Going off bcp and having regular AFs
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| Wed, 08-20-2003 - 8:53pm |
I went off bcp in June because DH and I decided we wanted to try for #3. Went off mid-pack. 3 days later, have a very short AF, 3 days, somewhat normal flow for me.
In July, swore I was pg, but got AF again. 3 days long with not much more than spotting here or there. Took blood tests, came back negative.
It's now August. Charted, used OPK's and DH and I bd that day after FF said I O'd (he was gone and that was the closest to Oing that we could get) I have been having several symptoms, tender bbs, blue veins popping up out of nowhere on bbs, constipation (TMI, haven't had a BM for like 4 days), and have been tired alot. Right now, I'm 13 dpo.
On 10 dpo, I began spotting. It's pretty much stopped today. Really only spotted when I was vertical, standing. If I was sitting or laying down, nothing.
Here's my questions now:
1. After bcp, how long does it usually take to have normal periods (talking about flow)?
2. Should I consider this AF or possible IM?
3. What is your overall opinion.
Here is my chart:
http://circles2.fertilityfriend.com/home/2b30a
Thanks for any help, encouragement, and opinions,
Erika

I am going through the exact same thing. I was on bcp's for 11 years. Prior to bcp my cycles were very regular (about every 30 days). Went off bcp in the beginning of June (waited to the end of the pack). Got AF for 5 days (normal). 28 days later(July 8th)got slight spotting for only 1 day. 16 days after that (July 24)got AF again (normal flow, 6 days). 16 days after that (Aug 8)got slight spotting again for 2 days. No signs of AF since then. I did OPKs in mid-July, early Aug, & again now...and so far all of them have been negative, so I don't think I'm even O-ing!!! I keep telling DH that I'm "broken". BBT charts & CM have been erratic with no clear pattern. I wish I would just regulate already, so I can figure out what the heck my body is doing! It's so frustrating. I'm sure you feel the same way.
My OB/GYN & everything I've read on the web says that it takes an average of 2 months for your cycles to return to normal after stopping bcp. But so far it's been almost 2 1/2 months for me & I'm still screwed up! I'm wondering if maybe the longer you were on bcp, the longer it takes to get back to normal?
It's hard to tell what is going on with you based on your symptoms. I've heard that IM spotting will occur around the same time that your next AF would have been due (around 14 dpo), so it's sometimes hard to distinguish. If you had IM spotting during your previous pg's, it sounds like you might be pg again. Also, given the symptoms that you're having, I would say it's worth doing a home pg test.
I wish you all the best. If you would like to chat more about all of this confusing stuff, please feel free to e-mail me directly (MIDNTGYPSY@aol.com)
-Judy
Hopefully your body will straighten out and you'll have normal cycles again. I never had a problem with this kinda stuff before bcp. Got pg in the first month trying for both of my kids. Now it's a bit harder, and possibly facing a short luteal phase (if this is AF, and not IB).
It's so confusing and I just feel like quitting. The only thing that is keeping me going is knowing how great it is to be pg and holding that baby for the first time, seeing it's chubby cheeks and hearing it's cries. I thought I was done after 2, but now I'm so anxious to have 3.
If this isn't my month, then I have to wait unti next year, that really SUCKS!!!!
Erika
Erika
mom to Michael, Allison, Alexander and
Why do you need to wait again until next year?
I too would love to know the feeling of having a + HPT, and holding a newborn baby...I turn 30 this year & am TTC #1....tick, tock, tick, tock!
I think you should take the HPT. I've heard of people still doing ok despite somewhat short luteal phases.
-Judy
Erika
Erika
mom to Michael, Allison, Alexander and
Good luck to you!
Tami
TTC#1 since 8/02
CC1 CD21 5DPO
Tami
Mommy to Anna 7.7.04 & Ben 11.19.06
I dont think the doctors understand exactly how the reproductive system works and what the long term effects of the BCP are. I have been to doctors who still believe everyone has a 28 day cycle and that O occurs only on day 14 - I finally started seeing a Natropath/Homeopath 6 weeks ago and he is fantastic.
Anyway - enough ranting for me just felt like I need to let off steam - thanks, and sorry for butting in.
Stacey
ps - I belive that the bcp can effect you after, as when you go off your body doesnt know where to get the hormones from and has to work out how to produce them by itself again. (just my opinion.)
Erika
Erika
mom to Michael, Allison, Alexander and
Hi! I too have had odd cycles after BCP, with a shorter luteal phase. Unfortunately, based on your chart, this may not be the month since your temps are back down now. I would probably still test to make sure though. I find that I don't really believe that I am NOT PG each month until I do take a test. This is my 6th cycle now and have only not tested one month! I am so sorry that maybe this wasn't the month, but remember, it ain't over til AF shows. If you never get real AF, I would definitely test!
Good Luck!
Vicki
Sorry, that probably doesn't help ...
Yvonne