Period FAQs

haven't had my period since i stopped birth control

by Vicenta Beatty Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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It is common for people to have late, irregular, or absent periods immediately after stopping hormonal birth control. It may take up to 3 months for a person’s menstrual cycle and fertility to return to normal. This comes from the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS). However, an absent period is also potential sign of pregnancy.

Your periods may be irregular when you first come off the pill, and you should allow up to 3 months for your natural menstrual cycle to fully re-establish itself. This is because the pill contains the hormones that stop the release of an egg (ovulation) each month.

Full Answer

Does stopping birth control affect ovulation?

When you stop using hormonal birth control, you will start ovulating again. When you are ovulating, you are fertile. But a return of fertility does not automatically mean you will get pregnant. Hormonal birth control methods stop ovulation. That is how they prevent pregnancy. When you regain your fertility, your body begins to ovulate again.

Will missing my birth control mess up my period?

Missing 1 or more birth control pills or making a mistake with the ring or the patch can throw your cycle off for a month or 2. The important thing to do is to keep using your birth control and start the next pack on time, even if your period doesn’t come during that week.

Are you more fertile after stopping birth control?

The answer is no. Using birth control in the past doesn't contribute to fertility problems, but you did get older while you were using birth control so you naturally would be less fertile when you stopped. How can we be so sure that birth control doesn't cause fertility problems?

What causes a late period after stopping birth control?

  • Certain conditions that affect the length of your ovulation. These may include vigorous exercise, rapid weight loss, taking certain medications, illness, emotional stress, etc. ...
  • Depending on the type of your birth control, you may miss certain procedure to have bleeding every month. ...
  • Miscalculation! Not all women have regular periods.

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Why haven't I had my period after stopping birth control?

If you don't have a period for several months, you may have what's known as post-pill amenorrhea. The pill prevents your body from making hormones involved in ovulation and menstruation. When you stop taking the pill, it can take some time for your body to start producing these hormones again.

When should I expect my period after stopping birth control pills?

Most people get their first period about two to four weeks after they stop taking birth control in the middle of a pack. However, this varies greatly depending on each person's cycle, weight, stress levels, diet and lifestyle, and medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome.

What happens to your body after stopping birth control?

When a person stops taking the birth control pill, the pill's hormones quickly leave the body. Gradually, the body's natural hormones will resume regulating the menstrual cycle. Most people have their first period about 2–4 weeks after coming off the pill.

Can you get pregnant without a period?

Yes. Although it's uncommon, it's possible for a woman who hasn't yet had her period to become pregnant. That's because young women ovulate — release eggs from their ovaries — before they have their first period.

Can you get pregnant right after stopping birth control?

Some women think they need to let the birth control “get out of their system” before they can become pregnant. That's not usually the case. It's often possible to get pregnant right after you stop using birth control – no matter which option you use. But again, all women are different.

Can you get pregnant right after stopping the pill?

The contraceptive pill stops your body from ovulating, but as soon you stop taking the pill this process kicks back into action. So, it's possible to get pregnant as soon as you come off the pill. As many as 84 out of 100 couples will get pregnant within a year of starting to have regular sex without contraception.

What are the symptoms of coming off birth control?

Your cycle may get wacky. ... Your periods could be heavier and crampier. ... PMS may come back, too. ... You may have mid-month twinges. ... Your weight may go down. ... Acne and unwanted hair may return. ... You might feel friskier. ... Headaches may vanish.More items...•

How long does it take for a woman to get her period back?

It can take a few months for your menstrual cycle to return to normal.

How long does it take for your period to return?

He says it can take several months for your body to return to its normal production, and therefore several months for your period to return.

Why does my period feel lighter?

This time, it’s because the thyroid is producing too much hormone. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, sleeping problems, and anxiety.

Why does working out cause a late period?

Working out too much can deplete your body’s energy stores to the point where reproductive functions are slowed or shut down in favor of more essential processes. The hormones responsible for ovulation are affected, and this can lead to a late period.

What is the purpose of birth control pills?

The birth control pill is designed to not only prevent pregnancy, but also to help regulate your menstrual cycle.

How long does it take to get pregnant?

Generally, she says, it takes between one and three months. So if you’ve had unprotected sex and have noticed menstrual irregularities, take a pregnancy test as soon as possible — just to be on the safe side. Other early signs of pregnancy include: fatigue. swollen or tender breasts.

Do you have to see a doctor before taking birth control?

Some people also choose to see a doctor before they come off the pill. That way, your physician can prepare you for changes to your body once you stop taking birth control. They can also recommend other forms of contraception to prevent pregnancy, or to relieve symptoms that your pill was treating.

How Does Going Off the Pill Affect Your Period?

So if you don’t get your period back immediately after quitting hormonal birth control , try not to worry. But if pregnancy isn’t your goal, make sure you’re still taking steps to prevent it.

What to do if you don't get your period back?

So if you don’t get your period back immediately after quitting hormonal birth control, try not to worry. But if pregnancy isn’t your goal, make sure you’re still taking steps to prevent it. 2 . “If your period does not return immediately, you have no way of knowing when you are ovulating,” explains Dr.

How long does it take for a woman to ovulate after taking the pill?

This isn’t everyone’s story, of course. Some bounce right back and begin ovulating again immediately, or within a few months. But as more and more individuals who have been on the pill for upwards of 10 years start to come off of it, they’re caught off guard by what is technically called secondary amenorrhea, or not getting a period for three months or more after having had one previously. 3 

Why do people take birth control pills?

Oral birth control prescriptions are handed out to teenagagers and young adults for a variety of reasons, from hormonal acne and painful periods to preventing pregnancy. 1  Years pass and these same individuals start thinking about having kids, or maybe just want to know how their bodies will feel without the constant influx of synthetic hormones. They stop taking the pill and are surprised to find that their period doesn’t come back right away, sometimes for months. 2 

Is Having a Late Period After Stopping the Pill Normal?

While a late period going off the pill isn't unusual, Dweck says to always consider pregnancy if there is a delay in the return of menses. "Typically, it is reasonable to wait three months for the return of menses prior to intervening," she says.

What happens if you don't get your period?

I found that if you don't get a period for several months, you may have what's known as post-pill amenorrhea. The pill prevents your body from making hormones involved in ovulation and menstruation. When you stop taking the pill, it can take some time for your body to return to normal production of these hormones.

How long does it take for a period to start after stopping a pill?

Typically, your period should start again within three months after you stop taking the pill. Most women ovulate promptly and have a period within four to six weeks. But some women, especially those who took the pill to regulate their menstrual cycles, may not have a period for many months.

What to do if you don't have a period?

If you don't have a period within three months , take a pregnancy test to make sure you're not pregnant. If after six months you still don't have a period, see your doctor. I hope this will help you.

No Period Not Pregnant

I stopped birth control pills, my period is late, but pregnancy tests are negative. Why?

Recap: The 4 Reasons Why You May Have Missed Your Period On Birth Control

We talked about 4 solid reasons why you may have missed your period this month, even though you’re taking birth control. Here they are again:

Do I Have To Gain Weight To Get My Period Back

Energy balance is the key for you to support both your running and your periods. You need to consume enough calories to support all your body functions, including your periods, and your daily physical activity, including your running. So your mother is correct, although you may not have to regain all the weight.

Does Birth Control Stop Periods

Technically speaking, yes. The period that you get when youre on birth control isnt the same as a regular period. Without hormonal birth control, the lining of your uterus gets thicker to prepare for possible pregnancy and then sheds during your period if youre not pregnant.

Number : Because Of Pregnancy

Okay, this is the reason we’ve all been waiting to hear. Note that doctors say that it’s common for women on birth control to have irregular or no periods, and further evaluation usually isn’t needed unless there are concerning symptoms. That said, every contraceptive has a failure rate.

When To Call Your Healthcare Provider

Missing a period every once in a while is usually not cause for concern. That said, you should see a healthcare provider if you miss more than one period, or your missed period is accompanied by new or unusual symptoms.

False Negative Pregnancy Test

A false negative pregnancy test is when you are pregnant but the test comes up negative. The most common reason for a false negative is that you took the test too early. Even if your period is late according to your typical cycle, you might have ovulated later in the month. It’s not uncommon to occasionally have an off or irregular cycle.

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