Expert: Melissa - 4/2/2009

Question
Hello, I struggled with an eating disorder for about 5 years. I had been on birth control pills for 10 years and when I stopped taking them, my period never came back. The doctor said it was due to the eating disorder and advised me to gain weight. My lowest weight was 101 lbs at 5'3, which was about 4 years ago. I did end up gaining a litle weight and maintained 107 lbs for a few years. I stopped the birth control pill last feb and I had no periods for 10 months. This is when I went to a doctor. The doctor put me on birth control pills and told me to gain weight. I have put on 10-12 lbs. I weigh 120 lbs now. I have been at this weight since December and have maintained a good diet, eating about 1700-2000 calories per day. I do not exercise vigorously, just some light walking up to an hour a day. I stopped the birth control after being back on it for 4 months. It's been 6 weeks since my last pill, and I didn't get a period. I am hoping it will resume because my husband and I want to start a family. When does it normally come back after this type of situation?

Answer
From what I know it is not uncommon to not get your period after stopping birth control. It can take six months to a year for your "real" period to come back. You may need to get your hormone levels checked and go from there. I'm sorry I can't be of more help this is really out of my expertise.
Best,
Melissa

P.S. When  googling your problem I found these websites... maybe they can be of help:
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=53641
http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=463336
http://www.steadyhealth.com/No_period_after_birth_control_pill__yasmin___t108025...