Periods after stopping the pill

[CherryGiraffe]

I came off the combined pill in early December 2022 after 12 years. I had my normal withdrawal bleed 4 days later, and then my first 'natural period' arrived after 28 days (although this was very light – approx 48 hours of light bleeding in total).

In the second cycle, I experienced very light spotting on CD20 (literally a couple of brown spots when wiping once), and then some slightly heavier spotting on CD25 (although still only when wiping once). Today (CD26) I am starting to feel crampy, like my period may be coming on, but no blood yet.

My husband and I (both 30) started TTC straight away after I came off the pill, so at first I thought the light bleeding may be implantation bleeding. But after receiving a BFN, I'm wondering if there could be something wrong with my hormone levels as I have experienced spotting on two separate occasions.

Has anyone else experienced anything similar?

I have heard recently that your body can take up to a year for it to get back to normal period wise...ive just come off the pill last month and am awaiting ny first really period

When I came off the pill (after 18 years solid) my periods were as regular as clockwork straight away but I didn't actually ovulate til 9 months later. Your body could well be just taking its time to adjust.

@kjv1234 may I ask how did you know you weren’t ovulating during the first 9 months?

I'm in the same position. I came off the pill spring 2022 after 13 years on, went back on for a few months then came off for good in october 2022 and have been TTC since.
Mu first period was 1 day and they have been 2 days and very light since (though regular). The first month I had a chemical pregnancy.
I think my body is taking a while to re-adjust after the pill. For some people in only takes 1-3 cycles and for others up to a year. You may be experiencing the same thing but hopefully it won't take long for you to get back to normal. I think mine is taking longer due to going off then on then off again whereas you didn't so yours may be quicker. Its hard every month you get negatives though, I really do empathise with you

@Hughesy91 its reassuring to hear other people having similar experiences with light periods after the combined pill. It’s really something that there seems to be very little information on - most seems to be on irregularity of cycle length, rather than how heavy they are. Let’s help that light periods won’t stop pregnancy happening soon!

Sorry didnt realise you asked me a question. I never got a positive ovulation test - the month I finally got one is the month I got pregnant.