I stopped taking mine back in June due to hair loss. I'd been on them for 22 years & was on one of the higher-dose ones w/a heavy androgen factor (hence the hair loss).

I just stopped taking them. I haven't had a period since I stopped - which I don't mind in the least bit - but it could be unnerving if you're having unprotected sex w/fertile men (my husband had a vasectomy). If you're having sex, use a back-up method. There aren't any serious risk-factors w/stopping your pills unless you're on them because of a hormonal imbalance or endometriosis or something like that. Usually a gynecologist would urge to you stop taking them when you get to be around 35 because of the increased risk factors for clotting disorders.