Hi Lisa!
I recently found your podcast and am really enjoying it. This episode in particular left me with a couple of questions though, and I was hoping you might elaborate on a couple of things.
I came off of the pill about 9 months ago after being on it consistently for 14 years. I feel like I immediately normalized and had zero issues coming off of hormonal BC. From what you have talked about in many podcasts, I almost feel like this is NOT normal…. I had all of the unpleasant premenstrual symptoms I remember from my teenage years (cramps, heavier menstruation, acne, moodiness), but none of the irregularities of my pre-pill cycle.
I was also wondering what a “normal length” is by your definition. You mentioned “normal cycle length” in this episode but didn’t define it. Since January I have consistently had 25 day cycles, my CM and BBT combined with OPKs confirm that I started ovulating right after coming off of the pill and even got pregnant in may (unfortunately I miscarried).
I have read that it can take up to a full year for many women to normalize after hormonal BC, yet I seem to have normalized right away. Did you have any Thoughts on this?
Hi Katie! Somehow your comment got lost and I am only seeing it now. A “normal” cycle falls between 25 and 35 days and doesn’t vary more than 8 days from cycle to cycle. My comment on “normalized” is that the total cycle length is not the only factor. Even if your cycle is 28 days when you come off hormonal birth control if you were to look at your cervical mucus patterns, luteal phase length, menstruation, and basal body temperatures you would see a more complete picture. Statistically, it takes 9-12 cycles before your menstrual cycle will fully normalize in all of these areas after long term hormonal birth control use.
Katie says
Hi Lisa!
I recently found your podcast and am really enjoying it. This episode in particular left me with a couple of questions though, and I was hoping you might elaborate on a couple of things.
I came off of the pill about 9 months ago after being on it consistently for 14 years. I feel like I immediately normalized and had zero issues coming off of hormonal BC. From what you have talked about in many podcasts, I almost feel like this is NOT normal…. I had all of the unpleasant premenstrual symptoms I remember from my teenage years (cramps, heavier menstruation, acne, moodiness), but none of the irregularities of my pre-pill cycle.
I was also wondering what a “normal length” is by your definition. You mentioned “normal cycle length” in this episode but didn’t define it. Since January I have consistently had 25 day cycles, my CM and BBT combined with OPKs confirm that I started ovulating right after coming off of the pill and even got pregnant in may (unfortunately I miscarried).
I have read that it can take up to a full year for many women to normalize after hormonal BC, yet I seem to have normalized right away. Did you have any Thoughts on this?
Fertility Friday says
Hi Katie! Somehow your comment got lost and I am only seeing it now. A “normal” cycle falls between 25 and 35 days and doesn’t vary more than 8 days from cycle to cycle. My comment on “normalized” is that the total cycle length is not the only factor. Even if your cycle is 28 days when you come off hormonal birth control if you were to look at your cervical mucus patterns, luteal phase length, menstruation, and basal body temperatures you would see a more complete picture. Statistically, it takes 9-12 cycles before your menstrual cycle will fully normalize in all of these areas after long term hormonal birth control use.