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So girls, I haven’t had my period in 5 months.
No, I’m not pregnant. Yes, I am starting to get a little (a lot) concerned.
I came off the contraceptive pill in January after taking it for over 10 years. Like a lot of women my age, I was told as a 16 year old that it was perfectly healthy, would clear my annoying acne, ease my period pain and create a whole new world of convenience through the ability to “skip” periods.
Oh and of course, not fall pregnant.
And it did all of these things wonderfully.
But now, a decade or so later, a generation of us are starting to come off the pill for health reasons, to start a family or to just “see what happens”.
And what’s happening (or not happening in my case) is scary. I’ve heard stories of women gaining and losing cray-cray amounts of weight, getting full blown acne after years of clear skin and having irregular and painful periods. Or inexistent in my case.
But perhaps the most frightening side effects are miscarriage or inability to fall pregnant. Yes people, infertility.
Which sounds crazy. But think, the pill is designed to STOP you from falling pregnant. And if after years of controlling my cycles, my body still doesn’t “remember” how to menstruate, how on earth could I expect it to not only conceive (say if I wanted to fall pregnant right now) but to also maintain a healthy 9 month pregnancy?
Which is what it is naturally designed to do.
Nat Kringoudis, author of Fertilise Yourself and owner of Women’s Health Centre The Pagoda Tree in Melbourne, writes that…
‘Often women coming off the pill have long cycles or do not see a period return for on average six months… Women who conceive within 6 months of coming off the pill present with less red blood cells and plasma folate levels which can lead to recurrent miscarriage.’
Scary stuff. So is the fact that most women on the pill or who have recently come off the pill are deficient in zinc as it is one of the major essential minerals severely drawn out via the pill. And zinc deficiency can cause major behavioural problems in children, let alone causing prolonged labours, reduced skin elasticity in birth (think OUCH) and cracked nipples. Fun!
You can read more about the pill and fertility on Nat’s blog here.
So after almost half a year without menstruating (my inner 16 year old Claire is going WHAT? THAT’S AWESOME!) I’m starting to get scared.
How did I naively believe for so long that taking this little drug everyday for most of my post-pubescent life was healthy and acceptable?
Well, basically it’s because it’s what we were told. Mostly. I went on the pill after only 12 months after getting my first period and I know people who were on it a lot earlier than that. I sure hope we don’t look back one day and go “Wow, that was a major fuck up in the history of women’s health”.
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I want to have children. One day. And I’ve grown to love the hell out of my body and myself. Which means taking my health seriously and making wellness a priority. Not choosing convenience and letting “Future Claire” deal with the consequences anymore.
So I’m off to the Naturopath this week to suss my hormones and work out this where-the-hell-is-my-period situation. I’ll keep you updated.
Until then, I’d love to know if you have ever come off the contraceptive pill and what reaction your body had. Or maybe you’re on the pill now but have been hearing similar freak-outs and concerns?
Let me know in the comments! And if you know anyone who would benefit from this post too, please feel free to share it.
NOTE: This post has now been updated here and here. (Psssst. I got my period back!)
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If you’re looking at making positive health and lifestyle changes, I have loads of recipes, personal anecdotes and insights in my She Is Radiant eRange. Check it out here. I also recommend this eBook Healing Hypothalamic Amenorrhea by nutritionist Kate Callaghan.
Finally, if it’s PCOS specific information you’re looking for, I’d love to point you in the direction of Dr. Nat Kringoudis’ eCourse Debunking PCOS.
Please remember to speak to your own health professional team before making any significant changes to your lifestyle.
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Hi girls… After 10years on the pill and two years of painful irregular periods after coming off I know how you feel… First off Google any prescriptions the doctor gives you… Taking more pills Can’t be good for you your body needs to learn what to do itself…remember the doctors are the ones that let you take the pill unaware for years and they will just fob you off!!! Take all the vitamins women need folic acid, iron etc etc and eat healthy..good luck to you all. Xxx
Hi Jaclyn, reading both your comment and Claire’s story made me worry a lot. I was on the pill since I was 16, now at 21 I’ve decided to stop, I’ve finished the pack for january and since then I feel a lot better, even got more interest in my sexual life( I didn’t feel very much into it since I started taking pills at 16) then after 1-2 weeks I started getting strong pregnancy symptoms, I was getting convinced that I might be pregnant, took test on the day my period was supposed to come(calculations from the pill) and it was negative, I’m confused! dont know what the hell is happening with my body sending me false signals and I got my period 1 day later, but now I’m even more worried as its 5th day now and its not stopping! its never been soo long! Im soo worried now cause I really want to get pregnant..If I’d realised what damage the pill did to me over the years I swear, I’d never start taking it, regret it very much. Thanks.
Hi, i’m 19 years old and always had came on my period at the end of the month, never really took notice of the day because I started when I was 14. Until I started taking my pill cerazette when I was 17, I recently came off it in may 2014 because of trying for a baby.. However I’ve had some periods for a few month after but not regular, even had a period twice a month. I can’t really take ovulation tests because I can’t work out when my periods are because their irregular. So I don’t really know what to do? Been having unprotected sex for 7 month and nothing has happened? Starting to worry I’m infertile and stressing. My friend came off her pill and 4 month later she was pregnant. Help!
Hi Ladies,
i never ever share on forums, but I do read them when something happens – like not getting my period back when I got off birth control.
I was always regular. I got my period at the age of 12, didn’t go on birth control until i was 15. I went off and on in the last 13 years between relationships and to give my body a break (bad idea, unless its for a few months) and again, always went back to normal. Of course, now that i got off in order to get pregnant, nothing. A month went by, 2nd month…3rd month. I was in panic mode. I was eating tofu for estrogen and parsley to get things going. I was going nuts. I saw a homeopath and started taking:
1. Vitex – agnus castus – 3 pills on empty stomach
2. 2 x concentrated omega 3 fish oils – 3 on full stomach
3. Took prenatal every other day, not to overdue my iron, since i had no cycle.
5 days later, i had my period. I highly recommend #2 and #3. Its all natural, been used to centuries, and I heard from numerous women this has helped them too. So thats that! Now onto baby 🙂
Hey Claire,
Really enjoyed reading your post! Sometimes I feel alone in this because no one ever talks about it. I too was on the pill for 8 years (since I was 16). I got off the pill January 2013 and I’ve only had two periods. The last one was in August. I’ve been quite concerned b/c my husband and I are thinking about having kids soon and I just don’t know where my period is! I’ve gone to my family doctor, had a ton of blood work done, various ultrasounds done and nothing comes up abnormal but I just don’t feel right! I gained a bit of weight which was really the only change I noticed, but I definitely feel more myself not being on any pills anymore, but I’d feel even better if I had a normal cycle.
Thank you for suggesting the naturopath! I’m gonna check something out this week.
All the best to you.. You’re not alone! 🙂
Jaclyn
Hi Ladies, it is so good to here that I am not the only one who is experiencing problems after coming off the pill having been on it for over 10 years from the age of 14. I came off it in November ’12 and over the next year I only had 2 periods. One of trend being so painful I felt ill! I had numerous bloods and a few scans done in this time and nothing. Finally I was referred to a gyney who has been great so far. I was given some HRT patches for a few months to help trick my body in to ovulating for its self. In this time they did internal scans each week to see how my body was progressing. I’ve since finished them and have just ovulated by myself last week ( didn’t convince though) and am waiting for my period. Hopefully this is the start of them returning 🙂 we are trying to conceive though what has made it so much more frustrating and stressful. My gyney has been talking of starting clomid next if this hadn’t worked and for my husband to have his sperm counted (lucky him 😉 ! ) fingers crossed for better things to come .
I’m really happy to find that there are people who are experiencing the same problems, it’s great to know I’m not alone. I started taking the pill 8 years ago when I was 16 to control acne, I stopped taking it last October as me and my husband want to start a family, thought it would be an easy process. I had one period mid-January and nothing since, but I have developed acne. I feel bloated and sometimes get period pains, get excited when I do thinking yes it’s back! But nothing. I take lamotrigine and lacosomide to control my epilepsy & sometimes concerned this will screw up my menstrual cycle. Starting to get frustrated, me and my husband want to have a baby so badly but getting nowhere, feel bad as I know some people try for years. I’m going to see my doctor for some guidance today. I know I’d probably get somewhere using the health service in the UK but moved to New Zealand last May and this will be the first reason to go to the doctor other than renewing my prescription. When renewing my prescription the doctor seemed to just do what I told him to and didn’t seem to have much of a knowledge on epilepsy – in the UK I saw a neurologist for the epilepsy but don’t know if you have options like that out here.
Hi, I posted on this website having had no period for Six Months. I researched and found a lot recommended Agnus Castus, vitamin B and iron. I took them and in less than a week my period arrived! I have been waiting ten weeks for period number two. I stopped taking the tablets after my first period. Big mistake! I started taking them again and within four days it’s back! Coincidence? I don’t know. But I thought I should share with you imace you’re worried. I have polycystic ovaries syndrome so it can be good news for all
Where did you find the agnus castus?
It’s har? to c?m? by kn?wledgeable people about thi? subject, however, yo? sound like ?ou know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Hello ladies,
Thanks for your post (& the above comments!)
I too am having the same issue; going off the pill Aug 2013, having 1 period Dec 2013 and nothing since. I am really healthy but don’t over exercise so I’m going to go back to my doctor and naturopath to get some tests done. I did try seed cycling and it worked (or was at least a coincidence that I got it a couple weeks after I started.) Good luck!
D
It’s really great there is a space that we can all talk about this issue. Thank you so much for posting Claire. I have two sisters and we have all had side-effects on the pill. My sister grew a non-malignant tumour which decreased in size dramatically after she came off the pill. She also started on the pill really young and it took her over 6 months to get her normal period back. My other sister used the Novarung which has worked really great for her. It has a smaller dosage of the hormones and it is not a systemic contraception in that the hormones are only released in the reproductive area as opposed to her whole body. The Novaring has really been good for me in the past too. Now I am trying to go back on the pill (after taking a two year break) and have tried numerous pills and the Novaring and am having a continual period as well as a decreased sex drive. But because I am have fallen pregnant in the past (which resulted in a termination) I am PETRIFIED of becoming pregnant again. I feel like I am really left without choice when it comes to contraception. I don’t want to use artificial hormones in my body but feel too scared about getting pregnant again. Condoms just dont feel that safe either.
I completly agree that we should not be that all the symptoms we suffer are supposed to be ‘normal’. I am going to see a natropath too.
I wish you all well with re-gaining your natural rhythms and bodies! xo
Hey, I’ve been on the pill and i decided to come off around 2 days ago, after i had my period i decided i didn’t want to take the pill anymore and i decided that i wanted to try for a baby with my other half, ever since around 2 days ago, a substance keeps exiting my vagina which has little dots of blood in it, i don’t think this is from my period. Also i can sort off feel it coming out where as with my period i can’t? Also as i have been on the pill since about the beginning of July 2013 would i be able to get pregnant? Thanks for your help!
Thankyou for such a great post! The lack on information out there about the risks and implications associated with taking the contraceptive pill is very frustrating.
Before taking Dianne 35ED at 17yo, my periods were a normal 28-29 day cycle, with moderate – mild acne (typical of a teenager). I had been taking the pill for 10 years, only to stop taking it 10 months ago to start trying for a family and find that i began having extremely irregular cycles (35, 52, 34, 63 days, with constant spotting throughout my cycle), and the most horrible cystic acne i had ever seen covering my face, back, arms and chest. The first doctor i saw tried to put me on antibiotics for the acne, and said it was normal to have irregular periods after ceasing the pill. The second doctor did a blood test and sent me for an ultrasound to reveal polycystic ovaries (35+ follicles per ovary). The bloods were relatively normal, with elevated testosterone (but still within normal range) and a 2:1 LH:FSH which is apparently typical for PCOS. I believe my PCOS was caused by the pill. I am a little overweight (BMI 25), but my insulin levels are ok. So 10 months after stopping the pill, i am left infertile and wondering how could this have happened. So many unanswered questions.
It is so hard to know where to go from here, but talking about it and seeing that you are not alone really helps. I really think there needs to be more studies about the link between PCOS and the pill. Thankyou for sharing your story! And good luck to everyone else out there that is struggling the find these answers to their questions.
Further update since I last posted. Cycles have still been getting progressively longer going from 28, 44, 39, 54, 64, 67, now up to 78 and counting! Cant understand why it keeps getting worse and worse. Hormone test for prolactin was normal and now docs don’t seem to know whats wrong. Being referred to a fertility specialist soon and docs haven’t suggested any more investigation. Just reached the one year mark 🙁
Any one got any updates… anyone with some good news?
Congratulations to Claire, saw on new post to have finally got your AF pack after a year, gives me hope
I have been off bc for 11 months now and also have seen increase in days between cycles. Longest has been 52 days. My TSH and Progesterone were normal. Waiting to do FSH and LH labs on day 3 of my period but my periods have been so light i havent had light bleeding for more than a day. My skin has broken out and i have never had bad skin. I have been on progesterone for 4 days so far and have 6 to go. Trying to “reset” my cycles as my doc put it. Also having an ultrasound Tues. This is such a difficult process to go through. I want you to know you are not alone. My goal is pregnancy eventually but first want to figure out the cycles and regain some normalcy.
Hi
I was on microgynon 30 for 10 years, I was then change to cerazette for a year on which i had no periods. I stopped it in july 2013. Since then I have had one period for a week at christmas and some spotting every few weeks. I am now waiting on hospital appointment. I just wish it would return to normal as soon as possible. Hoping there is nothing more serious. x
Hi after reading your article I am concerned that I may not be able to have children. I went on BC early like the first year or so after my periods began. I was on for 5 or so years and stopped over a year ago to try for a family. I have under active thyroid also. I have 2 periods a month. By that I mean I have around a 5 day gap in between my periods so bleed for around 2/3 weeks out of the month. I have had tests to make sure my thyroid tablets are working fine and I’ve had an ultra sound so check inside. They found some cysts which wouldn’t cause any issue at all. But my question is why am I still coming on so much? I doubt I am ovulating and I’m going absolutely crazy being on my period almost constantly. I’ve waiting like 13 months now and the doctors have given up on finding out what’s wrong. I’m too young to be referred to a fertility clinic by 3 years so I am feeling very depressed and hopeless. 🙁
Hi Karen, I just wanted to reply as I feel like some of the difficulties I have been having are similar to you. I was taking microgynon 30 for around 13 years. I started having breakthrough bleeding/spotting a week before my period was due whilst on the pill. Gp then changed this to coolest, tried for 3
Months no improvement, then to Yasmin, again not much improvement. I also had cervical ectropion (causes me bleeding occasionally after intercourse) so I decided to come off the pill as the estrogen makes that worse (or so the colposcopy nurse tells me). However, since coming off the pill the bleed I have is worse, spotting for ten days prior to my period then only having a 24 day cycle and 7 day period, I have around a week and a half bleed free each month. I have now been diagnosed with pcos, even though only symptom is the result of the scan showing cysts (doc refused me a blood test, saying it was pointless as she can see cysts). I’m so interested to
Hear of others experiences as I’m now worried that me being on the pill this long had something to do with onset of pcos, plus the fact after stopping I had the worst period to date, including me vomiting due to the pain one month.
Rachel
By the way, just wanted to add – worry and stress is going to make the situation a whole lot worse as your hormones respond to that. Google ‘brain sync’ or a similar website and get some free guided meditation/mindfulness going on to help try to relax and let go and help ur hormones to do their usual job 🙂
Thank you for your post! I stop my birth control last month had my normal period. I’ve been on birth control since I was 18 so 5 years.My husband and I planned on not trying for three months and taking prenatal vitamins like doctor recommended at my last yearly appointment. Well a week before my expected period we didn’t prevent but I was thinking I’m past ovulation. Week went by and no period its currently 3 days late. I have no sign of period coming and negative pregnancy test. We hope that I’m just pregnant and its to early to tell but I’m just worried. Any advice would be greatly welcomed!
I was on the pill for 8 years. Between sept and dec 2012 I was under a lot of stress and lost a good bit of weight. My periods reduced down to 2-3 days around this time. By May2013 I was getting worried about the light bleeding so decided to come off the pill. 11 months on and still haven’t had a normal period. Doc prescribed progesterone and had light bleeding after this. Scan showed some cysts but not enough to diagnose pcos. The scan (taken March 13th) showed that a follicle was maturing. My blood tests were all normal. Thinking that maybe I’m not greeting the surge of oestrogen needed to ovulate. Eating a high fat (good fats) diet in order to try balance my hormones and hoping il ovulate soon. Weight is back up now too.
Following your journey.
I am on day 4 of progesterone and still no bleeding. How long were you on it for? Best of luck to you
I was on the pill for 4 1/2 years, Im now only 22 and I stopped taking the pill nearly 5 months ago and Ive only had 2 normal periods. I stopped the pill then 3 days later I got my period bleed, my normal pill after that I got 10 days late which I thought was a good start but I didn’t get my next one until 11 weeks later and now it’s 6 weeks and no period so I’m 2 weeks late. I’m starting to get worried and wish I didn’t go on the pill in the first place. The main thing I’m worried about is if I couldn’t have children, I have had my ovaries checked last year and their fine but I’m still worried as I’ve been with my boyfriend 5 years and kids are something we definately want together in the next few years. I’m going to go to the doctors this week coming but I don’t know what else I could do :/ or what is going on with my body.
It’s quite a relief, in a strange way, to see that this is something that is quite common. Went off the pill after being on it for 15 years, 6 months now and still nothing! Went to my GP who freaked me out by testing me for premature ovarian failure…but results came up ok. Just no ovulation. It’s all quite scary, teenagers are thrown on this…and if I’d have known what it would have done to me, I would have steered clear. I’m trying a product called agnus castus, I’ve heard others have had some success with this. Another few months and then off to the fertility specialist. Thanks for the post 🙂
Where did you find this product?
Started on the Ortho tri cycl. when I was 18 and slowly got on stronger and stronger pills since I had break through bleeding. Now at age almost 31, got off of if after being on the pill for about 12-13 years. I had normal 26-28 day cycles before hand. Now, I had the usual period at the end of the last pack, another one 32 days later, and now I’m waiting for the 3rd at day 36. I’m shocked and worried about what I may have done to myself. My husband wants kids but not for another 2-3 years so time to figure my body out again. I’m cyclically breaking out all over my face like a teenager and my moods have been ghastly! I feel like I could kill someone Somedays then the next be totally fine. I’ve been a pretty non emotional person so these mood swings are frightening and I feel bad for my poor husband. Taking multi vitamins with extra flaxseed oil. Any other advice on when to seek more medical help or what to do!!
Hello!
I too decided to stop taking my birth control pill after being on it for about 8-9 years, I am now 21. Like many of you, I was told at a very young age that I should take the pill to help regulate my cycle and prevent acne. I was very active growing up (playing competitive sports) so I always associated that with my period being so irregular. I then started being sexually active with a long term boyfriend during high school so naturally I felt safe being on the pill. I stopped taking the pill because I was not feeling well at the end of my cycles and I would get so tired, to the point where I couldn’t even make it through the day without falling asleep. I really just wanted to see if anything would change. Unfortunately, MORE than a month later of not being on the pill I have not gotten my period, I’m still always tired, getting small period like symptoms, however, no blood or spotting, I haven’t broken out but I have gained some weight.
I’m very worried I messed up my cycle. Hopefully an appointment with my doctor will give me an explanation of what’s going on with my body.
E
I am so thankful I found this blog. I’ve had the same thing happen and I was on the pill for a much shorter period of time. I first started it in 2010 – stopped after 6 months (broken bone) and it took 6 months to get my period back. They were then somewhat wonky but mostly ok (anywhere between 28-40 day cycles). Well fast forward to 2012 and I started on the pill again. When it started making me crazy, I stopped taking it (after about a year). Since then I’ve had 3 normal(ish) periods and then nothing from March (and still counting) except some light spotting (can’t even call it a period). Has anyone seen this happen after such short pill use?? I’m so worried about fertility.
Its nice to know Im not alone! I started the pill at 15 and stop taking it 6 months ago. I haven’t had my period, have had a bad case of acne and have put on quite a bit of weight, despite an extremely healthy and active lifestyle. I am at my wits end and would love any suggestions on what I should do to fix my body. Im from Australia but currently living in the UK. Ive seen the doctor who did blood tests which showed ‘nothing was wrong’ the doctor then gave me another 3 months supply of the pill and said to start taking it again to fix my skin. I refuse to go back on it but I don’t know what to do… HELP PLEASE!
I don’t wanna sound like the crazy caribbean lady but have you guys ever tried dog blood bush. I’ve been on the pill for 2 years and came of it when I was 21. My cycle went back to normal after 3 months but its now a 30 day cycle and not 28days anymore. Thank goodness I have good friends because they told me never to stay on BC more than one year. She told me this when I told her I was on it for 2 years. Back to the herb, its called dog blood bush and in my country Jamaica its used for menstrual issues. My cousin did not see her period for 5years after coming off depo provera. She drank the bush as tea and voilà, she got back her normal cycle.
Where do you get dog blood bush? I am very interested!
I was on a low dose birth control from age 18 to 24, so 6 years. Even on the pill my periods were irregular. Since going off the pill, my periods have been very irregular and light. I have been told i am infertile and have oligomennorhea. Please give me advice or any success stories.. My hopes for children have been crushed.
It’s so nice to hear of others having the same issues as me!! I stopped using the pill about 2 months or so ago after years of it during my teens (I’m now 25). I stopped because of constant migraines and headaches that were so bad all I could do was sleep to control them. After switching from Levelen (not sure if spelling) DR put me on Microgynon but the migraines continued. I stopped feeling like the pill was good for my body. After I stopped taking the pill I got a period a month later, now it has been 3 weeks since my second period was due and I have not stopped panicking that I am pregnant (despite never having unprotected sex with my partner). I’m not sure how long I have to wait to see if my cycle will “work itself out” but my anxiety is through the roof as we are not ready for a baby! I’m booking an appointment with my Dr this week but it is comforting to know this May be somewhat normal!!
I am very happy that I found this site because I need validation that what I am experiencing is “normal” and it seems that it is. I have been on birth control for over 20 years. All was fine except that they discontinued my birth control and replaced with a generic that I had an adverse reaction to. I tried several alternatives and reacted to all. In the interest of my health, I decided to discontinue birth control pills all together, but I had no idea what the impact would be. I guess I didn’t really think about what ti would be like to be on a drug for 20 years and then just stop cold turkey. It’s been three months and no period but I have had cramping that feels like my period and then no bleeding, I also have cystic acne – no fun at all and I am very lethargic. I know I am not pregnant so what I am experiencing is my body trying to readjust to not being on the drug anymore, which makes sense. I am going to start increasing my intake of vitamin B and zinc and see if this helps. Any other advice is greatly appreciated. The body has an incredible ability to heal so I am hopeful but also realistic and understand that it could take a while for everything to get back to normal. Thanks everyone for sharing and helping me understand what is going on.
I too am at the ‘really freaking out’ stage. I was on microgynon 50 for 11 years. I stopped taking it on the 18th of December and had a withdrawal bleed for 4 days. It’s now 9th of June and NOTHING! I have been back and forth to the doctor and am beginning to take an Angus cactus and premise oil tomorrow. I’ve heard good stories of people getting their period back within a week or so, I am really hoping this works for me! Like others I will be so glad to have that annoying thing back but too feel less ‘womanly’ without it!! I am a low weight, but at a healthy one at 50kg (only 165cm tall) I am a p.e teacher so am quite active but am trying my best to eat nuts and full cream products for the healthy fat content. I hope all this works!!!
Same exact situation as many of you…
Was on various low dose birth controls and then ended with the Nuvaring. I am 34 yrs old so had been o BC for at least 15 yrs. been off since Nov. 2014 and only got period twice since then. Dr. Tested me doing pelvic ultra sound and many blood tests. My ultra sound was fine other than a small cyst on one side but of no real concern. My blood showed high level of testosterone, definitely higher than the norm (52 I think it was) and have seen signs of it: more hair growth on face, painful acne which I had never had to deal with, weight gain and bloat that tricks me into thinking I could be pregnant. Dr gave me progesterone and it triggered a period on the 8th day of me taking it’s but the next month which was June, no period again. It’s difficult b/c my husband and I want to try for kids but it’s so challenging to know if I’m even ovulating without getting period. So frustrating and feel like I’m living in limbo…not being able to move forward. Heading back to Dr next week so will keep you posted. Good luck all, hope we can figure out these issues and so glad I have a place to find out more and hopefully hear more positive outcomes soon!!
Thank you, so much. Thank you. I’m at 9 months post BCP without a cycle, and I thought I was so alone. My doctor said “You’ll never have children. Just accept it.” and it just about BROKE me. This…gives me something to go back to (another doctor) and ask for something more, a second opinion, SOMETHING. Thank you.
Hey all. Similar theme developing here. Pill 10 yrs…u know because your told to be responsible wait till secure and gd job..marriage etc. And surprise when 6 months after coming off pill you have no period then diagnosed with pco even though u were fine before u went on it and I too went on it for mild acne.doctors never mentioned this could b an issue at any stage…but…girls we can be positive…get treatment and always assume a treatment like the pill is far too gd to b true in the future!! Looking forward…not going to blame myself…going to overcome it…gd luck to all ttc xx
Hi Claire! I went off the pill a few years back and ended up without a period for 7 months. When I did get it, it lasted 12 days, I was so bloated I looked pregnant, my flow was really heavy and my cramps were just awful (when I have cramps they are usually more uncomfortable, like bad gas). I went on the Nuva-Ring after that. I recently stopped it at the end of March this year, and I’m still waiting for my period! I’m seriously hoping it doesn’t affect my ability to conceive as I’m getting married in less than two months and will want to start a family soon. I hope you figure out what is going on and I hope your body isn’t affected by this long-term! Best of luck and I will let you know when and it Aunt Flow returns!
Hi. My name is Elizabeth. I just stopped taking my birth control pills on July 27,2014. After 6 years. And I didn’t have any bleeding until August 3rd 2014. Which it didn’t seem like my period because it was toooooo light. Well it lasted 9 days. Then after that my breast were very sore and then I had some white discharge
no smell. Now its August 21st and I haven’t had any bleeding or nothing! I am bloated bad and feel sick on and off and I also have some cramps that come and go. I did take a few hpt but they were negative. We are tryig to conceive one last time we have 3 beautiful kids but want one more. Can any one help? Thank you so much. I did call my doctor and she told me to come in for blood work but I cant afford it being a at home mom. Thsnks for listening.
Hi Claire. Thanks for your post – unfortunately I am going through the same situation. I was on the pill for 10 years from when I was about 17. I have been off it for 10 months and have been seeing a naturopath (after a frustrating lack of understanding from GPs) due to experiencing terrible mood swings and severe period pain, and not being able to fall pregnant. Not a long time trying I guess but I was a bit disheartened as everyone around me seems to have had no trouble having their babies – although no one was on the pill as long and consistently as I was. I found out my hormone levels are way off the charts. The last couple of months I have actually been feeling much better but I am now two weeks late and no sign of my period. It should come between 26 – 32 days, without fail, as it has for the last 16 years. I have been having consistent pelvic cramps for over 2 weeks, and other ‘pregnancy’ symptoms but home tests, blood tests are negative and even an ultrasound has yet to show anything conclusive. This is heartbreaking and frustrating. I would never have gone in for script after script if I had known the lasting effects on my body. As a teenager you think it is wonderful to skip periods and be pain free, but how can you make an informed choice at that age when no one gives you any real medical information? By the way I had an ultrasound a few months ago to rule out endometriosis with my very painful periods and the GP – knowing I was trying to conceive – said oh we could put you back on the pill for awhile to control your cycles. This really just highlights the lack of understanding. We need to educate all our young girls now.
Also it would be nice if doctors stopped saying things like ‘sometimes your body just changes’ and ‘these things just happen’ and look at you like it is all in your head. It is isolating and makes you feel like a hypochondriac, so instead you go to Dr Google, which luckily was how I came across this post!
I have been on the pill since I was 14 using Diane-35 and have just stopped at the start of earlier this year ( I’m 20 ) and have not had my period in the last 5-6 months, so I have decided to go back on the pill to see if my period will come, I’m at the end of the sugar tablets on my first sheet of the packet and still nothing however I had symptoms like I was going to get my period but nothing now, I’m going to try one more month and see if it will come back. If not I think the pill has completely fucked my ovaries. P.s I’m definately not pregnant have taken 4 tests and all negative
Hi all, I never normally comment on these feeds but have found all your comments really helpful. I was on the pill for over 10 years (marvelon for most of this time), I came off in December and have had cycles of 36, 37, 38, 29, 33, 31, 40 and now on cd65 and still waiting. Finding this all so frustrating, have tried ovulation sticks with no luck, would really just like to know what’s going on so can start making plans…..am now trying agnus castus, along with a multivitamin and omega 3 to see if that kick starts things! Would love to know if anytime else has find supplements helpful in regulating things x
I am so happy i found this website, i thought i was alone! i stopped taking the pill on August 2nd and i had my period August 5th (but that was bound to happen because it was my last pack) so i thought my period was regular still. I didn’t have sex until August 29th, but i had no idea that coming off the pill would delay my period. I was waiting for my period to come on September 2nd and it still has not arrived and i am experiencing some cramps here and there, so my question is, am i pregnant? or is this just another post pill effect? thank you so much for your help, you have no idea how desperate i am! thank you!!
Hi all! I agree with everyone that I am so Happy to find this website too. I stopped taking the pill in March after being on it for 4-5 years, and had a few periods but the cycles were longer than normal. I got it early in July but it was a bit lighter than normal, and then a very light one (mainly spotting) a few weeks later at the end of July. My boyfriend and I were always very careful, but I am getting nervous about the possibility of being pregnant. I am so anxious about this and am putting off taking a test or calling the doctor. I think I am going to wait and see if anything happens this week, and then maybe take a test. Please let me know if any of you have any suggestions, thanks girls and good luck!
I’m so happy to have found this page. I too have come off the pill after being on it for 10 years and have not yet had a period. It’s been around 5 months and I’ve been to a doctor to get a blood test.
I’ve been really concerned as we are wanting to start a family now so it’s great to know this is a common issue although it does make me wonder about the contraceptive pill and if it really is doing damage to our bodies.
Again I’m also happy to find this website but not happy to hear about you all going through this. I stopped taking my pill in March, had withdrawal bleed and then nothing. It’s now October. I was taking the pill levlen for over 10 years. Like everyone else thought it was completely safe and would get my period (which I didn’t realise wasn’t my actual period (just a withdrawal bleed) regularly. I’m now 28 thinking of starting a family in the next few years and freaking out that I’ve made myself infertile. I have been eating healthy and taking vitamins (iron, zinc and b12) doing everything to get my period back but still nothing. I did lose a lot of weight a few years back through restrictive eating and over exercise so I’m hoping this hasn’t ruined my chances of being a mum. I went to the doctor last week and she told me this was uncommon and not related to the pill (I’m not buying that). I’m seeing a specialist tomorrow I’ll keep you updated. I’d like to hear from any of you ladies who posted earlier in the year as to where you are at with this now? Thanks
There is hope TODAY I GOT IT BACK. 7.5 months later. Never been o happy to get my period before! Never taking the pill again! I think healthy eating, taking iron, b12, and evening primrose oil helped. best of luck on your journey girls. Here’s hoping I go back to having a regular cycle.
Another crazy lady checking in!
I’m 31. Quit the pill (Triquilar) after about 12 years because I wanted “just to see what happened”. I had thought it was keeping me from losing the last 10 lbs but it turns out I just like food, haha.
Had my last period and just didn’t start the pill again after. Hubby and I decided that we hate condoms, and don’t want any more kids anyway, so it was a failed experiment. Now my period is 3 days late and I’ve been panicking, thinking I was pregnant. (Even though I’ve only had intercourse 3 times and all with condoms) Going to get a test just to be sure, but, reading all of these, I’m guessing it’s unlikely that I’m pregnant.
I’d really like to start taking BC again – the patch maybe – but not sure if I should wait until I get regular again. what to do, what to do.
Hello all! Started BCP in 2004 or 2005 (can’t remember!) and just went off it this August. Had withdrawal bleed, but nothing since. I am on CD 51 now, and while I know this is “normal,” I am stressing myself out, because my husband and I are trying to start a family, yet it’s pretty hard to do when you have no idea what’s going on in your body. I know it’s probably too early to actually freak out, but I am just really impatient, and a hypochondriac as it is. Does anyone have a positive story to share? Give us some hope! 🙂
Hi My Name is Meagan i am 19. I started taking the pill for only about 1 year then I stopped and now I havnt had my period in 7 months and im deffently not pregnant I went to the doctors and everything. Is it weird for someone like me to lose their period this early in life? Will I be able to fall pregnant later on in life? how can I start taking the pill again if I am not getting my periods???
I just got off the pill a little over a month ago, after having taken it for only 7 months. I’m 2 weeks late in getting my period. I took a pregnancy test last week but it was negative. Is it possible to experience post pill amenorrhea after only taking bc for 7 months? I’m in my early 20s. I can understand fertility problems after being on the pill for several years, but after only 7 months? I’ve been feeling very tired sometimes, getting frequent headaches and occasional cramping and discharge. I was thinking I could be pregnant, but could these be symptoms of my hormones attempting to regulate, after coming of the pill?
Claire, your story mimics mine exactly! This is my third time off the pill… First and second time I got scared after 6 months without a period, and after a visit to my obgyn was put BACK ON THE PILL! And no one ever mentioned PCOS to me. Awful.
The second time off the pill (this was about 3 years ago), I gained almost forty pounds, and had acne so bad it looked like a rash on my chest… I only wore high collared shirts for months. It was so miserable, so while I was frustrated that my doctor’s only solution was to go back on the pill, I was desperate.
Finally in May 2014, I decided it was time to go off again. I had dropped about 35 pounds and was ready to do whatever it took. I saw my new obgyn (after a move to California from Ohio), and let her know my plan. I described the nightmare I had the last time I went off the pill… “Surely your doctors talked to you about PCOS, right?” she said. Never!! She understood my hesitation to get back on the pill, and we agreed to watch what happened. She also put me on Vitamin D supplements for my critically low levels.
Now I was in a good place coming off the pill last year. I was thinner, happy, healthy… I menstruated normally for about 3 cycles — I thought I had tricked the PCOS! Then the stress came… Things started getting serious with my new boyfriend, responsibilities mounted with my newer job, and I began working on my graduate school admission… I started stress eating, putting on some weight, and with that, my period slowed to a halt. In August I waited 45 days between cycles, then nothing.
In November, after months without a period, I sought out an Chinese medicine doctor who specializes in women’s health. She was excited to work with me — I think most of her clients are actively trying to get pregant (and at 37, I had the feeling she doesn’t often see women as young as me).
We had regular acupuncture appointments, she put me on herbs galore, instructed me to cut out dairy and alcohol from my diet (I half-obeyed), and try to find healthy ways to manage my stress.
I kept coming back, “no period yet, but it’s coming… I’m sure…” I would tell her when she asked. Finally in late January 2015, I woke up and I just new! I ran to the bathroom, and sure enough, red all over!! I was SOOO happy, I texted my doctor from the toilet!
The period was normal (although cramp-free which was odd). I thought I was back to normal. But here I am, at 44 days without a follow up period. I could have sworn that with last weekend’s public crying episode and general sh*t-show with my boyfriend that the period was close behind…
Reading your blog was a reminder of what a big role stress management plays in all this. January was a huge relief for me because I finally finished and submitted my grad school application. That was such a huge load off my plate, I’m sure my body bled with joy! Now things have been getting stressful at work again, and I’m worried about saving money for school… I’m going to really concentrate on managing my stress, taking care of my mind and body, and we’ll see where that gets me.
Thank you for sharing your story, and for letting all of us commenters share ours as well. It’s so nice knowing we’re not alone in this.
Hi there,
I’ve been on Levlin ED for the last 3.5years, with a brief 4-month stint trying out the progesterone bar (which did not work – I just bled for 4 months straight). I’m 23, and came off the pill 3 months ago because I hate it – I find it really messes with my emotional stability.
Anyway, the first month off it, my period arrived after 35 days. My second one arrived within 32, but this one still hasn’t come, and its day 36.
I’m freaking out hardcore. I’m in a long-term relationship with my boyfriend, but we are not looking to have kids for a long while yet. We’ve been using condoms. I’ve taken 4 pregnancy tests now (yep, I’m that paranoid) and they’ve all said negative… But I’m scared because the test says its only accurate 7 to 10 days after conception. We have fairly regular sex (2 – 3 times a week at least), but I’ve been so anxious in the last 5 days there has been no fooling around. Am I just being paranoid? Most of the stories I’m reading here are a total absence of periods.
Also, I was on the pill for 2.5 years when I was 17, then went off it for a year, and went back on it when I was 20. I didn’t experience nearly as much irregularity…
Why is being a woman so difficult and stressful!? 🙁
Claire it was a pleasure to read your post and learn that there are other people in this world who have experienced similar situations surrounding the pill!
I went on the pill when I was 15 as follow up management plan after I was treated with roaccutane for my acne.
I was prescribed Yasmin and stayed on this until I was 20. Prior to starting the pill, I had one period, about a year before.
I was finally made aware of the risks associated with Yasmin last year and was switched to Levlen. This went haywire with my body causing all sorts of issues. The only positive thing that came out of me taking Levlen was that my symptoms were finally diagnosed and I was told I had PCOS.
From here I was switched pills again, to Norimin and stayed on this for another 6 months until I finally decided enough was enough. Everything you have written I can completely empathize with. Will I ever have kids? Have I really ruined my chance of conceiving from taking the pill at such a young age? If there’s anything I could undo in this life, it would be my taking the pill from 15 years old.
I stopped talking all oral contraceptives in Novemeber 14 and it is now almost May and I still haven’t had a period.
Fear and shock runs through my mind every day, that my body may never be able to regulate itself again and I may never be able to have children of my own considering also having PCOS.
I hope that by the end of this year my body will have regulated itself and the chances of being a mother will become more promising!
Thank you for sharing your story, as depressing as this whole topic can be, it’s good to know there are people out there experiencing very much the same situations to me.
Hey everyone, I’m experiencing similar problems due to coming off the pill. I came off it in 2012 due to bad acne which i convinced myself was the pills doing, the spots went away but so did the periods!! It wasnt really an issue until me and hubby decided we wanted to ttc. We wended up being sent to infertility clinic, all our tests came back ok and i was told all id need to do was take the..you guessed it….contraceptive pill for a month to regulate everything. I did that and got my period, 2 months later nothing!! Argh!! Itried all the natural remedies, still nothing! Thy want me to take chlomid which induces ovulation but i really dont want it due to the chance of having multiple births so at a loss just now 🙁
I too got off The pill, seen all kinds of doctors and gynecologist, did blood work, ultra sounds the whole bit n haven’t had my period for over a year. I had it once forb4 days but that’s only because the doctor gave me some sort of hormone pill that I took for 5 days n it made m bleed the following day. So one period in 15 months. Doctors don’t know what to do, I have a lot of pressure in my bladder. I feel like I need to pee all the time and its not a bladder infection. If I drink a lot of water I don’t feel as much pressure. And I have an unusual oder inside. My main question is why do I have this new smell that I don’t like, and how can I fix it. I don’t have abnormal discharge, other then I get more wet then usual, more clear liquid comes then usual, making me have to change panties like twice a day. So reading above I will look into a natural path n take vitamins but how else can I get my period back,? Y do have all this pressure? And why and how do I get rid of this new unwanting smell that usually get more pungent during sex which I’m def not happy about. HELP!
My husband and I wanted to start a family and our wedding in 2012 but wanted to wait until after our honeymoon. So in January 2013 after we returned from our honeymoon i came off the pill after being on it for over 10 years and had the usual withdrawal bleed. The month went by eagerly waiting to see if we we’re lucky and conceived straight away 1 week late and negative test, 2 weeks still negative and have had no natural period since nothing, nad, ziltch! Over the past 2.5 years i have seen numerous doctors, naturopaths, acupuncturists and specialists with no luck. We tried ovulation induction with no luck and 2 IVF cycles with 1 being successful but ending in a chemical pregnancy. But yet all through this i still haven’t had a period unless on artificial hormones. Ive had all the tests under the sun even checked my cortisol and that is normal. Ive tried, vitex and maca still nothing. Im so concerned that im not having a period after 2.5 years and just want to know what’s wrong with me! Help anyone! I really want to have a family more than anything in the world and just be normal again.
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Hi! I’ve been starting to take pills on the second day of my menstruation as per prescribed by my midwife, so that’s April 27th this year. I’m worried coz im expecting my period this 26th of May but no signs of it yet, just having mild abdominal crumps since monday. Is it normal or what? i havent skip any of my pills, i take it every night at 8 and never missed one,I’m sexually active with my husband. Can somebody explain to me what’s happening? If this is normal or not? ASAP, im a bit bothered here..
I got off the pill February… I had one period end of March (20 days late) and I haven’t had anything since. Begin of May I started to spot (dark brown/light brown) and I swear it’s every single day. Not only is this annoying, but I don’t know if spotting everyday with 2 missed periods are normal..?? I am not pregnant. I also am going for an ultrasound appointment but my doctor says she isn’t worried just to go and make sure. Now I had surgery in the past for HPV… I have had clear tests for the past 10 years.. But I read somewhere that the spotting can be a sign of cervical cancer and of course I started to freak out. I don’t think the two have any connection but no one talks about not getting a period after stopping the pill. I was on Yasmin (I am not sure if that matters…) for 11 years… And now my face has broken out, constant spotting but no period… Suggestions???
I also never comment but like everyone else I am so relieved to have found this post! I am 26, have been on birth control since I was thirteen due to regular (like clockwork) periods with EXTREMELY bad cramps, 7 day long, heavy periods, breast tenderness and swelling before and during, extreme fatigue, back pain and it helped tremendously! I went off it for about a year or two when I was 21 and don’t really remember much except that the excruciating symptoms returned, causing me to eventually return to the pill for about three years. In January I came off the pill due to a blood clot in my leg and immediately began regular periods accompanied with all the excruciating symptoms I had been dreading. 27, 27, 27, and so on for five months and suddenly it’s day 31 and nothing, not one symptom! My fiancé and I have switched to using condoms for contraceptive however a week before my period was due our method failed. Since pregnancy is not in the plans yet I am of course freaking out even though I I’ve got a negative pregnancy test on day 28 (I’m aware that it is probably still too early to tell but I’m ALWAYS on time). I will try the fish oil, zinc, vitamin b, and whatever else anyone suggests! I will also update when I know more!
Just an update. After another negative pregnancy test, period began day 32 with full blown cramps, migraine, fatigue, and back pain! Hopefully my cycle will balance out from here on out! Good luck ladies!!