How long before periods get back to normal after coming off the Pill?

[Elementary]

I came off the pill a few months ago and have had two periods since, both quite heavy (32 days apart). I am now waiting for next period, on day 33 but no sign of period and no symptoms. Did pregnancy test yesterday but was negative. What should I do if period still hasn't arrived by next week? Has anyone missed one completely ie had them two months apart, and could it be due to settling down after the Pill? I am worrying in case there I just don't have periods any more! Seems early to worry but have had breaks from the pill before and returned to normal pattern immediately. I'm 33. Any advice please?

My GP said that periods should return within 3 months, which your's obviously have. I think they tend to tail off if you were having an early menopause, rather than suddenly stop, and you'd have other symptoms too. (disclaimer: I'm a scientist, not a medic!) Much more likely to be stress or something just extending your cycle.

Mine were always totally irregular - needed Provera to create a 42-day cycle which lasted 3 months, stopped, tried again, 43-day cycle for 3 periods, then nothing - pregnancy test negative 3 months later, except as it turned out I was 4 weeks pregnant at the time! So your cycle might be doing similar odd things, especially if it was irregular beforehand.

The 2 occasions I came off the pill (both times TTC), I seem to remember it took 4 months or so for my periods to return to normal. Just before I became pg with DD1, I think I had 2 periods in those 4 months but don't remember them being heavier. I was like you, wondering how long it would take for them to return to normal! Both times though, I became pg the next month.
Perhaps you could go to the Drs if nothing's happened in a week or two.

Thanks for your response and reassurance notcitrus. I haven't had any other symptoms like hot flushes etc although I have been under a lot of stress recently (down to circumstances rather than emotional reasons as such but still a lot of upheaval) and it's been a busy time. I suppose I am just being paranoid but when it comes to these matters it is important particularly when we are looking at starting a family in a few months! I will go to the doctors if nothing has happened by next week and see what she suggests. Thanks again.

If anyone else has anything to add, all stories/info would be welcomed!

I had one period in a year after I came off the pill (Minulet I think, which I was on for three years in my early twenties). For that reason I never went on the pill again.

Wait a week, retest, then go to your GP.

Thanks Petunia. My periods did seem heavy but I think it's because I am so used to the 4 day light ones on the Pill! It's also reassuring to hear that it's possible to have longer cycles after the pill without it necessarily meaning anything sinister. I have conceived before, last July, but had a miscarriage. I had only been off the pill a matter of weeks that time, so at least I can (or could) conceive!

I will definitely go to the doctor's if nothing after next week.

Thanks downbutnotout, may I ask if you have dc if it took long to conceive once things had settled back into a pattern?

The thing is as I am getting back into a pattern for all I know I could be on 35 day cycles (but would expect to be having some cramps by now).

I have one dd (4), conceived ten years after I came off the pill - had only been actually trying for five months for her, I should point out. I just steered well clear of the pill as a contraceptive method after coning off it the first time because I was so horrified by what it did to my cycles. Have had three mcs since but do not think this is related and am currently up the spout again, so something must be going right!

Think notcitrus is right - many factors can affect your cycle length, hence I would only go back to the GP once you have had another week without a period and a negative hpt.

I also tried Minulet and didn't like it, plus Femodene, Microgynon(?) and another which I can't remember the name of. The only one I did take well to was Dianette although last time I saw my doctor, who is my new Dr, she asked what pill I was on and she said she didn't believe in long term use of Dianette and suggested I try a different brand (until I told her I was coming off it altogether in preparation for conceiving).

Congratulations on your pg downbutnotout!!

Aw, shucks, and here was I trying not attract attention to myself...