How soon to investigate lack of periods after coming off pill?

[WildSeahorses]

Background: I came off the pill to start TTC in July. After finishing the last pack of pills I had the usual withdrawal bleed, but I haven't had a period since. Today is CD43.

I saw my GP earlier this week, who said that the NHS's policy is to wait until you've not had a period for 6 months before investigating. This seems like a long time to me (and also a complete waste of half a year if there is an underlying problem). Has anyone has similar problems and been investigated sooner?

I would be happy to pay for private tests if necessary, as this is really stressing me out (I have no idea whether this is just my body settling down after stopping the pill, or if the pill has been masking an underlying problem, e.g. PCOS). If anyone has a recommendation for a good private doctor, I'd be most grateful.

[conniesmum24]

hi,
i used to have the depo jab and came off to try for a baby.
i didnt get any periods back for over a year!
but once they were back i fell pregnant withing 3 mnths.
i wouldnt worry too much about it mature is a strange thing and every body is different.
id give ur body a chance !
xx

[tinymam]

Hi, agree with Conniesmum It took me 6 months before I got my period after I stopped taking the pill. However I was pg within one month .

I too went to the gp on numerous occasions and was made to feel silly and told to let my body settle into a cycle. Hate to admit it by they were right, it just takes time. .

However, just keep ttc as long as your happy to test regularly. You might just hit lucky.

[Cosmosis]

I went to the doc after 4 months of no period after coming off the pill. He said at the time that up to 6 months was normal, but given my age (was approaching 35) he would do some blood tests. They threw up a high FSH level so am undergoing further investigations now. It's now been nearly 9 months post pill and my cycles are not totally back to normal yet.

One thing that could be worth a try is accupuncture. I had it after I got my blood test results and had my first period after 2 sessions.

[MrsPigeon]

Hi, just to say that a long cycle of this nature when you've just come off the pill is totally normal. Some people get regular periods back straight away, but it often takes a bit longer. My first period after coming off the pill a couple of months ago was 42 days.

I would recommend a book like Toni Weschler's (sp?) Taking Control of Your Fertility which is really good on understanding your cycle. She's a fertility expert and says that a very long first cycle is completely normal, which really reassured me. Like you I was really worried about PCOS or something similar, as I had been on the pill ten years and had no idea of what my natural cycle was.

Up to you of course but I wouldn't bother paying for private tests at this stage, give it some time and try not to stress about it (easier said than done, I know!). It is likely that your periods will get back to normal over the next couple of months.