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?

Oh sorry, I misunderstood, @Maisy24 they did my bloods anyway and put a note on I was day 51

@Mycrazylife85 sorry you're having to deal with such long cycles... I think there are some good treatment options to induce ovulation in PCOS, hopefully they are able to help you.

@JennaRMD lucky you in Scotland - I've heard you can get way more on the NHS up there (plus it's a beautiful part of the world)!

@Maisy24 with normal IVF they stimulate you to produce lots of eggs, retrieve them and fertilise them, then transfer 1 (or sometimes 2) 'fresh' embryos back in. However if you're lucky enough to get more embryos, they freeze them and can transfer them in later - a frozen cycle. So where were we live we get 1 fresh and one frozen cycle on the NHS - this means that if we don't get many eggs/embryos on the first cycle and it fails then we get nothing more.

With IUI they 'wash' the sperm to get the best out then inject it straight into the womb at ovulation time (it's often combined with meds for stronger ovulation) - I think this increases chances of conception though not nearly as much as IVF does. It costs £650 at our NHS hospital, much more if you go private. In our case though there would be no point in trying it unless the clinic were also offering some sort of treatment to thicken my lining as IUI alone wouldn't fix that. We're hoping for estrogen treatment which seems to be the standard thing for lining, but so far my clinic say they only give that as part of IVF cycles... 🙄 Hoping the endocrinologist might help us get that, or suggest some other miracle treatment! 🤞

Happy Saturday ladies! Xxx

@Hope365 ahh thanks for the information, that's really cleared things up! Hopefully there will be things you can do to increase it naturally aswell.

@Mycrazylife85 well you have the ball rolling now to find out what is going on, so that's positive! Just take it one step/appointment at a time. Hoping AF arrives for you soon!

@Maisy24 yes trying the L-arginine thing this month so hoping it works some magic - though I must say it's giving me some pretty unpleasant side effects, hoping it's all worth it! How did you find the Vit E? How much were you taking daily? Still thinking of maybe trying it next, if this cycle doesn't work out... xxx

Hi @Hope365 another girl from another thread I was on advised on the vitamin E and exercise upto ovulation, she said it made a big difference as she had scans to check. I've been taking two tablets a day of 400 I.u vitamin E (from Tesco) then after ovulation she said to change to just 1 tablet a day (not sure why) then I've also been taking coq10 three tablets upto ovulation and 2 tablets after ovulation. And folic acid as usual.

What is this L-arginine? Never heard of this one.

6dpo and I've felt so sick last night and tired, but it's probably non related!

@Maisy24 I hate non-related symptoms. They confuse the hell out of me. Emotional enough as it is without the mind games our bodies play lol.
As a matter of interest, has all of your OH been tested also? That's my other worry, that it might not be me at all. Not sure how that one would pan out considering I have spent the past 6 months obsessing over my own body. Just yet another irritating worry/thought that crossed my mind recently. The joys 🤦

Little sob. I've pulled off an Oscar winning performance following a pregnancy announcement. It was a 'surprise' for them and so was it for her friend who is also pregnant a month after first trying. I'm so pleased for them. It'll make my husbands mum a great grandmother but It'll be hard watching his mum get excited and taking all things baby. My husband said her first pregnancy test was wrong (negative) but she was in fact pregnant and she was late. Implying this could be me. I'm two weeks late, day 54 and I'm not pregnant, I've horrible hormonal spots and I'm feeling fat and bloated. Had to tell him on late because my body doesn't work properly not because I'm pregnant.

@JennaRMD I know it's like our brains play tricks on us! Yeah my DH has been tested, everything came back fine, the only thing was his morphology came back low at 1% but they said because everything else was so high it didn't make a difference. You should definitely get your OH tested just so you know it's definitely not him.

@Mycrazylife85 oh no I know exactly how you feel; it really isn't nice hearing of pregnancies especially ones that are "surprises". Have you told anyone you are trying? To be honest I'm suspicious of anyone that says they weren't trying that long, they could just not be saying. We've not told anyone we are trying so when I get pregnant people will not know what we have been through. Although it does happen straight away for some ☹️

Hopefully we will get ours soon! Xxxxx

@Maisy24 My Doctor said to try and enjoy life for the next few months and if nothings happening by April/May (1year of trying) then to go in. We are both young and healthy so she says she doesn't want to put too much pressure on it. It's horrible having all these worries. Wish I could just forget about it.

@Maisy24 it's interesting you spoke to someone who found that vitamin E helped! Think I will def try it next... L-arginine is a supplement that is also thought to increase blood flow and thicken lining - it was tested in the same study that tested vitamin E, and both treatments were found to be equally effective (as well as viagra! That also helps lining apparently). Here's the link to the original paper where they describe the findings in case you're interested: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/19200982/

@JennaRMD my OH was tested and also came back with low morphology (2%) but exactly like @Maisy24 they said it was all fine because his count and motility were high (Maisy we are actually TTC twins it's weird!) However I have been worrying that the morphology might still be an issue, and the clinic wanted to retest him in December so we'll see if anything new comes from that... Most doctors do recommend waiting for a year before doing any tests, though enjoying life in the meantime is easier said than done! Totally get what you mean about wanting to forget about it all...

@Mycrazylife85 I'm so sorry you had to deal with that... pregnancy announcements are the worst, especially surprise ones. Really hoping AF comes for you soon so you can get on with tests and get some answers.

Xxx

Thank you @Maisy24 and @Hope365 I'm feeling positively crappy today

@Maisy24 not really. Although my husband did tell his one friend and his wife (who is my friend) that's okay but I didn't want people stopping their conversations when I walked in the room or talking behind our back. It's bad enough I don't refer invited to my friends baby's parties because I don't have children and wouldn't be interested, despite telling them I'd love to be invited and love to meet up with them and share their joy. I find out usually after,when a message is put on a WhatsApp group I'm on (instead of the 'mums' group I'm not supposed to know about). I am honestly fabulous at being happy for them and being sad inside. My in-law bought books in case we had children and she could read to them. They're beautiful. I do hope these don't come back out soon, or worse, be given away for her great grandchild.

@Hope365 thank you. I really hope it does soon too. 🙁

@JennaRMD Your doctor is definitely right! you haven't been trying for long at all, if you can try and relax and enjoy it for now that will help things massively (I know its easier said than done) but I honestly think stress plays a big part in it all. I didn't ask DH to be tested until last month, which was around 14 months. Just think to yourself it WILL happen but its just a case of WHEN :) It is all chance and if you think of it like rolling a dice, we could all roll a dice once a month and still not get the number 6, whereas someone could get it first throw. We just have to keep throwing :)

@Hope365 omg we really are TTC twins!!!!! I hope we get our BFP's together too! Very interesting article! Maybe I need to switch to what your on as it looks to have higher success rate, what are the risks of Vitamin E? Are there any risks to the L-Arginine I also still worry about the morphology as it makes me wonder if this is why it isn't happening, have you got OH on anything? Since getting my DH results back he has completely cut out baths (he was having at least 5 scorching hot baths a week as we didn't know that effected sperm) , he has cut down on his drinking as he goes out quite a lot at weekend, he already eats healthy and goes to the gym but i've got him on an array of vitamins that are meant to be good Lycapene, Zinc, Vitamin C and COQ10. I also read tomatoes are fantastic for morphology and count, so up the spag bols and chillis for tea! haha.

@Mycrazylife85 Sorry you are feeling crappy, whenever I feel like this I try and think about all the positive things I have in life such as DH, holidays where I can actually enjoy myself and relax (unlike my parent friends haha) good job, good health, family, my beloved pets. :)

I am with you on not wanting people to talk behind your back or be cautious around what they say around you, I much prefer to put an award winning act on than tell everyone. In regards to the kids parties I am the COMPLETE opposite! I HATE kids parties and my friends make me feel guilty if I don't go, so I go to please them and end up standing there like a spare part haha, honestly they are NOT FUN so please don't get upset over that, enjoy your time you don't have to attend.

I am sure your in-laws will not give the books away, they will be waiting for your little bundle of joy to arrive :)

xxxx

@Mycrazylife85 I know it's easier said than done but try to stay positive. Trust me I know how hard it can be being surrounded by people who seem to just "fall", not always the best feeling.

@Maisy24 I just wish someone could tell me that everything is ok. Even if someone said it'll take us 3-4 years I'd be ok with that (and would be able to relax more) it's just more the "what if" that stresses me out. When you are doing everything right and it's still not happening after 6months. I know that's not a massive amount of time but it's like how do others just have it happen easy lol? Just confusing and frustrating. I just wish I could see into the future 😭😂!!!
I love the dice explanation, totally get it, just I thought I'd be the person to roll an unwanted 6 that puts you back to the start, not the one who kept getting every number bar the 6 that you need to win the game 😂

@JennaRMD I totally agree! Why can't we be the ones that throw six and go straight to go and collect 200 🤣🤣🤣🤣

@JennaRMD @Maisy24 Loving the dice analogies ladies 😂 And totally with you both on just wanting to know when... I could handle the wait so much better if I knew it was going to happen for sure, but as you say Jenna it's all the 'what if's that are hard...

@Maisy24 I know it's crazy how similar our TTC situations are! After over a year of feeling very alone with these problems it's so nice to be able to share. I also hope we get our BFPs together! I'm not entirely sure of side effects but I did read some stuff about vitamin E which worried me a little - have a look at side effects on this link www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-954/vitamin-e
L-arginine seemed maybe a little safer from the reading I did, though it definitely seems to be affecting my gut (sparing you the details 😂) - and that's only at 3g per day which is half what they took in that study I sent you, so not sure it'll have any effect. It's so hard to know about safety just from the internet though... I will try and ask the endocrinologist about this stuff when I have my appointment. My OH is only taking the Wellman conception multivitamin, and also now cutting down on hot baths, and cycling too (he does a lot). We'll see if anything has changed when they retest him in December, and whether they think the morphology is a problem...
Any new TWW symptoms for you?

@Mycrazylife85 I'm so sorry your friends are excluding you like that, it must be so tough - though I agree with Maisy that not going to kids parties is probably a good thing, I find that kind of thing quite hard. But I do totally get the feeling left out thing, and it's very unfair of your friends not to invite you despite you telling them you'd love to come (which is you being a much better friend than I'd be!)

Xxx

@Mycrazylife85 it sucks to be left out of anything, never mind something you want so much. I'm fortunate that most of my clost friends don't have family yet so I'm probably the most broody out the lot. I have a 3yo Nephew but my Brother and sister-in-law are older than me so don't feel as pressured there.
@Hope365 yup, I totally just wish I knew when... I just keep thinking even if it takes 10years I'll still only be 38 😂 trying to think of all worst case scenarios so that when it happens in 5 years instead of 10 then I'll not be as disheartened. Defo going to wait until my 1y of "trying" tho before I go to docs about anything. I was on another thread that simply asked "how long did you take?" And quite a few women were saying around 2y with no known medical reasons why. Guess @Maisy24 is right, it's just your luck of the dice ha x

@Hope365 oh god they are quite worrying!! Thinking I need to swap next cycle! It will be interesting to see if OH SA comes back with any change in December. Not too much longer to wait now! Excited for you.

I haven't really had any symptoms, I have been getting some cramps but probably not related. I'm going to test on Friday before I go away I'll be 11dpo then.

Not expecting much though!

@Maisy24 I get cramps every cycle from about 7DPO so they always make me feel like I'm out, but I know for a lot of women they can be a sign of implantation - fingers massively crossed that's what it is for you! 🤞

It's my birthday today (33)! It's hard not to focus on the fact that a whole year has passed and still no baby... but I'm trying to stay positive and appreciate the things I do have rather than those I don't - like my OH and both our families who are so supportive. Plus the fact that we have appointments coming up very soon that will hopefully get things moving! Hoping 33 is my year 🤞🤞🤞 xxx

@Hope365 Happy Birthday!!! Guess what... it's my birthday on Saturday!!!! I swear this is getting more and more freaky 🤣🤣🤣

33 is DEFINITELY your year! And you are right you have loads of things going for you that you should feel happy about. Loads of women haven't been lucky enough to find a good OH yet! And you have your appointment to look forward to. Exciting things to come!

I hope you are being spoilt and having a lovely day xxxxxx

@Maisy24 I half expected you to say your birthday was today too 😂😂 The similarities are getting ridiculous!

Thanks, yes I am grateful for OH every day - it took me a while to find someone who makes me so happy so I feel very lucky 🥰 Off out for drinks now, then a lovely dinner with the man!

Xxx

Hey, I hope it's ok to jump on this thread! Been reading your experiences and they're exactly like mine... Haven't found anything else helpful online other than this so thank you all for sharing!!
I also came off the pill (lucette/Yasmin) earlier this year, having been on it since age 15 (I'm now 31!) been TTC for 6months with such light periods. Had heavy painful periods whilst on the pill (and before) that I had scans etc. (all fine) but since I've been off they've got lighter and lighter each cycle. Did any of you experience this?
Cycle is always regular 28-30 days so pretty sure I'm ovulating but period is now down to basically a day of very light bleeding, only a few drops! I do have spotting before and after though, but its not enough to even reach a pad. Still get all the cramps... Yay!🙄

I'm annoyed there isn't more advice out there on this. As clearly we all have similar experiences! I'm going to check out the supplements that have been mentioned, you never know!
I wish you all the luck in the world on your journeys too, it can be tough!!

P.s I'm also November birthday haha, weird!

@MrsKirsty welcome! This has been really helpful for us all to share advice we've been given and just generally support eachother! Sounds like you are very similar to us! Have you been to the doctors? Xxxx

@Maisy24 I'm so relieved others are in the same boat as when I googled it lots of pre-menopause info came up and I panicked a bit!
I went to gp a few months ago for the cramps saying last period was only 1.5 days and she brushed it off and didn't seem worried. Actually said if I wasn't TTC she would have regulated me with the pill (!!).
I'm on day 1 of cycle now so going to see how this one goes and thinking I should go back to gp and focus on the light bleeding. Really thought i was pregnant last cycle too, its rubbish worrying about everything! Xx

@MrsKirsty the doctor said exactly the same thing to me "I'd have put you on the pill to see if it improved things but you are Ttc" I was thinking erm no I think the pill is what has caused this problem!

And yes I did the exact same thing, I started googling and panicking I was going into menopause, but when I had my bloods done I must have said at least three times "it's definitely not menopause is it" and she was like "no it is definitely not so stop worrying about that".

Well I'm 11dpo tomorrow and going away for the weekend with friends. So I will be doing an FRER tomorrow morning just so I can feel better about having a drink, no doubt it will be another BFN! If I do get a BFN then I'm booking another appointment and I want referring to check my lining is ok. As I'll be getting on for 16 months.

@Hope365 went through a similar process to us (telling her everything was fine) but she's since found she does have a problem with her lining and is being referred, so I want to rule that out incase I need treatment.

It has only been 6 months for you, so that's not long at all (I know it feels a lifetime) I'd say try and relax maybe start to use the clear blue advanced ovulation kits (I used them this cycle and loved them) and give it another 2 months of dtd in your fertile week, there are lots of people that only have light bleeds that get pregnant quickly so it could be nothing to worry about.

Stay on this thread, we are all sharing any info we find out that could help.

Xxxxxxx

Xxxxx