[HannahBanana]

Quick question for those that are charting post BCP. Have any of you experienced anovulatory cycles while your body is trying to get back into the swing of things? If so, how many? I'm on CD 1 of cycle 3 post BCP, and I did not ovulate in cycle 2, but I think did in cycle 1. I'm just trying to figure out if it's the BCPs or the stress of school!

[ShawnaCAN]

No personal experience, but I've trained many women in their charting post-Pill. There is a HUGE range of experiences. Many women have pretty nice charts for the first cycle or two, and then things start to get crazy for awhile. Some women have erratic charts right from the start. And some have very little problem coming off the Pill.

Data shows that impairment to fertility is not permanent, but may be evident up to 30 months after stopping the Pill in women who have not previously had children. One study showed that women aged 25-29 who have not previously had children did not experience impaired fertility beyond 48 months, whereas women aged 30-34 who have not previously had children experienced more impairment, lasting up to 72 months.

Every women recovers so differently, so the experience of others isn't a great predictor of what will happen with you. In my experience, post-Pill irregularity is normal anywhere up to 18 months after stopping. I've only encountered a few women who experienced problems longer than that.

[sara~b]

I just had the Mirena IUD removed in September. First full cycle off was very nice. Clear O date and everything. This cycle is horrible! My O date has moved a few times and then today my CH's were taken away completely by both FF and TCOYF. I will never take hormones again! Sorry I can't really help you but I thought you'd like to know you're not alone!

[lucidity03]

I also think that every woman is different. Some women tend to get right back into their cycles - no problem.

As for me, it's been a mess. I've been on bcp for 10 years and went off at the begnnning of this year. I had three months with no cycle (and I wasn't charting so I don't know if I Oed). Then, I had a cycle one month later but it was really light and weird.

Since then, I have been all over the place and decided to chart. I went to the dr. about this. I thought that I was just O'ing REALLY late. The dr. looked at my chart and said, 'oh, I see you've had anovulartory cycles'.

So... my experience has been awful. My dr. said it could take up to a year to become normal again.

But, like I said, some women are fine. My close friend got pg. her first month off the pill. (Lucky girl! She just gave birth last week and I'm still TTC. I'm happy for her, though!)

[HannahBanana]

Thank you for the input ladies. I put my mind at ease a little bit. I'll just keep on charting and hope my body gets into the swing of things.