For those who have stopped taking bcp

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-30-2003
For those who have stopped taking bcp
11
Fri, 02-06-2004 - 10:41am
How long did it take for your cycles to go back to normal? The reason I ask is that I stopped taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen in August. Since then, my period has effectively phased itself out. One month it lasted 5 days, then 3, then 1, and now I haven't bled in 2 months! I've taken two home pregnancy tests, both of which have come out negative. I read that skipping up to three periods should not be reason to be alarmed, so I'm trying to wait it out and see if I get one next month before going to the doctor. I was just curious if anyone else experienced this after stopping the pill and how long it took to get your period back?

TIA

Aimee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2003
Fri, 02-06-2004 - 10:45am
My 7 post-pill periods have been spaced anywhere from 29 to 36 days apart. They last about 3 days, maybe 4 (a day or two of that is only spotting).

I've never heard the "three months" thing. If you're geting really worried, I'd say it could be time to go see your doctor!

Good Luck.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Fri, 02-06-2004 - 12:00pm
Oh Aimee!

Did you read my post "whats up with my period"? Please read it if you havent. We are having a very similar problem! This is my first period that isnt like always. I called the dr office and the nurse said to go ahead and take a hpt just to be sure, but she figures that things are probably ok since we have been careful. I will take the hpt in the am when my husband is here(I cant bear to do it by myself!) Let me know what you think about my situation. And let us know what you find out about the missed periods of yours!

Thanks, Josie

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Fri, 02-06-2004 - 12:05pm
Happyjusttwo,

Did you see my post "whats up with my period"? Let me know what you think. Only a couple weeks till the vasectomy......

Thanks,

Josie

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-30-2003
Fri, 02-06-2004 - 1:30pm
Josie,

I don't think that you are probably pregnant. I really think that what both of us are experiencing is because of the bcp. I didn't have any fear taking my hpt because I didn't think I was pregnant, I was just making sure. The last 2 periods I had were actually more like spotting than bleeding, too. I just sort of counted them as a period. At least it was something!

If you're interested, check out these posts that I found on a similar topic.

http://www.fertilitext.org/ubb/Forum12/HTML/000557.html

Although, most of the women were trying to get pregnant, they seem to have been experiencing the same thing. That's what leads me to think what you and I are experiencing is due to the hormones in the bcp.

Anyway, I'm going to let it ride for another month and see what happens. If still no period, I'll be headed to the gyno. I'll post again and let you know what happened if you're interested.

Aimee

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-03-2004
Fri, 02-06-2004 - 7:44pm
Aimee, Wow this is weird I am having the same problem too. I was on the pill for 7 years and went of in sept. I wasnt expecting period to come in Oct but i got it, along with pms i never had on the pill. Nov. was norm and Dec. was a week late. but here it is now feb. 6th and im 3 weeks late. I took 2 hpt both neg. Im stressing out pretty bad about it so i made a drs appt. whether shell say wait it out or not i dont know. but at least ill get a drs opinion on whats the problem. I just think its odd I was pretty normal right after going off and now 5 months later its messed up. How long were you on the pill? Were you irregular before going on? Good luck to you...
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Fri, 02-06-2004 - 10:11pm
Aimee,

Thanks for your advice. This afternoon my period arrived. It wasnt late; those 7 days of spotting freaked me out! That was unusual for me. At least we have each other and the other poster to question when our periods are weird! Thanks again!

Josie

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-30-2003
Wed, 02-11-2004 - 4:09pm
tdenise,

I just saw your message today. Sorry for not responding sooner.

I was on bcp for about 5 years. I took my last pack in August. Before I started the pills, I was fairly regular. I mean, I didn't start on exactly the same day, like I did on the pill, but I usually could guess the week I would start. This is just weird.

If you don't mind, keep me posted on what your doc says. I'm gonna have to go next month if nothing happens soon.

Aimee


iVillage Member
Registered: 02-03-2004
Wed, 02-11-2004 - 8:58pm
Aimee, Hi I just had my Drs. appt. and she said to give it another month yet. since i only skipped one cycle. She also said since my period was normal for the 1st 3 months she doubts its pill related. she said that normal healthy womean my skip a period every know and then. So she couldnt give me an exact reason but apparently one cycle is no big deal. If I were you though I would see a dr since its longer for you. so im still waiting. let me know how you make out. good luck

denise
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Thu, 02-12-2004 - 1:29pm
Hi Aimee,

I am the one who posted about missing three periods while on necon 1/35. I had my appointment today and they just checked my weight, blood pressure and of course did a pregnancy test (negative). I always have light periods on this pill and they are usually every other month. She said my uterus is not building up enough lining to shed, no worries.

I know that it can take a few months to get back on track after bcp, but I don't have any words of wisdom for you. Make sure to see a doc if you haven't yet.

Best of luck!

Holly
Holly
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-30-2003
Thu, 02-12-2004 - 1:50pm
Denise,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad everything is okay with you. I guess I'll have to get on the phone and make an appointment...

Aimee

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