Trying to conceive after birth control

[Mandie831]

Ok so bare with me, first time posting here

I am 21 years old and my fiance and I really want to get started on a family.

I started taking birth control from about age 16-19, and stopped nearly 2 years ago.

I had a few spazzy period issues when I was younger, but nothing major, sometimes I would skip maybe one cycle, but I honestly cant much remember.

The doctor who originally prescribed me my birth control told me I could go for 3 months without taking that week long break off of it so I did, being younger I was just kinda like less periods and its safe, sounds good to me!

But now I am wondering if that messed some stuff up.

I got my period once during the year after stopping, then saw a doctor who gave me progesterone I think, for like 3-5 days to make me bleed, this was in April 2011, and I got my period in April and May, then not again until August 2011, and I have not had it since.

The same doctor also told me I might have PCOS, but it was never looked into since I got the bleed after the progesterone.

He told me that PCOS can be a weight related thing, but I was the same weight as I had been for years, since when I started the birth control, so I was kinda like why now?

About 3 weeks ago I started taking vitex to try to get myself to ovulate/bleed (1000mg/day), but so far no luck with that, I also started taking a general multi vitamin. (One a day for her)

I think the multi vitamin is making me feel sick though, so likely stopping that.

I am overweight and over the last 6 months I have changed my diet,and upped my exercise, basically from like not much exercise to actually doing 15 minute workouts every day plus walking.
I have not yet lost any weight though, and the changes don't seem to be doing much.

I didn't want to take diet pills due to how they can be negative on fertility.

At this point I am just at a loss of what to do, it is starting to make me just feel terrible, starting to just feel like having some kind of mental breakdown.

I am currently in New Zealand until May/June of 2012, so I cannot go back to my doctor for more progesterone.

I have a doctors appointment here next week to see if they can give me something, but I just feel kind of down about it.

Really just don't know what to do.

Anyone had similar issues? anything help?

Any help/suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks

 

[TVG]

Sorry I don't really have any advice but didn't wanna read and run!
I know what you mean by the "yay no periods" thing, I was forever taking pills back to back when I was on it!!

Hope you get the answers you are after

x

 

[Mandie831]

Thanks!
Hopefully I can get some help at the upcoming appointment, just have to wait and see.

 

[CdnEquestrian]

I did the same thing....and now, i'm not ovulating and i'm wondering if maybe I messed myself up too. I've been off the pill for about a year, but went back on it this month to see if that would jump-start my periods again.

Good Luck!

 

[Mandie831]

I thought about doing that as well, taking the pills then maybe stopping again to cause a bleed.

I am steering clear of birth control, for me it would be counter productive since it prevents pregnancy

If you haven't tried it yet the progesterone tablets may be the way to go, maybe they would work better for you than for me.

Hope your birth control experiment works for you! I know some people take it to regulate cycles so you never know.

If I ever take it again, and it is a big if, I will definitely stop for the week every month.


Good luck!

 

[CdnEquestrian]

Thanks Mandie, i'm 2 weeks out from the "inactive" pills....so we'll see what happens. I'm REALLY hoping it works. After trying for this long, I figured it was worth the risk. If nothing happens, i'm going to talk to my doc about some help.

 

[ilovemyhubby]

i took BCP for 10 years and just came off 8 months ago. didnt have AF for 6 months just got it back and now they are like 40-50 day cycles and i charted this month and i dont think im ovulating.total bummer. ive changed my diet a lot, cutting out simple carbs and sugar, reducing my protein, upping veggies and eating lots of complex carbs, taking vitamins and the whole bit. im hoping it helps out. i even stopped drinking coffee. which is huge for me. good luck and let me know if you find something that helps....

 

[louliz]

i actually hate BC pills!!! I was on microgynon 30 for 9 years - came off - I have regular periods and positive OTKs every month BUT I stop continuously from about 2 days after O. I feel lucky I have my af and O back to normal but the spotting is worrying especially as no one else seems to have suffered this

I'm waiting for blood test results but I feel like I wish I never out that yellow pill into my body for the last 9 years without thinking about what would hapen after I finished taking it.

 

[ilovemyhubby]

i actually hate BC pills!!! I was on microgynon 30 for 9 years - came off - I have regular periods and positive OTKs every month BUT I stop continuously from about 2 days after O. I feel lucky I have my af and O back to normal but the spotting is worrying especially as no one else seems to have suffered this

I'm waiting for blood test results but I feel like I wish I never out that yellow pill into my body for the last 9 years without thinking about what would hapen after I finished taking it.

i hear ya. sorry it messed you up too. how long did it take your cycle to go back to normal??? ive heard others say that the spotting after O can be low progesterone levels...i wish somebody would have warned me. good luck honey

 

[louliz]

i hear ya. sorry it messed you up too. how long did it take your cycle to go back to normal??? ive heard others say that the spotting after O can be low progesterone levels...i wish somebody would have warned me. good luck honey

I went back to normal straight away. I've heard about low progestrone but when I asked my Doctor he said he'd never heard of it I want to take something for the low progestrone but after the pill I really don't want to touch anything unnatural. Do you know if this low progestrone is caused by the pill? I never had this issue before going on it.

 

[ilovemyhubby]

i hear ya. sorry it messed you up too. how long did it take your cycle to go back to normal??? ive heard others say that the spotting after O can be low progesterone levels...i wish somebody would have warned me. good luck honey

I went back to normal straight away. I've heard about low progestrone but when I asked my Doctor he said he'd never heard of it I want to take something for the low progestrone but after the pill I really don't want to touch anything unnatural. Do you know if this low progestrone is caused by the pill? I never had this issue before going on it.

thats strange. maybe you should see some kind of wholistic doctor if you are weary of meds. i would think your doc would know about that.... hmmm... im not jumping into meds, im trying to do everything i can to eat my way to fertility... i found this site that might help you https://www.ehow.com/facts_5008973_foods-naturally-increase-progesterone.html
you can prolley do some research and find some more foods that can help ya out. i revamped my eating habits and if i dont see a change within a few months i will go do some tests at the doc... but im like you and totally freaked out at the prospect of putting more chemical in my body for fear of things getting worse. good luck with your test results! and dont be afraid to seek a second opinion....

 

[Mandie831]

After I went off my BC pills and started having problems my original doctor did tell me although rare sometimes it can cause your body to be all off and not make enough progesterone, but it should correct it self within a year, which unfortunately for me it did not.

(This is all according to my doctor)

If you gained any weight while taking the pill it may be to blame, I gained maybe 5-8lbs on the pill that I haven't been able to get off, but according to my doctor a few pounds can make all the difference, and even people who are at a normal weight can have the same problem supposedly.
(This is all according to my doctor)


On another note I have tried taking Vitex for the last few weeks without luck but I did a lot of reading online before hand and it seems to help a lot of people.

You have to take it regularly for at least 3 months for most people to get a good effect from it, so I may just need to take it longer.

Supposedly it mimics progesterone in the body, and it is all natural.

The woman at the health store also recommended red raspberry leaf supplements to help with regulation/ovulation, but I figured I would just start with the one.

Good luck

 

[Mandie831]

So went to the doctor today, prescribed me some provera to help bring on my period. Doesnt help me with ovulation, which is why I was taking the vitex, anyone know if I can take them together?

Doctor thinks I might have PCOS, which would explain why I cant get the weight off lol. Anyways wont be able to get any clomid until I can get to a more specialized doctor, so likely next may when I head back home.

But feeling a bit better maybe the provera will help get things on track, need to find the motivation to do more exercise! lol

 

[CdnEquestrian]

Never thought i'd be HAPPY to see AF....but started yesterday. So I guess taking the pill to try bring on my period worked for me. Now we'll see if I can start regulating stuff out on my own or if i'll need more intervention.

Keep us updated if the provera works for you.

I started charting again as of this cycle too...and thinking about picking up some OPK's...

 

[redstiletto]

Hi there! Hubby and I weren't TTC when my LO was conceived but I was on birth control pills (been on them since I was 15! I'm 26 now) when I found out I was preggers. I was taking them every day but not always on the same time of day so I guess I ovulated. I think it may be the PCOS that's hindering you from conceiving. From what I remember in nursing school, even a little bit of weight loss can jumpstart ovulation by normalizing insulin levels for women with PCOS. Good luck and baby dust to you!

 

[Bean66]

Hi all,

I am another BCP hater. 12 years on Microgynon. Stopped in March and although I am one of the luckier ones who actually gets AF, I am irregular, don't think I always ovulate and when I do have a short LP.

From what I can understand BCP knocks the hormone balance. I am taking vitex because it doesn't mimic a particular hormone but works on the pituitary to help stabiles and regulate hormone production. It takes a few months to work so you have to be patient. Something I'm not very good at. I am also taking B 100 complex. B6 is meant to lengthen the LP but improving follicular development and therefore the corpus luteum. Generally ladies who have been on hormonal BC seem to be deficient in the B vitamins.

I am taking the vitex all cycle long. I have checked with a qualified and practicing herbalist and it is fine to do so, just have to stop when you get your BFP.

I have heard of using BCP to kick start the body into regular cycles again. cdn Equestrian - let us know how you get on. Good luck.

ilovemyhubby - -Hope you don't mind me asking but why why have you reduced protein? Most people don't eat enough protein. It is important to eat protein with carbs as it stabilises blood sugar. Protein is also needed for tissue repair. Make sure you are eating protein with every meal.

 

[ilovemyhubby]

Hi all,

I am another BCP hater. 12 years on Microgynon. Stopped in March and although I am one of the luckier ones who actually gets AF, I am irregular, don't think I always ovulate and when I do have a short LP.

From what I can understand BCP knocks the hormone balance. I am taking vitex because it doesn't mimic a particular hormone but works on the pituitary to help stabiles and regulate hormone production. It takes a few months to work so you have to be patient. Something I'm not very good at. I am also taking B 100 complex. B6 is meant to lengthen the LP but improving follicular development and therefore the corpus luteum. Generally ladies who have been on hormonal BC seem to be deficient in the B vitamins.

I am taking the vitex all cycle long. I have checked with a qualified and practicing herbalist and it is fine to do so, just have to stop when you get your BFP.

I have heard of using BCP to kick start the body into regular cycles again. cdn Equestrian - let us know how you get on. Good luck.

ilovemyhubby - -Hope you don't mind me asking but why why have you reduced protein? Most people don't eat enough protein. It is important to eat protein with carbs as it stabilises blood sugar. Protein is also needed for tissue repair. Make sure you are eating protein with every meal.

true but many americans eat way too much protien, since im living in china my eating choices are limited to simple carb filled noodle dishes and straight meat dishes, so ive been going to the market and getting vegg and eating brown and black rice and oats everyday but keeping my protein in balance was something i needed to do. not to mention im a bit fearful of the hormones that are pumped into meat. im still eating plenty but dont want to overload. when i was living in america i ate lots of burgers and loads of meat and not much veggies cuase i am a recovering vegetarian and i guess i wanted to make up for the 8 years of stirfry, when i was living in france i ate baguettes, croissants and cheese and cured meats almost exclusively... now that im charting and finally got AF back im noticing that my cycles are irregular and im probably not ovulatiing at the moment. there have been studies that showed that a high protein diet is linked to girls having a harder time concieving and the amount ive seen that is recommended is 20% of your diet. ive been trying to get protein through healthier foods like nuts as well. nobody should cut protein out of their diet, but eating a balanced diet has been known to improve your chances of concieving greatly.

 

[Bean66]

Hi all,

I am another BCP hater. 12 years on Microgynon. Stopped in March and although I am one of the luckier ones who actually gets AF, I am irregular, don't think I always ovulate and when I do have a short LP.

From what I can understand BCP knocks the hormone balance. I am taking vitex because it doesn't mimic a particular hormone but works on the pituitary to help stabiles and regulate hormone production. It takes a few months to work so you have to be patient. Something I'm not very good at. I am also taking B 100 complex. B6 is meant to lengthen the LP but improving follicular development and therefore the corpus luteum. Generally ladies who have been on hormonal BC seem to be deficient in the B vitamins.

I am taking the vitex all cycle long. I have checked with a qualified and practicing herbalist and it is fine to do so, just have to stop when you get your BFP.

I have heard of using BCP to kick start the body into regular cycles again. cdn Equestrian - let us know how you get on. Good luck.

ilovemyhubby - -Hope you don't mind me asking but why why have you reduced protein? Most people don't eat enough protein. It is important to eat protein with carbs as it stabilises blood sugar. Protein is also needed for tissue repair. Make sure you are eating protein with every meal.

true but many americans eat way too much protien, since im living in china my eating choices are limited to simple carb filled noodle dishes and straight meat dishes, so ive been going to the market and getting vegg and eating brown and black rice and oats everyday but keeping my protein in balance was something i needed to do. not to mention im a bit fearful of the hormones that are pumped into meat. im still eating plenty but dont want to overload. when i was living in america i ate lots of burgers and loads of meat and not much veggies cuase i am a recovering vegetarian and i guess i wanted to make up for the 8 years of stirfry, when i was living in france i ate baguettes, croissants and cheese and cured meats almost exclusively... now that im charting and finally got AF back im noticing that my cycles are irregular and im probably not ovulatiing at the moment. there have been studies that showed that a high protein diet is linked to girls having a harder time concieving and the amount ive seen that is recommended is 20% of your diet. ive been trying to get protein through healthier foods like nuts as well. nobody should cut protein out of their diet, but eating a balanced diet has been known to improve your chances of concieving greatly.

You're right about the America and sounds like you are eating the right stuff. Was just concerned. LOL re: recovering vegetarian. Nuts, seeds, eggs and pulses are great sources of protein. Love the look of your granola recipe! I didn't used to eat enough protein. I wasn't vegetarian but didn't eat a hugh amount of meat so never really thought about it. A nutritionist taught me that you needed little bit with ever meal. 20% sounds about right. You have now given me a craving for french baguettes and cheese. Yum!

Have you had any acupuncture in china? I started acupuncture at the beginning of my last cycle. Hopefully it will help.

Why oh why do doctors not warn us that BCP can have long term affects. I suppose I should have realised, but it was so convenient. I stopped 5 months before starting TTC thinking that would be enough but apparently not.

 

[ilovemyhubby]

Hi all,

I am another BCP hater. 12 years on Microgynon. Stopped in March and although I am one of the luckier ones who actually gets AF, I am irregular, don't think I always ovulate and when I do have a short LP.

From what I can understand BCP knocks the hormone balance. I am taking vitex because it doesn't mimic a particular hormone but works on the pituitary to help stabiles and regulate hormone production. It takes a few months to work so you have to be patient. Something I'm not very good at. I am also taking B 100 complex. B6 is meant to lengthen the LP but improving follicular development and therefore the corpus luteum. Generally ladies who have been on hormonal BC seem to be deficient in the B vitamins.

I am taking the vitex all cycle long. I have checked with a qualified and practicing herbalist and it is fine to do so, just have to stop when you get your BFP.

I have heard of using BCP to kick start the body into regular cycles again. cdn Equestrian - let us know how you get on. Good luck.

ilovemyhubby - -Hope you don't mind me asking but why why have you reduced protein? Most people don't eat enough protein. It is important to eat protein with carbs as it stabilises blood sugar. Protein is also needed for tissue repair. Make sure you are eating protein with every meal.

true but many americans eat way too much protien, since im living in china my eating choices are limited to simple carb filled noodle dishes and straight meat dishes, so ive been going to the market and getting vegg and eating brown and black rice and oats everyday but keeping my protein in balance was something i needed to do. not to mention im a bit fearful of the hormones that are pumped into meat. im still eating plenty but dont want to overload. when i was living in america i ate lots of burgers and loads of meat and not much veggies cuase i am a recovering vegetarian and i guess i wanted to make up for the 8 years of stirfry, when i was living in france i ate baguettes, croissants and cheese and cured meats almost exclusively... now that im charting and finally got AF back im noticing that my cycles are irregular and im probably not ovulatiing at the moment. there have been studies that showed that a high protein diet is linked to girls having a harder time concieving and the amount ive seen that is recommended is 20% of your diet. ive been trying to get protein through healthier foods like nuts as well. nobody should cut protein out of their diet, but eating a balanced diet has been known to improve your chances of concieving greatly.

You're right about the America and sounds like you are eating the right stuff. Was just concerned. LOL re: recovering vegetarian. Nuts, seeds, eggs and pulses are great sources of protein. Love the look of your granola recipe! I didn't used to eat enough protein. I wasn't vegetarian but didn't eat a hugh amount of meat so never really thought about it. A nutritionist taught me that you needed little bit with ever meal. 20% sounds about right. You have now given me a craving for french baguettes and cheese. Yum!

Have you had any acupuncture in china? I started acupuncture at the beginning of my last cycle. Hopefully it will help.

Why oh why do doctors not warn us that BCP can have long term affects. I suppose I should have realised, but it was so convenient. I stopped 5 months before starting TTC thinking that would be enough but apparently not.

they should warn girls. it took me a long time to get AF back and now im still all wonky. thats why ive been focusing on diet to try and do as much as can to get a BFP sooner than later. i havent done accupuncture cause im living in western china which is way different than beijing and the US and the medical services here are less than appealing, its rumered that they dont clean needles and whatnot, and theres blood on the walls at the hospitals so, i am not that brave. but i have been doing accupressure. and im thinking about trying cupping. how do you like the accupuncture? I did it in the states and really enjoyed it. you should add a recipe to the eat your way to baby thread

 

[storm4mozza]

no advice sorry as i got pregnant within 6 months of commming off the pill, but goodluck TTC