Shorter and Lighter Periods After Birth Control?

MTDB

Since stopping birth control pills 7+ months ago, my periods have gotten progressively shorter and lighter. Prior to starting birth control, I had fairly heavy periods that lasted about 5 days with an additional 2 days of spotting. All the years I was on birth control, my period never got any lighter, despite all the things I'd read/heard about BCP causing lighter periods. It was still a good 5+ days, and I needed a combo of "super" and "regular" tampons for the length of it. But since stopping pills, my period has become lighter and shorter. My last one was basically 1.5 days of bleeding requiring a "regular" tampon and about 1.5 days of spotting requiring nothing more than a liner, and that's it. If I weren't TTC, I'd probably be thrilled about this, but I can't help but wonder if it's a problem--too thin lining or something--and causing issues with TTC. I have my regular annual appt next week, and I'm going to ask about it then, but I was wondering if anyone else had had a similar experience or had any thoughts on it. 

happy_un-bride

I'm curious about this too...  I'm fresh off the BCP.  I can only assume that I had my first period, but it only lasted a day?!? with a little spotting before hand (never had spotting on BCP).

HiLLjO

I'm a little over a month off BCP but never had "normal" periods while on it. I'd have 4 days of brown spotting that I only needed a pantiliner for. I would ask your Dr.

LittleLamb83

After I went off BCP, I didn't have a period for three months and then had three super light, pretty much non-existent periods (didn't even need a tampon/pad). Finally, my last period (6 months since my last BCP) was relatively "normal". I'm hoping I will have regular cycles from now on. I also asked my doc and he said it can take some time for your body to regulate after the pill. Frustrating! Good luck! 

 

 

SarahMeyer0823

I stopped the pill in October. Didn't have a period for 4 months. Had to get on provera to start my period...which was awful. Then my last cycle was 78 days but. Ended on its own and it was thr lightest period Ive ever had...so our bodies could still be adjusting or we are getting lucky 

pgermain11

Hello MTDB! I just wanted to let you know that I have a similar experience. After getting off Mirena my periods only last 1.5 days then another 2-3 days of spotting. I got an u/s done and b/w and all is well. The doc says as long as I'm getting AF I'm fine. If it goes away completely then I was told to call. 

I was worried about it just like you are but after going to the doc and getting the u/s done to make sure nothing was "blocking" the flow, etc. I have accepted this is my new AF.

GL to you!  

PinkRoses53

I had heavy 7 day periods prior to going on BCP.  I was on BCP for 7 years then went off to give my body a break and ended up never going back on.  Since going off 4 years ago, my periods have remained short (1-3 days) and light.  I have brought this up to my Dr bc I, too, was concerened about thin lining but she said as long as I was getting my period regularly, she was not worried.

holly321

How long have you been off BCP, it could just take a few months to be regular again.

MTDB

I've been off BCP for 7+ months, and my period immediately returned to "normal" in that it came every month in a fairly tight range of days.I feel fortunate for this, as I know that's often not the class. The first month or two of cycles, my period was close to my pre-BCP and BCP "normal," but these very light periods have been around for about 4 or 5 months now. I think it might not be my cycle still regulating so much as it is my new normal. Guess we'll see.

I'm glad to hear others have had the same issue and their doctors didn't find it anything to be concerned about. I'll still ask next week at my appointment. Obviously, I don't want there to be an issue, but after 7 months of trying with regular cycles and good timing, I guess I'm always looking for a "reason" why I'm not pregnant yet, though there's a good chance there's simply no reason at all and it's just taking a while. Patience has never been my strong suit!

StaceyS123

I stopped taking BCP in October, and my periods are lighter now as well. They are lighter now off the BCP than they were when I was taking them. I think this is my new normal as well. I had an U/S, and everything was normal.

LizzyG11

I also went off of BCPs in October and my first few periods were super light. Then I had some weird mid-cycle spotting. This period that I'm on right now is the first one that felt somewhat normal compared to the ones I had before BCPs (awful periods were the reason I went on the pills in the first place...AKA this period is pretty miserable). I think it just takes your body a while to recover from being fed hormones for so long and not having to produce its own.

ruhlinrn

I went off in November and had light periods with longer cycles... This last one was a week late but more like my "normal period" For the 10 years that I was on BCP I never realized how much they really messed you up! Hoping I'm back to normal!! Fx'd for everyone!

mndyhywrd

Apparently I am dealing with this now too. I stopped BCP in April. AF came right after I stopped and was fairly normal. Now I'm on my 2nd AF post-BCP, and she only stuck around for 2 days. Pre-BCP, AF was epic...visited for 7 days and was crazy heavy. Guess I just need to be patient to find out what my new "normal" is. I hate BCP...wish I'd never taken them.