Post-pill amenorrhea success stories?

[DrSocks]

Hoping to hear some success stories from anyone in a similar boat to myself to cheer me up. I came off the pill in September 2011 after taking it for a good 12 years and since then... nothing basically. I've had two random bleeds - I wouldn't really describe them as periods as they are so brief, plus one after a trial of progesterone (again so minimal I barely noticed). Scans all normal (so no PCOS) and I don't know the exact numbers but FSH/LH tests revealed no cause for concern.

I saw a gynaecologist in November 2012 who told me to put on some weight (my BMI was 21 at the time so I'm really not in eating disorder territory), which I have done (around half a stone, which is quite a bit for 5ft nothing!). He also told me reduce my exercise which I have also done. Maybe worth noting that I had a stress fracture in this time which almost 2 years of no periods couldn't really have helped.

I think the next step is Clomid, but have read some stuff about it not being very successful in people who don't have periods anyway. Anyone had anything similar happen to them?

[tattychicken]

I had a similar experience but with Depo Provera injection rather than the pill. Like you, took progesterone, nothing happened. Was temping and peeing on sticks obsessively, and still wasn't ovulating nearly 2 years after coming off the jab. Took the plunge and started on a course of Clomid. Didn't ov the first month, ov'd the second month and got a lovely BFP the third month! The consultant described it as 'stimulating ovulation' which was exactly what I needed. I had my gorgeous DD2, then went on to conceive naturally twice. My experience was very positive.

[MooseBeTimeForSpring]

Hang in there! I stopped taking the pill after 20 years. After 6 months of no periods reappearing I went to see my GP, who said, "Don't worry. Come back and see me in another three months if nothing has changed". AF appeared two days before the next appointment.

My periods were really irregular after that. So irregular in fact that I was 17 weeks pregnant before I found out :)

[seasonticket]

That sounds really frustrating. I hope the clomid kick starts you!

[DrSocks]

Thanks all. The gynae mentioned about the Clomid kick starting ovulation. I have almost zero breasts so he suggested that I might have generally low oestrogen and that plus years on the pill might mean I just have sleepy ovaries.

Makes me very to see the pack of 100 OPK sticks that are about to go out of date and the thermometer that I bought almost 2 years ago sitting in the drawer totally useless. Hope they'll be needed once I get my prescription.

[tattychicken]

I so know that feeling. Fingers crossed the Clomid does its job. Good luck!

[gwenabee85]

I could've written this post myself before I got my unwelcome letter from the doctor this weekend! My scan was fine, nothing weird there at all so he said 'it's not pcos' then two weeks later I get another letter from him saying they've had a late result which indicates it could be pcos :/
have you started on clomid yet?

[Nicknamefail]

A year for my periods to return. Now have a lovely 9 mo. good luck.

[TwoMs]

Here's my story...

I stopped the pill in June 2011. Had been taking for 11years. No periods for 10 months. GP referred to gynaecologist. One week before my appointment (May 2012) my period arrived! Was told to expect to be irregular initially which they were. Now 12 weeks pregnant

Good luck

[DianneT]

Its comforting to know that there are others in my situation.

I'm not usually one to jump into forums, but I guess I needed to vent a bit.

I stopped taking the pill in September 2012 after being on it for 3 years. Now it's July 2013, 9 months on, and I have not had a single period or bleed of any kind (except for withdrawal bleed after coming off the pill, which doesn't really count).

9 months, nothing.

At first I didn't mind, I knew my body would take time to adjust. I went to Thailand, and was grateful I didn't have to worry about getting my period :p . But then time kept ticking away and now I'm starting to really get anxious about it.

I've started checking my bbt, and its crazy all over the place, but always low (average 35.8 degrees C). My hormone levels are barely existent. Had ultrasounds, PCOS is not an issue.

I've seen a naturopath, who has put me on a few different things - so fingers crossed I get some results. I'm trying to delay clomid a little longer!

[cherrycoconut]

I identify and sympathise in one go. I've had a very similar experience but have at least had a diagnosis now, albeit not something I really wanted to hear!

Have you folks had your FSH, LH and prolactin levels tested? They might be the next port of call if not?

I was also diagnosed with post pill amenorrhea. I don't want to alarm anyone unduly but it turned out it was due to premature ovarian failure age 33 :o( hope you all get something happen soon. For me the not knowing and the waiting was definitely the worst. Now looking at DEIVF options.

[cherrycoconut]

Ooh, weird smiley in their, I'm not that chuffed with my diagnosis although starting to come to terms with it now....

[cherrycoconut]

Never give up hope, there are always options, albeit maybe not those you thought may be on your cards!

[MacaYoniandCheese]

Don't Panic! I had amenorrhea for a year after going off the pill for the first time and conceived DC1 without ever having a period. DC2 was conceived (again without a period) after 9 months post-pill and DC3 was conceived 6 months after stopping breast feeding without ever having a period. Crazy, but true. I am an avid runner and 'healthy eater' and in all instances of conception I had reverted to a sedentary, 'full-fat' lifestyle in order to get pregnant.

[MacaYoniandCheese]

Cherry I'm sorry for your troubles but are your medical team absolutely certain? You know it can take a while for the pill to get out of your system and in the meantime you may not get a true baseline reading of your hormone levels? When I saw my Dr. While trying to conceive DC1 I was told I may be in premature menopause (age 25!). That obviously turned out to not be the case.

[gwenabee85]

DianneT, your situation sounds similar to mine, I had an ultrasound and they said it was all fine and clear, but a couple of weeks later I got a letter from my Dr saying some late blood results had come in suggesting it could be PCOS? apparently you don't need to have actual cysts for it to be the case? My BBT is also crazy, I'm not sure why I'm even doing it anymore to be honest.. :s have you got an appointment with a gyn?
I've got my first appointment this week so I'm trying to make a list of questions..

[PoundlandClareRayner]

Hello, I am one of your success stories.

I had hypothalamic amennorhea, only discovered after it had been masked for years of being on the pill.

I was also diagnosed with premature menopause at 27 by a gynaecologist that hadn't done enough testing to be in a position to do that. I insisted on a referral to an endocrinologist who did more indepth tests over a period of time, advised on a half stone weightgain and prescribed Clomid.

After a couple of miscarriages, I had two healthy children.

[PoundlandClareRayner]

oh, and if the clomid hadn't worked, there were more options on the table

All the best, and don't give up hope x

[cherrycoconut]

Hi Maca, thanks for your story and support. I've seen three different consultants in the last four months who've all seperately diagnosed premature ovarian failure. I'd love to think it wasn't true but they seem pretty certain. What were your test results if you don't mind me asking?

Mine were consistently FSH +100, LH mid 50's, AMH >0.6. What other tests could be my lifeline? Thanks guys.

[PoundlandClareRayner]

cherry yes, if you have had those FSH results consistently on more than three separate occasions and you are not ovulating or having periods, it does look like POF (so sorry...it is absolutely devastating)

I had one occasion only where they were raised...FSH 18 and LH 11'ish (memory is hazy...this is going back nearly 20 years). When I had bloods every week for 4 weeks there was some variation with the LH and FSH seen to be fluctuating (showing that my ovaries were still capable of responding) and the oestrogen normal.

have you seen an endocrinologist, cherry ?

[MacaYoniandCheese]

Hi Cherry,

I'm so sorry but I don't remember any of the numbers from the tests...DD is 11.5 so it was 12-ish years ago. I'm not expert enough to comment on your situation but I would say to not give up hope yet...I do know that the pill can really goof around with your system....I know there are lots of women who menstruate/ get pregnant a month or two after going off the pill but there are also huge numbers who take many months and sometimes a year or more to get back to normal. I also know that for me personally, the weight I feel 'comfortable' at the weight that lets me fit into my skinny jeans is not the weight that allows me to be fertile. Not saying that's the case for you, but if it helps anyone, it's probably worth it to say .

Hope you get some definitive answers soon {{hugs}}.

[cherrycoconut]

Maca and Clare thanks for your comment and support. I've seen a menopause specialist gynae and a fertility consultant specialising in endocrine problems but not a pure endocrinologist as such. My results were taken from 3 sets of bloods approx 6 weeks apart. I've also had scans showing nothing going on in the ovaries/endometrium department. I'm a normal BMI 22 kind of girl, otherwise fit and healthy.

My heart says 'prove them wrong' and my head just wants to get on and deal with what I'm being given. We're very keen to have a family and are looking at ED.

Sorry to OP for jumping your thread!

[PoundlandClareRayner]

All the best, cherry. I hope you get what you wish for x

[DianneT]

gwenabee85, I've been back to see the doctor since, and there has been no mention of possible PCOS

Really strange thing though, I found out my sister has been going through the same thing as me (went of the pill September, no return of her periods), and she too got a letter from the doctor after her ultrasound saying she could have PCOS.

I'm going to make an appt for a gyno tomorrow, although who knows how long it might be before I can get in. If you have any pointers on some good basic questions, I'd love to hear them ;)


I'm extra cranky at the moment too because at the same time, my cholesterol keeps getting higher and higher. So on one hand I'm being told to cut down on my fat intake to lower cholesterol, on the other I'm being told to eat more protein to improve fertility/overall health. My BMI is in the healthy weight range, so it's not like I spend my days eating cake and chocolate. AAArgh!! ... Sorry for the rant :p

Its great to hear all the success stories, thankyou for that little bit of extra hope ;)

[Cookiepants]

Hi DoctorS,

I stopped the pill had no periods for 6 months (not counting withdrawal bleed). GP wasn't worried as it can take up to a year for your nethers to wake up again, but after a little gentle pushing agreed to send off some bloods. The results showed that my prolactin levels were nearly twice the upper limit of normal and therefore I wasn't OVing. I was referred to an endocrinologist (not gynae) who diagnosed a microprolactinoma ( small benign pituitary tumour ). Looking back I fell pg 1 WEEK after starting treatment (tablets) and due later this year . Good luck.

[gwenabee85]

DianneT, I'd bring it up with your doc just in case, can't harm! I know GPs do their best, but it seems so hit and miss as to whether they have a clue about this kind of stuff! :|