[teacher_678]

had clock-work cycles until October 2009; I went off BC (I was on for a year and a half) at that time and my cycle was elongated by only 4 days, then I had 4 TOTALLY regular cycles (32-34 days). All of a sudden in March 2010, I had this FREAK 47 day cycle followed by a 41 day cycle... now I am currently on day 36 and it's looking like it will be the same. I started charting and I am showing no real thermal shift, but I do show some low temps and have EWCM around day 19. After the initial weird 47 day cycle, I saw my OB who did a regular yearly on me (no ultrasound) and everything checked out. She told me that it was probably stress, but I am going into my 3rd long cycle in a row. I realize that I might not be ovulating (although, I think I am), but I am just curious... has anyone else experienced anything like this? A random cycle change after YEARS of being regular?

[J_9]

How old are you? Age can be a factor.

[teacher_678]

I am 24. Forgot that part!

[J_9]

When did yiou stop the BC?

[teacher_678]

October 2009.

[J_9]

Okay, thank you.

Now, it can take up to 6 months or more before cycles return to normal after stopping birth control. Your body now needs to manufacture the hormones that were provided in the specific type of birth control you were using.

Also, if you are trying to get pregnant, remember that it takes the average healthy couple, who have never used birth control, up to a year of actively trying before actually conceiving.

I have to agree with your doctor on this. Stress, weight loss/gain, change in diet and/or exercise can all affect menstruation.

[teacher_678]

I guess what confuses me about that is that immediately after going of BC, my cycle was a BIT long (4 days), but then I had 4 perfect cycles. Then randomly in February, the longest cycle I have ever had. Why the delayed reaction?

And about stress, I just don't know how I went through tumultuous teen years, 4 years of college the I paid for, worked during, and barely ate! A huge cross-country move, and starting a new career, all without skipping a beat in my cycle. Now, randomly, the stress is too much? I guess I can see it. I just have no clue what is doing on.

[teacher_678]

Also, not Trying to conceive at this moment, but was hoping to start thinking about trying late this summer... ironically, the MONTH this started happening.