Delayed Period After Birth Control: Causes & What To Do

Question
Hello,
My husband and I are trying to get pregnant, but we are having some trouble. I just got off the birth control pill in mid Oct. of 09 and got my period a few days later, but ever since Oct. I have not recieved another period. It has now been 3 going on 4 months without a period. I thought since my husband and I have been trying to get pregnant that it was the cause of no period, but I keep getting negative pregnancy results. I have been testing about every week just to make sure. I know that getting pregnant takes time and that everyone is different, but I am just starting to get a little worried. Will me not having a monthly period affect me getting pregnant? Do you have any suggestions for me?

Answer
Dear Kelsey,

It is not at all unusual for women who have been regulated by the BCP for a substantial period of time to experience irregular cycles for awhile when the BCP is discontinued. In fact, often our cycles are never as much like clockwork as they were before.

The hormonal balance necessary for regular menstrual cycles is very delicate. When we take a hormonal contraceptive, that balance is regulated by the medication. We then can usually count on the "clockwork" type cycles. Without the influence of those medications, our bodies can tend to take a few months to get back into shape, so to speak, and start regulating those hormones on its own.

Again, this is not an unusual occurrence, but it does require patience and a certain preparedness for anything at anytime.  :-) Being stressed about wanting to conceive can actually add to the absence of your periods. There are many various causes for amenorrhea (absence of periods) - pregnancy being just one. Others can be:
-Hormonal imbalances, which cause fluctuating levels of the hormones needed to support menstruation
-Emotional or physical stress / Depression
-Rapid weight loss or gain
-Change in diet
-Low body weight
-Obesity
-Frequent or strenuous exercise
-Cysts or tumors in the ovaries
-Thyroid or Pituitary dysfunction
-Certain medications or drug use
-Menopause OR Premature ovarian failure (menopause before age 40)
-Occasionally stopping birth control pills

The general recommendation is that if you have not had any bleeding for three consecutive months and pregnancy is not the reason, you should see your doctor so a cause can be determined. More than likely your doctor will do a quantitative blood pregnancy test (serum beta hCG), which is more conclusive than a urine test, to make sure that pregnancy is ruled out as an option.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda