Understanding Fertility After Stopping Loestrin BC: A Comprehensive Guide

Question
I have a question. I just got married. I was taking Loestrin for about four months. It was the first birth control I have ever taken. I went off the Loestrin on June 26th at the end of a pack because my husband and I want to have a baby. The week before I went off of it I had spotting for most of a week. I had considered this my period and so we had sex during the week of July 4th. I havent had any period since stopping my pills. I have had some slightly odd symptoms during the past week such as headaches, slight nausea, cramping in the low abdomen and back like  starting a period, but no period. Should I expect that my normal periods will return soon? I would like them to return to normal so I know when to time my fertile period so we can get pregnant. I have read some internet postings that said it could take a while. My breasts are not tender so I assume I am not pregnant but plan to take a urine pregnancy test after this weekend if I do not have a period. I had normal periods before the Loestrin. I am 37 and we are anxious to start a family. I appreciate any advice you can give.

Answer
Dear Angie,

It was good that you quit the BCPs after the end of a full pack. Sometimes when women stop taking the pills before the end of the cycle of pills it can really mess with their hormone levels, and thus their cycles.

The way the BCP works is that it essentially tricks the body into thinking it is already pregnant and suppresses ovulation. Normal periods/cycles typically return within 4-6 weeks after discontinuing BCP use. You may or may not have ovulated right away before ever having a regular period. So, it is possible that you might have conceived already - especially since you are experiencing the hormonal symptoms. And don't get freaked out by what you read online. Most women get pregnant within 6 months after discontinuing use.

I think your plan is absolutely on target! It is exactly what I would recommend except that I would actually wait a bit longer. If your LMP (or what you counted as a LMP) was 6/26, I would actually wait until 7/30 at the earliest before testing. Anything earlier would likely be too early to pick up a positive reading even if you have become pregnant. If you do get a period between now and then, you'll know and be able to start timing it out.

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

Brenda