Expert: Norman Solberg - 4/7/2009

Question
I was on birth control pills on and off for a few years, I've had different experiences each time. I was off this past time for about a year I started them again in November of 2008, in February 2009 I ended my last pack of birth control pills, got my period, then started the NuvaRing. After a week of being on NuvaRing, I stopped it because I felt HORRIBLE and I had side effects that I didn't want to deal with like being depressed, my hair was coming out more, I just felt sick. So after I stopped the NuvaRing a few days later I got my period again. I got my first period in February on the 11th, it lasted a few days, then got my second one (from stopping the NuvaRing) on the 25th of February, it lasted for a few days. I should've gotten my period again March 28th, but never got it. Around the time I should've gotten my period, I had cramps and felt like I was going to get it, but it never came. It is April 7th now and still no period. I've had some cramps and strangely I've had sore nipples. My boyfriend and I started using condoms when I stopped birth control, but we didnt use condoms before that. What do you think is going on? I'm getting nervous. Thank you.

Answer
Usually when a woman stops birth control pills or the ring, she gets a period, and then the next period will be somewhat delayed.  This is because after being at rest, her ovarian hormones are coming back to life.  I suspect that what you're feeling is from those hormones, and your period is late because that usually happens.  If you think pregnancy is a possibility I'd do a test, but right now I think it's unlikely.  With a little time I think you'll get back to the kind of cycles you had before the pill.