QuestionI have been on the birth control pill for 10 years and i stopped taking the pill 5 months ago. I was getting my periods pretty regular after stopping the pill until last month it only lasted 2 days, then this month I did not get it all. I went to the hospital to take a pregnancy test and it came back negative--but the hospital did not do a blood test though. What could be going on?
AnswerDear Sabrina,
Did you have irregular periods before going on the BCP? Very often when women come off the BCP, their cycles will return within a few months to the same pattern it was before they started the pills. So if you were irregular before starting, you will typically be irregular after discontinuing use.
Otherwise, there are many various causes for amenorrhea (absence of periods) - pregnancy being just one. Others can be:
-Hormonal abnormalities, 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 miss three consecutive periods and pregnancy is not the reason, you should see your doctor so that a cause can be determined.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
