We have heard many times that the birth control pill can have some side effects on our body. Although this is not always the case, there are women who find themselves in the situation of having stopped this contraceptive method and, suddenly, not having a period.
On many occasions this effect is temporary and will only last a few weeks, although at first it is understandable that it scares you. Having no period after stopping the contraceptive pill is something that can happen but it is normal for you to wonder: how long will it take to come? Let’s see it.
What is amenorrhea?
The phenomenon of absence of menstruation during one or several periods is known as amenorrhea. The causes for which you may have this pathology range from the pregnancy itself to underlying causes, such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, hypothyroidism, etc.; that must be treated so that the problem is resolved as soon as possible.
In the specific case that amenorrhea occurs after stopping taking the contraceptive pill, we will be talking about post-pill secondary amenorrhea. This type of absence of period occurs when the woman has already had periods and, suddenly, the menstruation is suspended. The name ‘post-pill’ is due to the fact that amenorrhea has occurred after stopping this contraceptive.
How long does it take for your period to go down again after stopping the pill?
- When we take the contraceptive pill, an illusion of having perfect menstrual cycles is created, but this is not real at all. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult for us to realize the menstrual irregularities that we can have in our cycles naturally.
- Although each woman is different, in many cases the rule begins at a month or a month and a half (or two months). Most patients get their cycles right from the start, but for some the first two to three months can be a bit irregular, and it may last longer than during the time you were on birth control pills. As a general rule, it returns to normal without the need for medical help.
- If, as we have just told you, the amenorrhea is a symptom of something that has developed while taking the pill, it may not go down after 6 months and you will have to see a doctor after this time. It may seem too long to wait at three or six months, but keep in mind that your body is going back and adapting to producing natural hormones. If so, simply go to your gynecologist and he will be the one to assess if it is something natural.
- It is important that you write down dates of bleeding or other symptoms that you experience. Your doctor will consider whether to follow up or perform some tests to rule out underlying conditions that may be causing this missed period.
Why does amenorrhea occur?
- Think that during the time that you have been taking the pill, the body has been marked by strict hormonal guidelines. Stopping them produces a change in him and a return to his usual cycles with irregular cycles if they were like that, or with pain (called dysmenorrhea) if it existed previously. The ovary has been at rest and needs to be activated. That is why we say that in many cases the period ends up going down a few weeks after stopping the pill.
- When this is not the case, it is possible that there are other reasons why your period does not come down. One of the most common is known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which can result in long and irregular cycles or their absence.
- Another cause may be due to certain medications, pregnancy or early menopause. Low body weight or its loss in a very short period of time also has a great influence; excessive exercise involving rigorous training or stress, which can suspend ovulation and menstruation.
- Remember that if you have doubts about your period after stopping the contraceptive pill, the best thing you can do is consult your doctor or gynecologist. He or she knows your story better than anyone, will be able to advise you in the best possible way and will know how to solve any of your problems.
