How long for periods to return when off the pill?

[Janey3090]

Hi Mumsnet! I'm a new member and just looking for some answers please

My fiancee and I decided at the end of last year that we would like to start trying for our first baby, so I came off my mini pill on 1st January (new year new start so to speak!). I was just wondering how long I should expect for my periods to return, as they haven't yet?
For info, I was on the combined pill for about 13 years, then I switched to the mini pill (Norgeston) nearly two years ago. While on that I didn't have any periods, so I'm well aware they could take a while to return, especially after being on the pill for so long.

Therefore, was just wondering if anyone had been through a similar experience and how long it took for your regular periods to return? I've read up on it and seen different responses, so it's always good to hear real life experiences (hoping this could reassure me too!)

Thanks!

It can be very erratic. I got my first proper one after 35 days and it took a friend of mine 2 years to get hers.

There's no one answer I'm afraid! Some get straight back on it and other bodies mess with. One of the ladies on the post pill thread waited 8 months for her first period off the pill, others got a withdrawal bleed straight away and had perfect 28 day cycles straight away.

I was on lucette and took it non stop so didn't get periods. I have been on some sort of birth control pill for 8 years

Within 4 days I got my withdrawal bleed and then 6 weeks for my proper period 😊

Thanks so much for the replies. That really does sound like a mix from a month or so up to 8 months, but is reassuring as shows sometimes it just takes a while for our bodies to kick back in!

Guess I will just need to be patient (and try to not think about it so much too..!)

It can take a while... and you only came off it 26 days ago so that's not even one cycle yet really.

For me it took a month to have any bleeding at all, but you can't really count that as a proper AF... so two months really for a proper cycle. But for some it takes longer.

Been TTC for around 5 months now and I think my cycles are back to normal but it's very difficult to be sure, even with OPKs and temps and stuff... the only thing that will really tell you everything is working properly (aside from clinical tests) is a positive pregnancy test!

@janey3090 I stopped mine in dec I had a breakthrough bleed mid pack so just classed as my withdrawal bleed then 28 days later I had AF currently on CD9 fx it comes back for you quickly xx

I've been wondering this. I came off my mini pill after 18 months on it on 4th January. Had a withdrawal bleed from 6th - 11th. Just waiting for AF now!

Welcome to mumsnet!!!

What were your periods like prior to going on the pill? Generally, you'd expect them to return to a similar frequency and flow as before- although it can take some people longer to regulate.

I was on the pill then nuvaring for years, but always had a bleed each month. My periods returned like clockwork that month and remained very regular since then. Still TTC though- 10yrs on!

I was on the pill for years and years, took just over 3 months to get a period and then I fell pregnant the following cycle albeit was a longer cycle.

Hello 🙂, I stopped taking Cerelle (which stopped my periods for 8 years) at the start of December and it took 28 days... I didn't have a withdrawal bleed in between which I believe most people do get.

[quote TTCPLEASE]@janey3090 I stopped mine in dec I had a breakthrough bleed mid pack so just classed as my withdrawal bleed then 28 days later I had AF currently on CD9 fx it comes back for you quickly xx[/quote]
Thank you! Wow you sound right on track. Are you TTC now or having a few months between?

After my worry mine surprised me and arrived this morning - there is always the possibility it's a delayed withdrawal bleed but it does feel like a real period.. (strong cramps!) xx

@Eleoura

Welcome to mumsnet!!!

What were your periods like prior to going on the pill? Generally, you'd expect them to return to a similar frequency and flow as before- although it can take some people longer to regulate.

I was on the pill then nuvaring for years, but always had a bleed each month. My periods returned like clockwork that month and remained very regular since then. Still TTC though- 10yrs on!

Thank you!!

It was such a long time ago I had natural periods so it could have changed, but it used to vary from 4 weeks to 6 weeks. AF actually arrived this morning (along with some bad cramps to match), so I'm feeling a bit of relief. Time will tell if they're more regular then before though or still irregular

Oh bless you, keeping everything crossed you get your positive soon. One of my very best friends was TTC to concieve for 8 years and pretty much gave up but then got a surprise BFP, so don't give up hope xx

It took me 3 months to get my first natural period after my withdrawal period, but ever since it's been very erratic and is only really settling into a roughly 45/50 day cycle now 1 year off the pill. You may be one of the lucky ones that's fine straight away 🤞🏼

@janey3090 yep TTC straight away I did after my withdrawal just incase as it is possible to get pregnant before AF but low possibility im not wasting any time my DD is 9 it took 6 months to conceive her from stopping pill last time my cycle returned to normal straight away but I wasn't actively testing, or DTD that much 🤣🤣