Light periods after stopping pill

@Hope365 I struggle to remember what my period was like it definitely lasted at least three days and was bleeding all the way throughout, and also painful. the pain was the reason I went on the pill in the first place. Do you have any advice on what to say to get referred? I'm going to try my best to be firm and get referred. My period sounds exactly like yours the heavy day is too much for a liner but one pad is enough, then it's spotting, my spotting is before and after af though.

@niamhie95 you are young so that's great, I cannot imagine going through this at your age I was still out partying and making sure I took my pill everyday as I stupidly believed missing one might result in pregnancy 🤦🏼‍♀️ if I was you I'd definitely go doctors and have the standard tests then you can relax when they come back fine.

@JennaRMD so sorRY AF arrived for you,
I also get the brown , and also very very light pink. I just wish we knew what it meant! Make sure you enjoy yourself this weekend 💓

@JennaRMD I'm sorry to hear about AF 😕 I hope you have some fun plans this weekend to distract you! My period is basically a bit of 'flow' for one day - too much for a liner but one normal pad is enough, and pretty much all brown. Then I usually have very light spotting for another 5 or 6 days. I can't remember whether you said you'd already been to the doctors about yours? I know you haven't been trying for as long but you can go to the doctors for abnormal cycles anytime, whether TTC or not, and they should run some tests... Might be worth getting a day 20 progesterone test to check that you are ovulating if you haven't already had that? Xxx

@JennaRMD i am using glow the period tracking app just to help me 😊 xxx

As expected, AF arrived early this morning, bang on 28 days! Slightly heavier today than last month but still light brown and barely needing a pantyliner. I know people say they've had light periods since coming off the pill but how light is light? Like mines is so light it's practically non existent, although tiny bit "heavier" if you can even use that word, is hopefully a step in the right direction!

@Maisy24 I'm the same, no idea what they were like when I was 13/14 just know they weren't heavy at all and only used more pads when on Microgynon. Since Cerelle 5 years ago I've had nothing so god knows!

@Hope365 the implantation search results are a fecking nightmare. I had never really heard of this before so when I first saw it I got quite excited. How foolish of me 🙈😅

@niamhie95 you are still young and if you have a form of blood this morning that surely can only be a good sign. Try keeping track of your cycles, length you have them, consistency each day, how long in between. Hopefully you'll start to see a pattern xx

@Hope365 yeah I'm going to make an appointment next week xxx

@JennaRMD I used to have pretty heavy periods actually, but that was soooo long ago (I went on when I was 17) so as @Maisy24 says, it's hard to know what they would be like now if I hadn't been on the pill... Hopefully for you it does mean that it's just your normal though, especially with everything else being so regular 🤞 As for my optimism, it's nice to hear you say that because most of the time I feel pretty low about it all... I've been listening to some TTC podcasts which really help - there's a huge community out there of women telling their stories (mostly success stories in the end), which I find really helpful for staying hopeful and not feeling so alone with it all - plus I've learnt loads about the science of it all through the podcasts too!

@Maisy24 great that you have an appointment this evening! Yes definitely don't walk away from there without that referral - you've definitely been trying long enough. We were referred at 11 months! And I'm 100% with you on the 'implantation bleeding' thing - that and early menopause which are the only two things that ever come up when you Google light periods 🙄🙄 Thank goodness for this group - finally some other women experiencing this who are neither pregnant nor menopausal 😂 Good luck for the appointment, let us know how it goes!

@niamhie95 sorry to hear you are struggling too, coming off the pill can really mess things up for a while but hopefully it will regulate for you with a little more time... Definitely go back to the doctors though if you're worried about it.

Xxx

@maisy24. I'm 24 years old. I didn't have much of a period last night but when I went to the bathroom this morning there was blood. Just frustrating 🙈😔 x

@Hope365 glad you are making the most of AF arriving and enjoying your anniversary! I agree you may aswell try something else this cycle; try to take the vitamin E each day and also do at least half an hour of exercise upto ovulation. Keep moving. I've just booked into the doctors tonight so I'm going to really push them to get referred! Not long until your appointment now! 😄

Can I just vent how annoying it is when you try to research about light periods the only things that come up are "implantation bleeding" 🤬🤬🤬 it's so annoying because I know I'm not pregnant so stop telling me it's that!

@niamhie95 welcome, sorry you are in a similar situation, it is so frustrating, I really do think our bodies can take a good year or so to get back to normal (or nearer 2 years in my case) how old are you?

@JennaRMD totally agree with you, everything else is normal for me except the amount and length that I bleed so surely it has to be lining?! I will be telling this AGAIN to the doctor tonight. My mum also reminded me I was never heavy but I definitely needed a few pads a day for at least 3 days, the thing is I've been on the pill for like 12 years so I don't know what it would have been like if I wasn't on it 😖

@MrsKirsty hope your reading is going well.

I'll keep everyone updated with anything the doctor says tonight

Xxxxxxxx

Yeah I know it iss. I don't know what to do

@hope365 I admire your optimism, it really is helping me. I'm not sure if lining might be something I'll get checked in the next few months if nothing happens.
I seem to get all the right symptoms, slight cramps, high sex drive, EWCM etc all around ovulation and all the "typical" period symptoms right before AF is due, sore breasts, mood swings, period cramps etc. Yet when I get my "period" it is basically as you say all brown and very very light over maybe 2 days. So I'm thinking if I'm ovulating and getting a "period" then it must be something to do with lining. I'm every 28-30 days also so this is all right as far as "regulatory" is concerned. I'm due in the next few days but started getting cramps this afternoon so I'm guessing AF is only a day or 2 away at tops.
My Mum reminded me that I'd never ever had heavy periods either (when I was a teenager I always just wore those thong panty liners 😅) totally forgot about that so it was a bit of reassurance for me that it could just be "normal" for me to have light ones, although I'm still not convinced that the lightness I'm getting is right or not. Feeling pretty clueless but looking forward to the silver lining of wine at Xmas 😂🍷

@niamhie95 welcome! Sounds like your having a bit of a nightmare as well. Hopefully someone on here can help you out/relate to your symptoms. It's strange how we all have the same goal but are all going through the same yet slightly different experiences. You are not alone don't worry x

@JennaRMD totally get the OPK anxiety! I think sometimes they can miss the surge if it's quick or happens in the night. I get a lot of other symptoms around O so thinking I should probably stop OPKs anyway - better for my sanity and my wallet 😂

@Maisy24 my period is almost over already so only really one and a bit days, and mostly all brown (sorry tmi!), so it doesn't look like the L-arginine did anything... started taking 400IU vitamin E today - I figure the clinic are not going to start any treatments this cycle anyway as my appointment will be too late, so might as well try something on my own for a little extra Christmas luck! Know what you mean about feeling like it'll never happen though... it's hard to stay positive when it's month after month of negatives, and the cycles of hope and disappointment are exhausting. But I keep telling myself that there are so many treatments options these days, and we haven't even tried any of them yet! Even though I obviously would love for it to just happen naturally, that still keeps me hopeful - it will happen, one way or another.

@MrsKirsty I've got that book! I found there wasn't much in there about light periods, but still lots of interesting stuff on what a healthy period should be and how to regulate it with supplements and nutrition. I've actually been trying to cut out cow's dairy from reading that book - to see if it improves my period pain - but finding it bloody hard to stick to (my love of cheese is an issue... 😬)

And thanks for the anniversary wishes - we went for a fancy meal and drank lots of wine (gotta take the only silver lining of getting my period!) Xxx

I came off my pill back in April and had a period in May but I had nothing until July and after that I have had a period in November about 3 weeks ago and it hasn't went away yet and has been light. I went to the doctor away back and got my ovaries checked and bloods taken and they were grand. Think it's spotting. Was thinking of going to see doctor again.

@Maisy24 ohh yeah, you'd like to hope if that was the case they would have picked it up! In which case it might be completely normal? I always read into everything!
Will do, I'll read anything that might help haha. Thank you 😊
Also @Hope365 - happy anniversary! Hope you're having a good day
xxxx

@MrsKirsty thanks for the reply! Yeah I'm wondering if I have that, but then again surely they'd have picked that up on my internal pelvic scan! Oooo I've never heard of that book , definitely keep us updated if it's worth a read. I've got everything crossed this is your month!! Xxxxx

P.s sorry I always seem the write the longest messages 😂

Hey everyone, nice to hear from you all this week. Will keep fingers crossed for you @JennaRMD and @Hope365 🤞keep us updated, we're probably all hoping for a Christmas miracle this month. Have to admit I've let myself think about how lovely that would be too! Totally get it with feeling blindly hopeful then even more crushed when it doesn't happen. Then start it all again the next month 🙈 Exciting your appointment is soon too @Hope365 feeling positive for you.

@Maisy24 sorry I didn't get a chance to reply to your older message! What you said about pushing out blood and getting stuck is something I've read about online, like a tight cervical canal. If clots have been coming out that's a good sign that it's clearing out properly and not keeping old blood until your next cycle (from what I've read anyway!)

• I'm on CD14 now and due to ovulate today or tomorrow but no positive opk yet. This is the part of the month I get all hopeful and think this MUST be the one 🙄 I've bought a book called Period Repair Manual (lol) so hoping this gives some insight as it has info about regulating after the pill. Will let you all know of anything useful is mentioned!

@Hope365 hi I've been meaning to message in here to see how you are all getting on, a week to go until your appointment! Exciting! Sorry to hear you've had some bad period symptoms I know what you mean about the back ache! My period lasted about 2 and half days so a bit longer but still not long enough! I'm CD 8 today so will be doing the clear blue opks from CD 12. I am totally with you on the secretly hoping for a special occasion surprise; I thought this about my birthday in November, now I'm thinking it for Xmas: but deep down thinking it's never going to happen.

Hey! I'm ok, stopped using the OPKs because I kept getting negatives and it was flaring up my anxiety. I'm trying not to thinking about it just now and just keep telling myself I've got ages lol! Yesterday and today my breasts are are like boulders and sore as hell but no other symptoms. I'm 99.9% sure AF will show up in the next 7 days (I'm just hoping she decides to be a bit more"normal" this month). Will keep you all updated nearer the time.
How is everyone else getting on?

@abs1232 not heard from you since your first post, how are things panning out for you? Xx

Hi ladies, how are you all getting on?

I'm 13DPO today and just started spotting so my period is definitely around the corner... I've had pretty intense cramps and backache today too, which have been slowly building up since 6DPO - I don't understand why I get so much pain and discomfort throughout my luteal phase, it's like I can feel my period coming for a whole week...😕 The worst bit is though that despite all the signs, I still manage to somehow stay blindly hopeful, and so inevitably end up feeling crushed and disappointed. It's our 3 year anniversary tomorrow and I had stupidly let myself daydream about getting that BFP on our special day... 😔

But onwards and upwards I guess. I know I will feel better tomorrow once the disappointment has worn off, and that appointment at the clinic is just a week away now!

@Maisy24 did you have any luck getting that doctors appointment? And did your period last longer in the end? I'm curious to see if mine is any different from the L-arginine - my luteal phase has actually lasted a day longer than usual (makes the disappointment so much worse...) so maybe it is doing something!

@MrsKirsty @JennaRMD how are you both doing?

Xxx

@MrsKirsty I'm glad it's not just me that happens to, I do wonder if that's the actual start of my period? But I get no cramps then, only started with cramps yesterday. The funny thing I , the blood I lost Saturday came after going to the toilet (sorry for tmi) and I have found that when I kind of try to push out myself, lots of blood comes out. Is there a possibility it's getting stuck? I really do not know 🙈 it's still coming now so will see if it's still there tomorrow, todays cycle day 2 really as I started yesterday so I'd be happy if it lasted until at least tomorrow as that's more than ever. I've also had quite a lot of clots 🤔

@Hope365 id definitely give it a try I'm continuing on with it for at least another two months, along with the other things I'm doing. Saying that if you have your appointment soon you may aswell wait and see what they advise first . Thanks for the advice on the doctors, I am definitely going to push for a referral, it's just getting the time off work to go. You just try and relax this 2WW as you have your appointment to look forward to 😁 getting cramps from 7dpo must be very annoying though! xxxxx

@MrsKirsty great that you had a bit more bleeding too, fingers crossed things will regulate naturally for you!
@Maisy24 - for the referral, I think all doctors will refer you so long as you've been trying for a year, which you have, so you shouldn't have any problems (hopefully)! It's the wait for the referral to the clinic that can take time, though we got really lucky and had our first appointment 3 weeks later. Hopefully you have the same! xxx

Hi all, sorry for my late replies, been a busy week so far!

@JennaRMD sorry to hear about your negative opks. What time of day do you test? Although they say not to test in the morning I actually find I peak overnight and catch the positive first thing in the morning (which goes against the idea it goes up during the day). It could be your peak is just very short. If you're getting ewcm that's still a really good sign!

@Hope365 well done for sticking to your instincts in the clinic and asking them to look into it! Just shows you know your body better than anyone. That's great you have an appointment, not long to go now, really wish you all the best and hope the endocrinologist helps you get a plan in place 🤞

@Maisy24 yes I have the same, I get a bit of period, it goes away then 2-3 days later it's back and on properly after some spotting. If your luteal phase was longer this time that's a good sign too, maybe that and your extra bleeding are signs things are bouncing back a bit? I also had a bit more bleeding this time too - only about 48 hours worth but that's still better than last month!! Hope you have good luck with your GP, sometimes it just depends who you see but of you don't take no for an answer surely they'll have to refer you!

Really hope this month is all our lucky month xxxxx

Hi @Maisy24, sorry to hear about CD1... I know that feeling of not having the energy all too well. It's good news that it's looking heavier though - I was actually wondering whether that would happen, with the vitamin E you've been taking! Given that pregnancy doesn't happen every time even with everything working perfectly, maybe a few more months of vitamin E will do the trick for you! 🤞 I'm still thinking I might give it a go too... I'm currently 7DPO, but as always I am already getting all my AF cramps and backache, so not holding out much hope. My luteal phase is usually 12 days though (like you, obviously 😂), so probably another 5 days of PMS and cramps for me until I know for sure - fun times 🙄 But yes, feeling kind of ok about this cycle failing as I know I have that appointment around the corner, and my OH's second semen analysis too - just keeping everything crossed for some answers and treatment options! I hope you manage to get a quick referral 🤞 xxxx

@Hope365 thank you, I'm going to go to the doctors when I get the chance this month, hopefully get referred.

I am on my period today which is 15dpo. My lutual phase is usually 12 days so not sure if that has anything to do with vitamins I've been taking.

I have found that my period has been heavier too today. Like clots and quite a lot of blood. Be interested to see how long it lasts.

I'm not sure I have the energy to start another cycle ttc, it's so exhausting 😰

@Hope365 not long now until your appointment I'm excited for you xxxx

@Maisy24 also just realised I should clarify from your earlier question - my clinic is NHS. It's all been NHS so far, just that some preliminary tests were done by the GP, and the rest by the NHS clinic once we got referred x