Dear Doctor,
Why do I have irregular periods? I stopped using birth control pills 6 months ago. I have also lost some weight.
XYZ
Hello XYZ,
There can be a number of causes of periods being late. Can I have some more details about you?
- How old are you?
- How long were you on the pills before you stopped them?
- Do you know your Thyroid hormone levels?
Dr. M.D.Mazumdar
Aries Clinic
Dear Doctor,
I am 22 years old. I was on the birth control pills for about 3 years. I stopped them about 6 months ago. Since then my periods have been irregular – sometimes delayed by 1-2 weeks, sometimes on time.
No, I do not know my thyroid hormone levels.
XYZ
Dear XYZ,
There are many causes for a delayed or irregular period:
- Stress
- High TSH ( the TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone)
- High prolactin levels
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Anemia
- Diabetes
- Excessive exercise
- Dieting
- Change in the environment, or lifestyle
- Post pill amenorrhea
In your case, it is likely to be post pill amenorrhea – a condition in which there is failure to ovulate regularly every month after stopping the birth control pills.
In most cases, this condition settles down in about 6 months.
Since it has already been 6 month since you stopped the pills, please consult your doctor for blood tests for the hormone levels and an ultrasound to check your uterus and ovaries.
Dr. M.D.Mazumdar
Aries Clinic
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