Why do I have Irregular Periods?

Why Are My Periods Irregular? I Stopped Taking Birth Control Pills 6 Months Ago? Is That The Reason?

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