Should I be Worried if Period Does not Start on Time After Stopping the Pill?
Question
I am 45 years old and have been on birth control pills on and off, mostly on, since age 21. My husband is 48. I just got off my birth control pills about two months ago, after being on them for about five years this time. I had a really light period after that, but now I think I’m about 2 1/2 weeks late. I took a home pregnancy test last Saturday that is supposed to tell if you’re pregnant before you are late, and it was negative. Should I be worried?
Melissa
Answer
Last Updated: August 15, 2023
Dear Melissa,
You stated that you have been off and on the pill for years and one of the side effects of the birth control pill is irregular cycles and light menses. Your natural reproductive age would be pre-menopause which includes both symptoms. However at the age of 45 you can still be fertile and ovulating. You didn’t mention your use of any family planning which could be your concern about a pregnancy.
Considering all these factors, I would like to suggest the use of a natural family planning method. Learning about the signs of fertility or lack of them will be helpful as you navigate pre-menopause and greatly reduce the fear of an unplanned pregnancy. You can check our website for more information and the location of the closest NFP instructor.
Sincerely, Winnie Neill
You stated that you have been off and on the pill for years and one of the side effects of the birth control pill is irregular cycles and light menses. Your natural reproductive age would be pre-menopause which includes both symptoms. However at the age of 45 you can still be fertile and ovulating. You didn’t mention your use of any family planning which could be your concern about a pregnancy.
Considering all these factors, I would like to suggest the use of a natural family planning method. Learning about the signs of fertility or lack of them will be helpful as you navigate pre-menopause and greatly reduce the fear of an unplanned pregnancy. You can check our website for more information and the location of the closest NFP instructor.
Sincerely, Winnie Neill
Answered By:
Winnie Neill, CFCP
Winnie Neill, a Professional Member of CANFP, is a certified FertilityCare Practitioner, and taught NFP 23 years in the Sacramento region. She served on the Sacramento Diocese NFP Advisory Board, the American Academy of NFP Board and the CANFP Executive Board. She and her husband Bob have been married 63 years
