QuestionI decided to stop taking the nuva ring after being on various types of birth control for 10 years. My last ring was removed on Fed 6th the first day of my last peroid was feb 8th and I haven't had another since. I have taken pregnancy tests and they are neg. I have now missed 2 peroids and still nothing when am I going to return to normal?
AnswerHi Jamie,
Your body is adjusting, and thats normal.
I can't tell you exactly when it will return to normal, it's diffrent for all women, but I can tell you a little about why it's happening, and give you a general time frame.
Why: Your body was relying on the ring to tell it what to do, what not to do and when. Any hormonal birthcontrol (the patch, the ring, the pill and injections) take over what your body does naturally, and TELLS it what to do instead. When you stop taking birth control, your body has to take back over and re-learn what it should be doing.
Time Frame: Diffrent for everyone. Some women will keep having regular periods, but won't ovulate. Some women will have unpredictable periods. Some will skip a few, and then regulate. And for some women, everything will return to normal right away. No two are tha same. If your period hasn't returned, or at least tried to (spotting, light bleeding, or even just one day of bleeding and then nothing) within 3 months, you should see a Dr., and make sure your hormone levels are returning to normal. If you have some period signs (such as the light bleeding, spotting or single day of bleeding), your body is trying to work it out. With that you'll need patience, and if you havent had a real period in 5-6 cycles, you should follow up with a Dr.
The hard part of finding that your body is having trouble adjusting, is that Dr.s usually prescribe birth control to regulate your periods, wich is exactly the same thing that has CAUSED the trouble.
Stress also contributes greatly. The more stressed and worried you are about missing periods, the more your body will re-act. Missing a period can be caused by stress alone, almost a defensive action in your body. So, I recommend you see a Dr., if it will ease your mind, or just sit back and relax and wait until it comes. And be aware, it could come at ANY time. It may not come when you expect it to, because your body is readjusting, and starting an entirely new cycle.
I wish I could tell you when it was going to start for sure, and help put your mind at ease, but everyone is diffrent, and there's just no way to know.
I hope that helps you in some way!!
Good Luck to you, and Thanks!!
Drea Jean
