance because of the pill. I'd like to stop but I don't know what to expect? Has anyone had similar experiences? I'm also very afraid of pregnancy, and I'm also afraid that my cycle will be disrupted naturally and that in a few years I won't even be able to get pregnant because my gynecologist told me 8 years ago to take the pill until I decide to get pregnant because that's when I'm most fertile. I'm open to advice and experiences from women who have come off the pill or switched to another method of contraception. Thank you! 🩷