Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

Original poster

5 months off pill, still no period

223 replies

Joey0805 · 19/01/2015 19:49

Hi ladies, I came off the pill (Yasmin) over 5 months ago now and have had no period. Twice in this 5 month window I have had very, very light spotting that has happened for 3 days each time (but it really was super light). I have had bloods taken that came up "normal" but what the hell does that mean given depending in when in a cycle they were looking for a normal result would alter accordingly depending on where in the cycle you were!

I have a GP appointment in 2 weeks (which is 6 months no period) and would love some help with what question I should be asking in terms of next steps.

Also, have any of you had to wait this long for your first period?

I am 32, TTC#1, was on Yasmin for 8 years and another pill for 5 years before that.

Thanks.

OP posts:
bucketfullofwater · 19/01/2015 22:22

Hi, very glad I found this thread, I'm in the same boat. Stopped the pill at the end of august, had the withdrawal bleed then nothing - so frustrating!

On the up side I'm booked in this week for blood tests so hopefully they should shed some light. Hubby and I are also tentatively looking at other remedies to bring on ovulation though, having a look at the links now!

bambinibop · 19/01/2015 22:22

That has reminded me I took Angus castus for a while and I think it did help me but could have been a coincidence. But I think once you think you've ovulated you shouldn't take it in case you are pregnant. I may be remembering that wrong so sorry, I remember all the googling and wondering about this so I feel your pain - good luck!

Fairylea · 19/01/2015 22:24

Ask your gp to test your prolactin levels. If they are high they will hinder ovulation and you can take medication to bring the levels back to normal.

(Being on the pill and / or breastfeeding increases prolactin levels).

Philly83 · 20/01/2015 07:33

I stopped taking the pill (Marvellon) at the start of December then had the usual withdrawal bleed, but nothing since! Just started wondering why this could be, but have been very reassured to read that this seems quite normal. I will watch this thread with interest - wishing everyone luck with their blood tests / scans!

Original poster
Joey0805 · 20/01/2015 19:51

It feels a bit mean saying this given it's so crap, but I am so so happy you are all in the same boat! I have a lot of friends with babies or pregnant friends at the moment - all of whom got pregnant seemingly instantly and I've been feeling very lonely. My husband is being very sweet but he's understandably quite frustrated (given he would have like to start TTC before we actually did and this is so out of his control).

Before the pill my periods were incredibly regular and I have exhibited no "usual" signs of PCOS so I don't think that's my reason for it not showing up. The reason I am likely to get referred to a specialist sooner than many, if you were wondering and think it seems a bit unfair, is that I have epilepsy and have had to come off my medication in order to TTC (so in addition to my period I have this constant nagging worry about seizures. I'm not complaining though as my epilepsy is really mild and many people live with much worse things but it does mean my GP and neurologist are likely to want to minimise the time I'm TTC).

For the first 80 days after my withdrawal bleed I monitored everything super closely using ovulation tests (but not temping). According to those I ovulated in September and then again in October but then, because I didn't have a period after that (and my many pregnancy tests were of course negative!), I stopped taking the ovulation tests because a) it was very disheartening to think I was late and maybe pregnant and to keep getting BFNs and b) I assumed that my body was gearing up to ovulate these months and releasing hormones (hence the positive OPKs) but not actually doing so because if it did, the ovulation itself would cause a period 14 days or so later if the egg that was released was unfertilised. Am I getting the causation mixed up here about what triggers the period? Since then, in early Jan, I had a few days of EWCM which coincided with being on holiday (and therefore lots of sex). I'm sorry for this hugely gross question but, here goes, how do you tell the difference between EWCM and old sperm?

Ok...longest post ever... Finishing now!

OP posts:
Pollypoppins · 20/01/2015 20:00

I feel exactly the same, a bit lonely! Couldn't agree more as I am also surrounded by people who seemed to fall pregnant quickly and having recently got married I feel like everyone is expecting me to make an announcement at any moment. If only!

I'm going to try and make another docs appointment for tomorrow to follow up on the blood tests and where (if anywhere!!) I can go from here, other than continuing the waiting game.

Ginfizz90 · 22/01/2015 17:41

Hi everyone, any updates? Still nothing from me. Have drs again in a few weeks

Pollypoppins · 22/01/2015 17:45

I saw the doctor again yesterday but she said there is nothing more they can do for me and I just need to keep waiting. She said my hormone levels were good based on my blood tests but that's all she could tell me. I've got to go back in 'a few months' if af still hasn't shown up.

So that was pretty rubbish. Came out of the appointment and had a little cry. Now the long wait continues....

sockmatcher · 22/01/2015 17:47

I'm not TTC but had similar. Angus catus helped. :-)

eskimolaura · 22/01/2015 17:50

Sending hugs to everyone waiting. I have the withdrawal bleed that was expected after the Norethisterone- it's just started, so I've made an appointment for blood tests on Monday.

The days are just dragging by aren't they?! I know Jan seems longer than any other month usually, but this month is going on FOREVER! :(

Pollypoppins · 22/01/2015 17:55

Would be interested to hear how Angus cactus helped people with this issue and how long it took to make a difference?

sockmatcher · 22/01/2015 17:59

It kick started my cycle. Took a month ? I ought to keep taking them. Periods aren't regular. 6 weeks long

Ginfizz90 · 22/01/2015 18:02

That's rubbish polly! The waiting is the worst part but at least your bloods have shown good signs :) I haven't had any blood taken yet I guess I might do at my appointment in feb- so scared of needles so will need to gear myself up for that. Few weird twinges lately, almost feel like my ovary is cold??? Anyone felt this? Maybe it's just January and me being generally cold lol!? Random I know. I have started taking evening primrose capsules as meant to help with balancing hormones.

Ginfizz90 · 25/01/2015 11:18

I've just taken an opk and got this? Is it still negative?

5 months off pill, still no period
Pollypoppins · 25/01/2015 12:32

Hi Ginfizz, I can't help with the opk I'm afraid...the only ones I've tried are the clear blue ones with the smiley faces. Hopefully someone else can help you out and give you some good news.
CD 101 for me today......Sad

surferchic41212 · 25/01/2015 13:33

I came off the pill in May last year, not with the intention of even trying right away, but I only had tiny spitting every couple of months.. I had various doctor's appointments and blood tests, with all coming back fine. I had a baby 2 years before and all was fine, so it was diagnosed as ammenhorea and I was told to just wait.. Finally in nov my periods came back, but I was about to start acupuncture to try and bring it back.. Apparently it's not uncommon after taking the pill... But mine did come back..

The not knowing was awful though... Feel for you guys.

surferchic41212 · 25/01/2015 13:34

Spotting - sorry- auto mistake

eskimolaura · 25/01/2015 13:36

I don't know either I'm afraid :( Feeling really down today. Blood tests tomorrow afternoon, so we'll see if they can pick anything up. I have stocked up on Agnus Castus, Evening Primrose. Not going to take anything until after tomorrow and I may be being a bit premature and should probably be just waiting for my body to re-set itself on its own, but I'm going to try everything and keep doing the OPK's in the hope that something will happen.Hmm

Monkeroon · 25/01/2015 14:05

Hi Joey
I had same situation re pill. I was on the pill for 17 years (Yasmin) for the last few. I didn't get my period until 9 months after I stopped taking it. When I did finally get them my cycles were really irregular for about 7/8 months. I finally got pregnant 20 months after stopping taking the pill My husband and I had also both got checked out and our results came back ok. I didn't realise that you could still get pregnant without periods - if I had known this I would have used cheapie ovulation tests then as would have been more targeted in the irregular cycles. I also found out from opks that I ovulate really late - day 25 - no idea if this is related to taking the pill. . Can't actually remember my cycle days as was 16 when started taking it! By the way I was 34 when I started trying. 36 when I gave birth. Don't panic yet as I think it can really vary between individuals on how long it takes to get your period. I've heard can be up to a year. I just wish I'd been more clued up on the subject and had stopped taking the pill a couple of years beforehand.

HTH

Philly83 · 25/01/2015 21:17

I have some good news - just got my first post-pill period today! It was about eight weeks after stopping taking the pill so I was starting to get worried. I don't think I have ever been so pleased to have a period! Hoping they will regularise over the next few months. Good luck to everyone else waiting for theirs.

Original poster
Joey0805 · 26/01/2015 19:36

So on cycle day140 my period finally showed up (huge sigh of relief all round in the joey household). It was heavy-ish (for me anyway) for 2 days and has been v v light for 2 days and will be gone tomorrow I think. My husband and I have decided to take it easy this cycle and try to let my body have 1 normal length cycle (we hope!) before we really start TTC. So we'll be trying but not going too crazy!!

Polly - so sorry to hear that. Give it another couple of months and in the meantime fill your weekends and evenings with things that you can't do, or are really hard to do, with a baby or when pregnant - I found it really helpful so hope you will too xxx

OP posts:
Pollypoppins · 26/01/2015 19:56

Hooray! So pleased someone has had some good news. This is why im so glad we have this thread. It gives me hope knowing there is an end in sight! Would be great if you could keep us updated Joey on your new cycle, and if it's any shorter than your first?
I felt mild cramps this afternoon but they have stopped now :( The wait goes on for me. Your advice is spot on though, we are filling our weekends with lots of stuff and enjoying time together. I read something at the weekend....Be happy with what you have, while you pursue what you want. So true and trying to remind myself of that in moments of feeling fed up Smile

eskimolaura · 26/01/2015 20:13

Glad to hear that there was light at the end of the tunnel for you both! :)

I had the blood tests done earlier. Will have to ring up on Friday to get the results, but won't be able to make an appointment with the doctor til Monday, so fingers crossed they're ok, or I will have the weekend to worry and over-think things!

Marmite2012 · 27/01/2015 11:27

When I stopped using the pill 8 years ago it took my body 8 months to have a period. I'd been on it for 8 years and just decided to take a break.

Since then I have always used non-hormonal contraceptive because I really disliked the effect it had on my body.

I now have regular 28 day cycle. We have a 2 yr old son who we conceived on the second month of trying and we are just now on our first month of trying for baby no. 2.

I hope that info helps.

Ginfizz90 · 27/01/2015 13:43

Joey that's great news! Gives the rest of us some hope. Definately feel like I'm not so alone in this now. I really like your quote, so true :)

I'm getting lots of lower back ache, so hoping that's a good sign. Also being a lot more active, long walks and runs outdoors.