The Pill to Regulate Cycles—Why Not?

Question

I’ve had irregular periods all my life. I went to several doctors who only told me to wait it out for a couple of years because irregular periods were “normal” at a young age. Well that was six years ago, so I finally went to a GYN and they said that nothing was wrong with me so they put me on the BCP.
My question: Will I continue to be irregular when I decide to go off the pill and will that affect my chances of getting pregnant later on?? (considering I’ve been on the pill for eight months)

Isabella

Answer

Last Updated: September 1, 2022
Dear Isabella,

Irregular menstrual cycles are not uncommon. Using the BCP replaces the natural ovarian hormones with artificial ones which lead you to think your cycles are better. They are not — only regular. When you stop using the BCP you most likely will return to having irregular cycles again. This may or may not effect your ability to become pregnant. We do know that the artificial hormones which stop the natural occurrence of a healthy cycle can make it difficult for some women to achieve pregnancy easily.

In place of the pill I suggest that you take a course in natural family planning so that you will begin to understand how your body works naturally without the very significant interference of BCPs. Any irregularities in your menstrual cycle can then be addressed on that basis, instead of just covering them up with the pill. Treating your body well with moderate exercise, a healthy diet, and applying natural family planning principles will go a long way toward making you fit for love and life. Your chances of getting pregnant later on will definitely be enhanced.

Best Wishes, Carol

Answered By:

Carole Roadarmel
Carole Roadarmel, longtime Professional Member of CANFP, taught the Billings Method of NFP in the Los Angeles Region, where she lived with her husband Stan.

Read more related questions

If I Missed a Shot Could I Get Pregnant?

I didn’t go for my injection the 4th of May. Is it possible for me to get pregnant?

The Pill: Class One Carcinogen

Ever since I heard that the birth control pill and other contraceptives were declared Level One carcinogens by the WHO at the “Spirit and Law…

The Pill to Regulate Cycles—Why Not?

I’ve had irregular periods all my life. I went to several doctors who only told me to wait it out for a couple of years…

What to Expect After 24 Years on the Pill

I am a 42 year old female and I have been on birth control since I was 18 years old. I recently stopped taking them…

How Long to Get Back to Normal After Stopping the Pill

I was just wondering what are the normal processes after coming off the pill? I decided to come off the pill because I was getting…

Post Pill and Unexplained Weight Gain

I went off the birth control pill in April, five months ago. I had been on the pill since I was 15 years old. I…

Is Tubal Ligation Indicated

I am 28 years old and pregnant with my 4th child. I have chronic kidney stones and currently have one 1 cm in my right…

Birth Control Pill Rollercoaster

I have looked at the question(s) regarding stopping BCP and the side effects, but I guess my worries aren’t about the ovulation, but rather the…

No Birth Control Pill Has Worked For Me

I have been on birth control since I was like 16. Every birth control I have been on, works for like a month and then…

Worried About Long Term Effects of My Birth Control

I am 18 years of age and just recently started having sex. My boyfriend and I came to a consensus that I start the Pill.…

Regret Yesterday’s Depo Injection

Hi, I had a question. I just received my first shot and last shot of Depo-Provera yesterday afternoon, and I read up on it all…

Disagree on Vasectomy

I am a 36 year old mother of four children, ages 12, 8, 5 and 18 months. My husband and I have been married for…

Create An Account

This is not a membership, this is an account for our CANFP website. If you decide you would like to sign up for one of our memberships later, you can do so with or without this account.

First Name *
Last Name *
E-mail *
Username *
Password *
Confirm Password *
Edit Profile
Information
Subscriptions
Payments
Order History
Downloads
Shipping and Billing
Donations
Settings
Login Information
Notification Settings
Notification Subscriptions
Profile

CANFP conducts varied outreach programs to the community at large, in addition to serving our members (NFP users, teachers, and advocates).

CANFP provides education programs tailored to the audience, not only on Natural Family Planning, but on the wide variety of topics related to it.

Programs can be continuing education for NFP Professionals, introductory information for a lay audience of youth or adults new to the topic, or specifically tailored to the interests of a professional audience, such as educators, physicians, or clergy. Content is faith based or secular, whichever is suitable for situation.

CANFP offers a variety of resources for those just discovering Natural Family Planning, as well as to meet the varied needs of our CANFP Members. Most resources are available to any visitors to our site. Some resources do ask you to register as a site user in order to access them, others are available only to CANFP Members.

CANFP statewide conferences, regional events offered in collaboration with local partners, events featuring CANFP speakers, or exhbit, as well as other events throughout the state of interest to our NFP community.  Come meet one of our experts at one of these events or book a speaker for your own upcoming event.

CANFP depends on the gifts, talents, and generosity of our members and supporters. The success of our mission depends on the collaboration of our members. Please consider contributing your time treasure and talent through CANFP to share the good news of NFP with the world! Both volunteer and contracted positions available.

Stay informed by joining our email list

* indicates required
Which role(s) best describes you?