Starting conception journey, how long for cycles to regulate

[JustAnOrdinaryHuman]

So my husband & I have decided to try for a baby.

This isn't our first child but we've got a fairly big age gap & I've been on contraception for years, and haven't had a proper period in years.

Used to be on the depo & came off that a year ago, when we started thinking about another child. Switched on to the mini pill, so that when we decided the time was right in theory it would be quicker for my periods to return when we decided to stop.

Stopped the mini pill a fortnight ago & for the last few days I've had incredibly tender ripples & cramping pain - is it likely that I'm about to get my first period in years? I thought I'd be waiting more like 4/6 weeks at the earliest based on what I read, although I know it can vary.

Despite already having children this feels like a complete unknown, we were younger with our first children, I've got no idea what to expect.

Feeling excited & nervous in equal measure, also very aware that it might not happen for us this time.

If you’re getting some PMS symptoms it could be really positive that your first period is literally waiting to appear now you’re off contraception! Wishing you lots of luck! I’m also older with a large age gap and not sure how my body is going to handle it all 😅

I'm trying hard to not even think about how my body will cope! Although older I am in much better shape than I was when I was younger, so hoping that helps a little......

You could be having a breakthrough bleed from stopping contraceptive and then your cycles might take a couple of months to become regular, though some woman are known to become pregnant straight away. I guess if you get a period you could track ovulation and start trying straight away.

Thanks, hopefully they will become regular quickly, the clock is definitely ticking!

So I woke yesterday to sudden heavy bleeding but it only lasted a very short while. Then just incredibly light spotting since. Breasts are absolute agony though, pain has not reduced at all & not a symptom I've ever had with my cycles before, so looks like I've got a while to go before things settle down & get back into a normal rhythm

Hopefully back to normal next cycle.

I've had two periods now, since coming off contraception, both started with a heavy bleed, then a week of on off spotting, some days heavy, followed by another 5/6 days of incredibly heavy bleeding.

It's making me feel so run down, I'm really hoping they settle down soon.