What is my body doing?

[Redfairy1288]

Hi all - I have been on the pill for 10, nearly 11 years and stopped taking it on 21st October, had a withdrawal bleed as normal the following week. Before going on the pill, when I was 18, i was diagnosed with PCOS following not having a period for several months and an ultrasound scan. So, due to PCOS and the fact it has only been 4 weeks since I came off pill, I am not suprised to have not yet had a natural period, however, since last Monday (13th Nov) my body has been doing some new things that it has not really done much during the 10 years I was on the pill. This includes stomach cramps and diarroea (seemingly random and just on one day), ovary cramping, significant bloated-ness and gas that does not seem in proportion with what I have eaten, itchy nipples, tender breasts (now and again - not constant), mood swings and just generally feeling like something is going on with my body. My best guess, given this started just over 3 weeks-ish after stopping the pill, was that my period must be coming and this is basically PMS? However, I have not come on, so not sure if I could be pregnant, but this seems a bit soon. No period yet would not have necessarily made me wonder, but because of these symptoms I cannot work out what is going on. Is it period related? Pregnancy? Or neither? And if I take a test now, would it be too soon to show anything anyway?

I am new to this so advice would be so appreciated!

Also had bleeding gums - when I never normally get this, and feeling totally repulsed by certain smells (my hubby's kebab and someone getting on train who smelt of cigarettes) I could not handle these smells and had to leave the room / cover my nose which felt dramatic really!

I am 28 - forgot to mention.

Every symptom you’ve described are completely normal PMS symptoms. You will 100% get weird stuff going on after coming off hormonal contraception. Your body is cruel like that, making you think you’re pregnant when you’re not. If you came off the pill 3 weeks ago and got pregnant straight away, I would assume that you would be having positive pregnancy tests by now. I would take a test and if it’s negative, give your body a bit more time to adjust. It can take up to a year for your body to properly regulate itself after coming off contraception and unfortunately you just have to be patient and put up with the annoying symptoms in the meantime. If you’ve not had a period after a few more weeks or so, I would maybe just speak to your doctor. They will most likely tell you it’s normal after stopping the pill but with you having PCOS they may be able to help kick start a period. Good luck!

Thank you Bubblegum89 - Yes that is what I was thinking re it being normal PMS symptoms - I have just not been used to them having been on the pill for 10 years, PMS symptoms don't really occur so it's all new for me. I think my body must be adjusting really, I suppose having been off the pill for several weeks now, it is 'fully' out of my system and my body's reacting to that? Sitting at my desk the last few hours with a weird 'pull' type in my belly. Just hope my period arrives soon to make it all worthwhile!

Yes my GP has said I can be given Metformin as soon as I ask for it, to help. I just wanted to give my body a few months to regulate before I considered giving myself another medication so will go back at some stage to talk about that, especially if periods do not return or return very irregularly.

May do a test tomorrow just to rule it out - I am due to go to a party on Saturday so need to know as otherwise I would avoid alcohol too.

xx

When I came off the implant last year, I got every symptom you can imagine. Sore boobs, strong sense of smell, peeing all the time, nausea, faitigue, just stuff I’d never had before. It drove me insane! I’ve been ttc for a year now and still get these symptoms most months but I’ve not been pregnant yet. When you first ttc, you’ll think everything is a pregnancy symptom but 99% of the time, it isn’t. The pill hormones may not be fully out of your system just yet. My doctor told me when I was on the pill years back that coming off it I could get pregnant straight away or it might take ages as it really does vary among women how quickly your body is rid of them. It can take up to 12 months for your body to regulate itself again. It’s very frustrating! If I was you, I would leave it a while and see if your period comes back on its own unless you’re concerned. I would definitely get a test to rule pregnancy out but don’t be too disheartened if it’s negative. Oh and I get that pulling twinge in my belly all the time, it annoyingly feels just like a baby kick but obviously you wouldn’t feel anything like that until you had a pretty decent sized foetus in there. Ttc can be a long journey, try not to get too hung up on symptoms too much. Hopefully your period will come back on its own but make sure to check in with your GP if it’s been a while and it hasn’t :)

Thanks for sharing your experience - it is reassuring to share all these things with others who know what it is like. My period came yesterday afternoon after all that, which I am grateful for as its my first natural one since coming off the pill, and it has come within 4 weeks of coming off - a promising sign that my body is doing what it is supposed to be.. so far! And also good to know that all these symptoms were leading up to SOMETHING. Now I just need to think about how to manage/ deal with these symptoms better for next month etc.

I have been and bought some Pregnacare for conception vitamins today, not sure whether there is any point starting them now or wait til this period is over.

The journey begins...