Light periods after stopping pill

[HRMC87]

I stopped taking my pill in December and TTC since. I have had really regular periods since but they are so light! The same every time, period pains start on the Sunday night and I don't get it til the Friday. Last for 2-3 days and I can get away with wearing only one pad everyday. Getting worried now, I know it takes time for them to get back to normal but I have had 4 and they were never like this before! Anyone had anything similar with success?

@Hope365 I'm on CD 11 been on Provera for 3 days now, not really any side effects other then a few twinges below, but that could be me thinking about it. Omg thanks so much for the advice on asking about lining, I didn't even think to ask. I'm there on Friday for the HSG, I will let you know how I get on and I will definitely be asking about lining now as I'll be CD 13 by then.

How are you getting on? Have you ovulated yet? I'm going to start my clear blue opks tomorrow.

Xxxxx

@Maisy24 I'm the same cycle day as you! Had my second scan for this cycle today, lining is looking like it's thickening like last time on the meds which is good 😊 They've told me to trigger on Sunday (injection to induce ovulation), so it's looking like ovulation will be Monday. Then we have an appointment with the endocrinologist on Thursday, to plan for the next few cycles and discuss IVF - though at the moment I'm feeling like everything could be cancelled at any moment due to the virus 😷 Maisy massive good luck for today! Let us know how the HSG goes, hope the results are all good🤞 xxxxx

@Hope365 hi, I've had it done. It was a lot more uncomfortable than I thought it would be, but the pain wasn't too bad. The doctor said everything looks healthy and no blockages. I asked about lining and she said she couldn't tell that, and it's an ultrasound that does that 🙄 I'm sure they could have and just didn't want to say. I'm not sure if I'm happy or sad there were no blockages as it's yet another test that's come back fine. I started the opks so just waiting for a smiley face now, I am really hoping Provera isn't going to mess around with my ovulation. Either way I'll be stopping my tablets on the 21st and hopefully get a longer bleed!

Great news on the lining! And it's good you know for sure you will ovulate. I've got a good feeling for you this month!!

And I know what you mean about the virus I was glad to get this test done today before they started cancelling everything!

Xxxx

I took the pill for only three days.. couldn't hack the side effects..I was soo depressed.. started bleed 5days later it's dark and really heavy.. is that withdrawal bleed I'm I'm sooo confused... last period was 2 weeks earlier.

Hi ladies, sorry for going off radar for a while - the last couple of weeks have been a lot to take in... How are you all doing with confinement? Are you able to work from home? My work is lab-based so quite limited at home but trying to keep busy as best I can!

@Maisy24 where are you at in your treatment? Did you ovulate even with the provera? And how is the situation affecting your treatment? I'm guessing all future rounds are cancelled for now?

We had a phone appointment last week about everything - I'm 8DPO now so still keeping everything crossed for this medicated round, but the clinic understandably have put all treatments after this one on hold... Sadly that means no more lining stimulation (injections), but thankfully they are still letting me take progesterone and estrogen supplementation during my luteal phase and have prescribed me 4 months-worth! So hopefully my lining will still be getting a little boost, and if nothing else it means I get to feel normal rather than crampy during my luteal phase, as the drugs make a world of difference there. So trying to see the positives, though it's not always easy - our IVF which was scheduled for May and which we've been counting down to is obviously on hold, and I'm struggling with all the people complaining about being stuck at home with their kids! Also everyone saying there's going to be a baby boom in 9 months time - great for all those people who can get pregnant just because they're bored 🙄🙄 Anyway, rant over! I hope you are all coping ok and your families are healthy and safe, what strange times... xxx

@Hope365 hey! No worries I've also been off radar and tbh my mind has been on the coronavirus stuff, it's mental, yes this is my second week wfh and it's driving me insane!

My cycle has been completely messed up with these tablets, I wish I'd never taken them! 😢 so I am currently on CD 24 and I still haven't ovulated. I got a flashing smiley yesterday and today so still waiting for the peak. The trouble is I am meant to take these tablets upto day 28 and then stop (which should induce a bleed) but then this means there won't be enough time after ovulation for it to even implant (and that's assuming I ovulate in the next 4 days). The annoying thing is, with this being the first month after hsg I don't want to miss the chance, as they say your chances increase m 😭 I am currently debating on whether to continue the Provera for 10 days after I ovulate so I don't bleed and then just not take these tablets again?!. What would you do? In terms of my treatment I was given 3 months worth of tablets so I don't actually have anything booked other than the next fertility appointment which is August. I was going to ring to see if I could bring it forward but fat chance of that now!

So sorry you have had things cancelled but great news about them letting you have the supplements still, that should help! So I'm assuming you have ovulated now and are in the lutual phase? I know exactly what you mean about this "baby boom" talk. we bloody wish!!! Also it's all so annoying I've had a lot of people say to me "at least you have peace and quiet with no kids" 😤😐 I know it's bad but I can't help worry this coronavirus could go on for a year and it's another year I'll be older 🙈 hope you are keeping well and isolated xxxxx

Hi all. I have no idea what cycle day I'm on because my head has been firmly up my a**e for a week or so now. Pretty sure AF is due tomorrow or next day and only symptom I have are slightly tender breasts so who knows. Tbh, I don't think we are going to stop trying each month but I have to say this is the first month in a long time where I'm actually not overly concerned about not being pregnant. So much more scary things going on in the world right now and it is actually really dangerous for pregnant women, especially with me still having to work. Mixed emotions but just trying to push through x

How's everyone doing? AF has came and gone for another month and although I wasn't too bothered about it this month, I've just had a friend have a "surprise" pregnancy 🤦‍♀️ not even trying. Wtf is wrong with us? Not even like we can get tested now because of what's going on. Feel totally pissed off with the world and everyone in it today!

@JennaRMD hi Jenna , hope you are keeping safe. So sorry to hear you have had a surprise announcement from a friend, it really is horrible. I'm with you on feeling pissed off. I also don't know what cycle day I'm on, after finishing the 21 day course of Provera I had a tiny bit of spotting and that was it,I was expecting a more heavy bleed after being on it not an even lighter one! I wouldn't even call it a bleed at all it was like a light pink smudge on the tissue. And then nothing. I'm now on cd 39 (if I don't count the spotting as a new cycle) and also been getting flashing smileys for weeks, so I don't know if I've ovulated; I don't even know if I'm on the same cycle or a new one 🙈 I am SO mad at the fertility clinic for prescribing me the Provera, there was absolutely nothing wrong with my cycle, I was regular every 32ish days I'd come on, now I don't even know what cycle I'm on! My follow up appointment is August, i'm meant to do more bloods at the end of May and my partner a repeat SA ready for the follow up, I'm expecting that all to be pushed back though. I don't know how people get pregnant so easy 😢 sending lots of love, we just have to keep trying xxxxx

I don't even know if I want to try just now because of how the world is tbh. We and hubby still working so wouldn't be able to go to work or anything if I was pregnant and need the money tbh. It's just so frustrating that people get pregnant so easily. It's like I'm happy for it to take a while but I just want everyone else to take a while too 😂. I'm so confused and stressed out about everything just now and I know in my head and heart it is not the good or right time to conceive but can't help hating everyone else who is so easily. Pissed off is an understatement.

Hi ladies, difficult times all round it seems... 😔 @Maisy24 I'm so sorry to hear about the mess provera has made of your cycle - can't imagine how frustrating that must be... I feel angry at your clinic for you! I think provera is usually prescribed for people who have no periods, to kick-start their cycles - I guess your clinic put you in that category without really listening to you about the fact you do have regular cycles, just very light periods, which is a completely different problem. Unfortunately light periods don't seem to be that common of a problem so a lot of doctors (even fertility docs) seem to be a bit clueless - at least that's been my experience. Hopefully things will regulate back to normal for you over the next couple of months, and whenever things start up again you can explain your situation (again!) and push for a different treatment/ ask for a different doctor...?

@JennaRMD I'm sorry to hear you and your hubby are still having to go out to work, that must add a whole layer of stress to this already stressful situation... I totally get what you mean about wishing all pregnancies were put on hold for everyone. Surprise announcements from people who weren't even trying are the worst... I really struggle with pregnancy announcement generally, and it's definitely getting worse as time goes on.

On my side no good news either I'm afraid. Cycle 2 of treatments failed just like the first, and actually it felt worse because this time my period was no different at all - the first time it was still very light but at least it was bright red which never normally happens and felt like a step in the right direction. This second cycle, it was just as short and brown as usual, and it's made me doubt whether the treatment is working at all. I know the scans showed my lining was growing, but if that's really the case I just don't understand where it's all going! So anyway, now kind of onto cycle 3 of treatment though with only half of the usual meds, and back to not feeling very hopeful at all... The hardest is having to deal with everything being on hold, when in the back of my mind I've always counted on the fact we were getting closer to trying IVF - every failed cycle I would take some comfort in knowing at least there was an action plan going forward, and now that's been taken away from us. Really struggling with it all, and feeling even more sensitive to talk of pregnancies/babies/kids than I usually do. It's a good job I'm hiding away at home and not seeing anyone!

Sorry for the epic rant, sending love and hugs your way xxx

@hope365 I'm sorry to hear about your failed cycle. I just hate not knowing what the hell is going on with our bodies. Regular periods, although still light we all seem to have slight improvements each month, we dtd at the right times, several times and yet nothing? I wish someone could say "ah it's because of xyz" however despite any positive progression (like your lining getting thicker) it still isn't happening. What the hell!? It's all so confusing 🤦‍♀️. I'm completely in the same boat as you guys though although I think I may be getting closer to giving up on the idea of children all together.....

Hi ladies,
So glad that I found this thread! Lockdown is giving me far too much thinking time to obsess and worry and feel like the only person in the world with my questions!
I came off the mini pill and I’ve had periods but they are sooooo much lighter than they ever were and this week I had a tiny amount (not red) and then nothing - convinced myself it could have been implantation bleeding but no... another BFN. Been doing ovulation testing and they have all been negative too. It’s been about 7 months now.
Friends who had been on the mini pill got pregnant immediately after coming off and so I didn’t come off as early as I think I should have done. Had no idea it would have messed with my body so much.
So sorry that some of you have been on this very hard and disappointing journey for a long time. I really hope we all get what we want soon!
Sending positive vibes to you all x

@Emily104 hi Emily.

Sorry to hear you are feeling worried about things, we certainly know how you feel. I'm coming up for 2 years trying in July 😢 . However if you can try and remain positive and not stress yet because 7 months is very early and I know of lots and lots of people that have a very light bleed and still manage to get pregnant within the year. Keep positive! If you do find yourself stressing to much then maybe go to the doctors for the usual blood tests to check you are ovulating, if you do go then I suggest pretending you have been trying for a year already otherwise they will say you need to wait until it's been 12 months. Have you got basal thermometer, you could track your temp everyday as that's a really good way of seeing if you have ovulated. Sending lots of love xxxxxx

@Hope365 how are you getting on lovely? I have just started bleeding today and for once I am SO happy because I didn't know what cycle day I was on due to not having a proper period after the Provera. I'm hoping after this I will have a normalish cycle again!

@JennaRMD how are you doing? Hope you are feeling a bit better this month xxxx

I'm 3 days late.... I'm waiting til Monday before I test. Kind of cautiously happy but also shitting myself because I'm still working and it's really not a safe time to be pregnant the now. I think I ovulated late but in 10 months I've never had more than a 30 day cycle. Usually 27-29 though. Going into CD 33 now with only mildly sore boobs and feeling a bit bloated. Head is all over the place. I'll update on Monday. @Maisy24 glad you're starting to regulate again though. You'll defo feel better knowing that.
@Emily104 try not to panic too much just yet. Just monitor your cycles and go to doctors if you're worried about it but I'd maybe give it another couple of months until the world settles down again lol xxx

@JennaRMD that sounds positive!! I've got everything crossed for you, but also know what you mean about getting your hopes up. We've all be stung too many times already by that! Just keep trying to stay safe and put it out of your mind until after weekend 💗💗💗

Thank you very much for the positivity and reassurance @Maisy24 - not done basal tracking yet but I’m going to this month! @JennaRMD - keeping fingers crossed for you for a positive! X

Hi ladies 💕

@Emily104 hi, and sorry you're having to deal with similar stress... I'm definitely with @Maisy24 in saying that it's not been that long so try not to panic just yet, it can take time. Having said that, we all know that the whole 'try not to worry about it' thing doesn't work! I basically agree with everything Maisy said - temping is a really good start to get an idea of whether you're ovulating, and if you're worried go to the GP, say it's been a year, and they should do the basic blood tests. I kind of think getting the tests is win win because if they find something then you can start being proactive about fixing it, and if not then it's great peace of mind.

@JennaRMD how exciting!! Please please keep us posted, I've got everything crossed for you that this is it! And try not to worry too much about the times (again, easier said than done!) - I don't think there is actually any evidence that covid is more dangerous for pregnant women (or babies), but because we don't know for sure the government have put pregnant women in the high risk group as a precautionary measure.

@maisy great that you finally know where you're at with your cycle. Does your period seem any different to how it was before provera or just the same?

My end nothing new - 3rd 'kind of' medicated cycle (only had half the drugs) failed, I stopped the drugs yesterday after testing negative and now waiting for yet another likely nonexistent period to start 🙄 It's really wearing me down...

Xxx

@Hope365 so sorry you've had another cycle that hasn't worked out. It's so annoying this virus has impacted on the treatment. I know what you mean about it wearing you down: I try not to think about it now and just carry on with life. Funnily enough my period this time is different. I didn't have the pains, back ache or dreaded feeling I usually get before I start spotting, I was actually shocked when I went to the toilet and seen red! I have been bleeding from yesterday and still bleeding bright red blood so I think this is the longest I've had red blood from to finish. However it is VERY light, to the point it's more or less just when I wipe. 1 pad for the day is absolutely fine and it isn't even full. God knows what is going on, I'm just glad I can now be sure I'm on cycle day 2. And can start the clear blue opks from day 10 again, I'm going to temp also this cycle just so I can be sure I'm back ovulating.

When are you back at the hospital?

Xxxxx

5.30am - CD34 - woken up with horrendous cramps (which have just finished) and another unwelcome visit from AF. F**k. Really thought this could have been it this time. Silly me.

@JennaRMD I'm so so sorry 😔 There's nothing worse than those times when our hopes get raised, and how stupid we feel afterwards for having let ourselves believe in it, even a little bit... I doubt anything I can say will make you feel better, but know that we're with you and we 100% know how you feel ❤

@Maisy24 great that at least it's different, fingers crossed that provera might have changed things for the better somehow! 🤞🤞

Did you see the amazing news yesterday? Fertility clinics given the green light to reopen from the 11th May! It was so unexpected - I really thought we would be waiting much longer - and also felt very emotional about the fact they felt it was important enough to include it in the national announcement... Makes us realise we really are not alone in this and it's sadly something that affects thousands of people. @Maisy I hope this means that you will be able to get a follow up appointment soon to discuss the provera, and perhaps make a new plan! Xxx

@JennaRMD so sorry hear af came. 😢 as hope said there is nothing we can say to make it any better. But we're right here with you! Let's all remember we are not alone in this.

@Hope365 yes I did see that! Amazing news, will you be going back to your clinic now to start the full treatment again? I'm hoping we can still have our bloods done this month and the second SA. I don't know if to ring to check or just turn up as we already have the bags and everything ready.

I have some positive news. I am on day 5 and I am STILL BLEEDING! it is still very light (mainly when I wipe) , but it has been bright red for 5 days. Not sure what has happened but I'm hoping it's a positive sign.

@Hope365 @Maisy24 I did not hear about that but if that's the case then that's great! Sorry if I've not said much, I've really struggled with it this month. The last 2 cycles I've had have been 3 days long but one day of heavier brown bleeding (still light but not having to analyse toilet paper anymore). I spoke to another doctor who said that my progesterone check is the first indicator that everything is ok and she thinks that the reason my period is still changing is possibly down to my lining taking a longer time to thicken. She also said there was a small chance it could have been w chemical pregnancy with the lateness and pains but not sure how much truth is in that...
@maisy24 at least it is still changing for the better, I kind of think if it's getting better each month then it must still be growing/developing which can only be a good thing?
@hope365 hopefully you can get back to the clinic and see what the next steps are for you guys.
I'm entering my 12month of trying so if it doesn't happen this month I'll be in the minority % of "most couples fall within a year". A statistic has never made me feel so shit and I'm annoyed at my body this month 😞. Stay strong everyone ❤️