Can You Have Irregular Periods After Stopping Birth Control?

Irregular periods after stopping birth control methods are very common and in most cases, the normalcy of periods becomes an ordeal after a few months. However, there are certain things you should know to avoid complications if any irrespective of the method of birth control you are following as you would have used one method or the other at some point in your life. Having an overview saves you from unwanted worries and makes you fit to conceive in case you wish to be a mom.

Here are a few common questions that strike every woman before, during, and after following one or the other birth control means.

Effects Of Birth Control On The Menstrual Cycle

Many birth control methods use progestin or/and estrogen hormones to stop ovulation and the other common method is implantation. When hormones are used they affect the lining of the uterine and may lead to a little spotting in between one period and the other. They also lessen menstrual bleeding.

[Also Read: Foods to eat after ovulation to get pregnant]

No matter what birth control methods you use like a pill, vaginal ring, patch, shot, and IUD all will impact the menstrual bleeding. While a few birth control means increase bleeding few decreases it. In addition, many aspects of the menstrual cycle also get affected and such effects may change as time passes. Periods may become longer, heavier, shorter, or lighter depending on what birth control measure you take.

Irregular bleeding and spotting are general side effects of many hormonal birth control methods especially during the first months of usage. Let us see each of them in detail.

1. Birth Control Pills

Irrespective of the birth control pill you take, experiencing irregular bleeding or spotting during the early months is common. This situation is more common when progestin-only pills (the ‘mini-pill’) are taken in comparison to combination pills that have progestin and estrogen. Spotting is also common with ‘monophasic’ pills (same dose every day) in comparison to a ‘triphasic’ pill (different doses in the cycle). Spotting may happen when you forget to take a pill or when you take it late. At times even a few hours late lead to spotting and this is common with progestin-only pills.

2. Injected And Implanted Contraceptives

Uneven and unexpected bleeding is common when long-acting progestin-based birth control means like Depo Provera & Implanon are used. When they’re used for a year nearly half of women will not have periods.

3. Intrauterine Devices

There’re 2 IUD types;

• The copper IUD and
• The progestin IUD.

With the first, spotting between cycle and longer, heavier, and more painful periods are common for the first 3-6 months, however, it improves over time and normal or close to normal periods will follow after a few months.

With the latter, irregular and spotting between periods are common for the initial 3-6 months and normally it enhances as time passes. Most women will have no periods or light periods. This IUD is effective for many years.

4. Vaginal Ring

When inserted in the vagina it is really effective however spotting between periods is seen especially in the initial 3 months.

5. Emergency Contraceptives

The ‘morning after’ pill makes the period earlier or later and when you take this pill in the first 3 weeks of the cycle period may come early and may also last longer than normal.

If it is taken in the second part of the cycle (after ovulation) period could get delayed. Few women may see spotting between periods. The following cycle could even be to some extent longer than routine.

Causes Of Irregular Periods After Stopping Birth Control

The occurrence of irregular periods after stopping birth control is common as all the methods obstruct normal menstrual cycle which in turn leads to irregular periods. One should allow around 2-4 weeks for normalcy once birth control methods are stopped. Hormonal imbalances will lead to such irregular periods and the other causes include underlying medical conditions that were causing uneven cycles such as PCOS, endometriosis, or hypothyroidism. In such cases, one can be sure that these conditions will increase as soon as one stops birth control.

Can You Have Irregular Periods After Stopping Birth Control?

Of course, and the cycle to completely fall in line will take about 3 months. Late period after stopping birth control, no period after stopping pill but cramping and unexpected periods are natural. So, be patient for a minimum of 3 months for a regular cycle, and even after 3 months if the situation doesn’t turn positive reach out to a gynecologist.

What Are The Side Effects Of Stopping The Pill After Prolonged Use

Side effects are common but the question here one should ask is after how many days will they subside. Here are common side effects such as acne & unwanted hair, presence of no-headaches, weight loss or weight gain, mid-month twinges, the return of PMS, and so on.

Irregular periods after stopping birth control can’t be stopped, talk to your healthcare professional regarding which best suits your body and health condition before going out for one.