is it normal for your period to be late the third month after coming off the pill?

[Napqueen]

I have recently come of the pill due to personal reason but with no intention to get pregnant, my last two periods have been fine but this one is currently late , I have read that it can take three months for yourself or to go back to normal?

[Hidden]

Dear Napqueen,

Three questions:

1. How late is late?

2. Are you using another contraceptive method? And if you are...

3. Is it another hormonal contraceptive?

It's not unusual for periods to be 'late' after stopping the pill- it could simply reflect the fact that your normal cycle is longer then 28 days.

If you've not been using contraception but have remained sexually active during this period, a late period (or amenorrhoea) could mean that you're pregnant. Is this possible?

Finally, if you've switched (from a combined pill) to another hormonal contraceptive like DepoProvera, an implant or a progesterone only pill then your periods will be affected.

Rgds,

Adhari

[Napqueen in reply to Hidden]

Hi Adhari

Thank you for your reply

1. Currently 6 days late

2.Yes I have been using condoms

I took a pregnancy test on Wednesday which was negative but still no sign of a period

[Hidden in reply to Napqueen]

Thanks Napqueen,

I suggest repeating the pregnancy test in about 3 weeks time, just to be sure (as condoms have a higher failure rate than hormonal contraception). If the repeat test is negative, I would then assume this is post-pill amenorrhoea and I would expect your periods to return 3-6 months after stopping the pill.

In the meantime, there may be lifestyle factors that you could address, such as excessive exercise, stress, calorie-restricted diets, weight loss that could affect post pill amenorrhoea. Underlying polycystic ovaries is also considered an important cause.

Rgds,

Adhari

[Napqueen in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your help