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How long to get period after coming off the pill?

By July 25, 2013 - 1:45pm
 
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Hello,

My husband had a vasectomy in February and took his semen sample in May. They told him the procedure was successful and gave him the all clear. I have been on the birth control pill for at least 20 years. Started late HS/early college. I am 40 now. After they told us the procedure was successful I talked to my doctor and decided to finish out my current pack and go off the pill. That was the end of May. I had my withdraw bleed and then did not start a new pack. Four weeks later (the week that I would have had my withdraw bleed if I was still on the pill) I had some very light bleeding. I am not sure if that was just my body being used to withdraw bleeding every four weeks or that was an actual period??? I have not had anything since. My question is how long should it take for my natural hormones to "start up" again and get a period? I went on the pill originally to because I had irregular periods. How long should I wait before I go see my doctor about this? Does my age have something to do with it?

Thanks for your help,
Staci

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Guide

Hello Staci,

The following information, that I think will answer your question, is from the Mayo Clinic.

Over the last twenty years, the pill has prevented 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.

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

This is known as post-pill amenorrhea.

I suggest that you wait and see if you get a more normal period next month. Because of your age, it is possible that you may be perimenopausal. Irregular periods are associated with this phase in a woman's reproductive cycle. Some women can begin this transitional phase in their 40s.

If you don't get a normal period within three months of stopping the pill, see your doctor.

All the best,

Maryann

July 25, 2013 - 4:44pm
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