Coming off the pill
Question
I’m 33 and I just got off the pill this month after 10+ years because my husband and I have decided to start a family. Like other girls on this post, I tend to have light periods, with a brownish discharge at the beginning and end of my menstrual periods. Now, this month, it appears that my cervical mucus was much heavier; and also noticed that I have a little bit of prolactin (very slight breast milk production). What does all this mean??? Are my hormones “out of whack”? Did I ovulate? Should I be concerned about the brown discharge during my menstrual period?
Help!
Answer
Last Updated: July 22, 2013
After being on the Pill for 10 + years it may take the reproductive system time to return to some form of normalcy. Sometimes it may even take a year or more, providing there is no damage to your fertility (example: damage of mucus crypts necessary to produce the fertile mucus needed for a pregnancy to occur).
The Pill is designed to interfere with several normal functions of fertility. Because of this, often times there are residual effects that may create a delay in returning to a healthy, fertile cycle, which would enable a pregnancy to occur and be maintained for the full 9 months.
Within a few days after discontinuing the Pill there is a withdrawal bleed which is due to the removal of synthetic hormones and the sheding of the lining of the uterus. Studies show that approximately 30% of women following the withdrawal bleed will menstruate within thirty days and some will take longer in establishing a return to menstruation. For most women ovulation may return after a few cycles. Some will have a bleed but may not have a true menstruation as ovulation may be delayed for indefinite period of time. Hormonal disturbances may account for the delay of a fertile cycle necessary for conception to occur.
You mentioned that you observed “heavy cervical mucus”. You didn’t state the sensation the mucus produced – sticky, lubricative,wetness or dryness on the vulva area. Some women experience a discharge, unchanging in nature, that may be continuous, may be milky or watery and has a feeling of wetness.
Initially the body may make several attempts to ovulate. The hormone levels may rise and fall without reaching the level necessary for ovulation to occur. You may notice a change in the pattern of your mucus as the levels of hormone change. After the Pill, there may be a change in the Luteal Phase of the menstrual cycle. It may be shortened which may indicate an imperfect ovulation and infertility of that cycle.
You also mentioned slight milk production was observed. This may be a disturbance in the hormonal production at this time. Should other signs of pregnancy be present you should see a Dr. to evaluate for Pregnancy. Folic Acid Supplementation will be suggested should a pregnancy occur along with a good health evaluation.
In your letter I couldn’t determine if you are charting your observations of your cycle. It would be extremely helpful for you and your husband to learn how to recognize your signs of fertility and infertility, to chart your cycle and apply the information that would help you achieve a pregnancy. Many Drs. will recommend a couple wait several months after getting off the Pill, before trying to conceive. They feel the body needs to heal itself from the negative effects of the synthetic chemicals that controlled the reproductive system for a period of time. You may want to contact a trained Natural Family Planning Instructor to help you in learning a method that will help you recognize and manage your fertility.
Toni Evans, RN
The Pill is designed to interfere with several normal functions of fertility. Because of this, often times there are residual effects that may create a delay in returning to a healthy, fertile cycle, which would enable a pregnancy to occur and be maintained for the full 9 months.
Within a few days after discontinuing the Pill there is a withdrawal bleed which is due to the removal of synthetic hormones and the sheding of the lining of the uterus. Studies show that approximately 30% of women following the withdrawal bleed will menstruate within thirty days and some will take longer in establishing a return to menstruation. For most women ovulation may return after a few cycles. Some will have a bleed but may not have a true menstruation as ovulation may be delayed for indefinite period of time. Hormonal disturbances may account for the delay of a fertile cycle necessary for conception to occur.
You mentioned that you observed “heavy cervical mucus”. You didn’t state the sensation the mucus produced – sticky, lubricative,wetness or dryness on the vulva area. Some women experience a discharge, unchanging in nature, that may be continuous, may be milky or watery and has a feeling of wetness.
Initially the body may make several attempts to ovulate. The hormone levels may rise and fall without reaching the level necessary for ovulation to occur. You may notice a change in the pattern of your mucus as the levels of hormone change. After the Pill, there may be a change in the Luteal Phase of the menstrual cycle. It may be shortened which may indicate an imperfect ovulation and infertility of that cycle.
You also mentioned slight milk production was observed. This may be a disturbance in the hormonal production at this time. Should other signs of pregnancy be present you should see a Dr. to evaluate for Pregnancy. Folic Acid Supplementation will be suggested should a pregnancy occur along with a good health evaluation.
In your letter I couldn’t determine if you are charting your observations of your cycle. It would be extremely helpful for you and your husband to learn how to recognize your signs of fertility and infertility, to chart your cycle and apply the information that would help you achieve a pregnancy. Many Drs. will recommend a couple wait several months after getting off the Pill, before trying to conceive. They feel the body needs to heal itself from the negative effects of the synthetic chemicals that controlled the reproductive system for a period of time. You may want to contact a trained Natural Family Planning Instructor to help you in learning a method that will help you recognize and manage your fertility.
Toni Evans, RN
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