Hi,

I was on BCP for almost 9 months. I have just stopped taking them last week at the end of my period cycle (I completed my December pack). Now I am experiencing slight bleeding/spotting which seems very unusual.

I have read that the body takes a while to get adjusted and the next period could be farther away than expected. But I haven't read anywhere about bleeding/spotting immediately after stopping the pills. My periods ended last week and I'm a little concerned about the bleeding now. Can someone tell me if this is expected or if I should see a doctor?

Thanks,
Anita.

This is most definitely to be expected. It takes a while for your body to begin to make it's own (endogenous) hormones again after stopping the pill (exogenous hormones), so your body is a little out of whack right now, and doesn't know whether to bleed or not.

It can take as long as 3 or more months for your body to be regulated again (if you were regular to begin with).