Expert: Norman Solberg - 9/7/2011

Question
Hi there,

I was on the pill for about 4 months and 2 weeks. I stopped in the middle of a cycle because I could no longer handle the side effects.

My period came about a week after stopping in the middle of July and was normal.  I have not had a period since but experienced some very light brown spotting today. And I have had regular periods since starting even when going on and off the pill in the past.

I'm curious whats going on.  

I had my annual check up in March and everything was normal.
I have no symptoms of pregnancy other than being really tired, and mood swings.

In fact I did believe I was getting my period about 3 weeks ago because all my normal period symptoms were present.

I plan on going to a doctor at the end of this month if my period still does not come. But I'd just like an idea if this is normal?

Answer
It's common when stopping the pill that the following period will be late.  Usually it's just a week or 2 late, but sometimes more.  When you don't get a period, it means that you didn't ovulate, since ovulation is what brings on a period 2 weeks later.  When a woman doesn't ovulate for a while, the uterine lining builds up, and then spotting or bleeding can occur.  This usually takes care of itself with time, but if the spotting goes on very long, see your doctor.  Of course, if pregnancy is possible, I would do a pregnancy test, because that's the other common reason for missing a period.