Experience going off BCP

[k8nz]

Hi ladies! I'm new to this forum so sorry if this has been raised before.

I'm 28, newly married, and me and hubby are TTC #1.

I have been on Yasmin (similar to Yaz) since 2005. Before I started BC I had reasonably regular (sometimes long) cycles. I also had heavy periods but nothing major. I took a break from Yasmin in 2011 when hubby was living overseas as I didn't see the point in taking it. During that break, I didn't notice any issues (but I wasn't TTC so didn't pay attention!)

I have been off Yasmin for almost two months now. I had the typical breakthrough bleed, and now nothing! Im 90% sure that I didn't ovulate (based on cervical mucus) and I know it takes some time for cycles to normalise after going off BC but I've had cramps for the last 5 days, and still no sign of a period. Has anyone experienced something similar? I haven't had any other issues with going off Yasmin besides a few headaches.

I would love to hear your experiences and advice on when I should consider seeing a doctor? Thanks! X

 

[2ducks]

Yes it can take some time to regulate your cycles after coming off BCP. Usually after three months things even out but for some women it takes longer. Did you have regular cycles before going off the pill? If you didn't have regular cycles before BCP don't expect regular cycles now. I came off BCP after 13 years and never got my period back, I was diagnosed with PCOS and being on the pill for so long masked my symptoms. You can try vitex or fertilaid to help regulate your cycles if you want to do something right now. I also recommend temping as soon as you start your next cycle.

Good luck!

 

[Webby]

Yes, I'm experiencing a similar problem. I came off the pill near the end of Feb and still no sign of AF and OPKs have suggested I ovulated twice this "cycle" which I don't think is even possible but I started charting half way through and I think the temping showed that I did ovulate this second time. I also experienced all sorts of hormonal symptoms such as sore nipples, breasts, nausea and cramping! It's just your hormones sorting everything out. I got diagnosed with endometriosis and few years ago but I had an operation to remove it. I went on the the pill 9 years ago because my periods were awful and irregular. I realise now, that that was the endometriosis but the pill ended up masking a lot of symptoms so that only came to light a few years ago.

I'm currently on CD 72 so am here for support if you need because I can sympathise!

 

[mnelson815]

I had the same thing happen to myself. I came off Yasmin in January after being on it or Nuvaring for the last 10 years. I had the regular withdrawal bleed a few days after stopping, and then had nothing for 84 days. Cramps on and off, breast tenderness on and off, etc. but no period. Then when it did come back it was pretty crazy and heavy for a couple days and then started to even out. That next cycle I ovulated on CD 18 and was back to having 29/30 day cycles like before BC. This month I ovulated again on CD18 (well I am pretty sure since yesterday was the positive OPK again and the CM, FF hasn't done crosshairs yet though since today is O day). So I know how you were feeling. I went to see my gyno around CD81 because I was going on vacation and had heard if it didn't come back in three months to see a doctor. She gave me a prescription for prometrium but my period start the day after that, so I didn't even need it.
As frustrating as it is, it really does just take some time to sort itself out.

 

[AnnieJ10]

Hello, I actually posted about this recently as I'm experiencing the same thing, was on Yasmin for a long time and I stopped it exactly 3 mos ago. Still no period. Some cramps here and there but I don't think I've ovulated. My periods were mostly regular before the period but heavy periods and bad cramps. I actually have an appt with my gyn tomorrow to discuss so I can let you know what they say. I know it's so frustrating!

 

[Webby]

Please do let us know what they say. I'm on day 80 now and am considering going to a gyno - not only because of the lack of period but for the last week my breasts and nipples have been sore on and off and I've been getting bad lower abdomen, hip and back cramps. My mood is now really low and I'm exhausted. Apparently all of it can be due hormonal changes but I'm getting tired of all the aches and the low feelings now.

Hope your appointment goes well x

 

[k8nz]

So I got fed up and went and saw my doctor. He said that because my periods were normal before the pill it shouldn't take too long to things to work again, which was kind of frustrating to hear tbh as its been 3 months with no period!! Anyway, I had blood tests and they all came back normal today, so I guess it's back to the waiting game, not ideal as I'm so impatient!

 

[k8nz]

Also Webby I know what you mean, I've been having the same symptoms and been super cranky lately!! Poor hubby haha

 

[Webby]

Aw I feel for you. At least the good news is that everything is "normal" but I it must be so frustrating waiting for your body. Let us know how you get on. I hope it regulates itself soon.

I had irregular periods before I went on the pill - that was the main reason for me going on it and I was then later diagnosed with endometriosis which they operated on and were confident that they had got it all but I'm hoping that is not going to be a factor in us ttc-ing. We'll see!

yes, my hubby is being very patient right now.

AnnieJ10 - how did your gyno appointment go?

 

[AnnieJ10]

So appt didn't go as I hoped. The doc said that it is quite normal to go without a period for 3-6 months after stopping the pill and he said it's too soon to do anything. He said doing bloodtests would be premature because the pill could still be on my system and blood tests might be inaccurate and also feels it's too early to give me something to induce my period. He's confident I will get my period in the next couple months and he said to come back in 2 months of still no period and we can run some ttests then. I'm 31 so he said I still am young and have time, if I were 41 that would be a diff story. So frustrating, just because I "have time" doesn't mean I don't want it now! I was trying hard not to start crying but I'm going to do what he says and wait a little longer. If he says it's normal than maybe I'm just jumping the gun.

 

[Webby]

Sorry to hear that AnnieJ10. I feel your frustration. I really really hope for your sake AF shows her face soon so you can start to find some sort of regularity. Going through this frustration is so "real" for us so it's annoying when we don't feel like we've been understood by our doctors.

keep us posted as to how you're getting on and try to find something that enjoy each day to do in the meantime to help the pass and to help you relax.

I've got EWCM today - fourth time this "cycle" (if you can even call it that). I've either ovulated four times (lol - i know that's not possible) or maybe my body has been trying to ovulate and just hasn't yet because of upset hormones. Who knows! Will just keep plodding on day by day and hope something (AF or BFP) comes along soon!

 

[AnnieJ10]

Thanks Webby! I appreciate the support and I hope it all
Works out for you too!! I love this site cuz it's so nice to be able to get our frustrations out with people who are going through the same thing!

 

[Webby]

Yes I agree. A nice way to let it all out without feeling like you're going crazy and it's also reassuring to know that there are other people out there going through the same thing so it's not just your own body that is being weird.

Do keep us posted as to how you're doing.

By the way, a friend of mine struggled when she came BCP and then found out she had PCOS. She used Feritilaid and Ovaboost to help regulate her periods and to produce healthy eggs. She had her first child just over a year ago and she said that she still uses Fertilaid and Ovaboost because now she has a regular cycle. Since my periods were already irregular before the pill I ordered myself some (they are expensive so just got one months worth) and have just started using them. I figured that it was all natural stuff so it wouldn't do me any harm. I'll let you know if it helps!

 

[k8nz]

Webby thats interesting you mentioned FertilAid, I was just researching it!

I've been taking Vitex for two weeks now to help regulate my cycle and obviously had no luck! I wonder whether I should try FertilAid instead? Have you considered trying supplements?

 

[Webby]

Yeh, the comments about Fertilaid sound good. I was going to try Vitex but then apparently Fertilaid has got Vitex in it as well as some other things.

If you're looking at Fertilaid, it might be looking at Ovaboost as well - the plus side about Ovaboost is that is also works as a supplement so you don't need to take Folic Acid etc. alongside it. I figured that if I was not ovulating regularly then I might as well have a good healthy egg when and if I do ovulate. I think it also helps regulate cycles and is commonly taken alongside Fertilaid.

I only started taking both this week so I'll let you know how it goes

 

[k8nz]

How's everyone going? Any sign of AF?

I've been on 1000mg of Vitex for almost 3 weeks with no success so have just changed brands of Vitex to one with 1500mg so hoping that makes a difference!!

 

[Webby]

CD 88 and still nothing... Am still taking the Ovaboost and Fertilaid but I don't think it's been long enough to tell if it's doing any good or not but I figured it can't be doing any harm! It might just be me, but it seems to be giving me more stretchy mucus - not egg white colour but the last couple of days have definitely been stretchy. Not looking into loads as my body has been weird things for months now so it's probably just hormones acting up again lol.

I've booked an OBGYN appointment but the earliest they could see me was next week on Friday, so just more waiting...

Hoping that the vitex will make a difference to you k8nz!

 

[2ducks]

So appt didn't go as I hoped. The doc said that it is quite normal to go without a period for 3-6 months after stopping the pill and he said it's too soon to do anything. He said doing bloodtests would be premature because the pill could still be on my system and blood tests might be inaccurate and also feels it's too early to give me something to induce my period. He's confident I will get my period in the next couple months and he said to come back in 2 months of still no period and we can run some ttests then. I'm 31 so he said I still am young and have time, if I were 41 that would be a diff story. So frustrating, just because I "have time" doesn't mean I don't want it now! I was trying hard not to start crying but I'm going to do what he says and wait a little longer. If he says it's normal than maybe I'm just jumping the gun.

not sure what part of the world you are from, I live in the USA. After three months of no period post BCP my doc gave me a progesterone withdrawal challenge to induce a period. I have been on this board a while now and that seems to be common practice for many women. There is no harm in doing a progesterone challenge so I would suggest you strongly advocate for it. It doesn't sound like he is validating your feelings or listening to your frustrations. Maybe you should go to a different doctor??? Of course you and your doc may have different ideas but that doesn't mean he should disregard your concerns.

 

[Webby]

Thanks 2ducks. I know your message was a response to AnnieJ10 but it was useful for me as I have an appointment this Friday with the obgyn. I've never been to this one before so don't really know what to expect. I'm currently on CD 93 and I know something is not right - maybe it's my endometriosis is coming back or I have an hormonal inbalance, but I know something isn't right so I need to make sure I'm heard on Friday. Will let you all know how it goes

 

[k8nz]

Thanks for your post 2ducks that's also useful for me too! I have my obgyn appointment next Monday, so I will also advocate for this depending on how it goes!

I'm not sure if it's possible, but today I'm on CD61 now I swear I have EWCM!? Trying not to pin too much hope that's it late ovulation but it's the only sign that at least something is happening, so watch this space!

Best of luck for your appointment on Friday Webby!