Missed Period After Stopping Yaz: Am I Pregnant or Anovulatory?

It has been thirty-seven days since taking the oral contraceptive, and menstruation has not occurred?

Hello, I have been taking Yaz oral contraceptives for about two years.
Last month (on April 17), I forgot to take the pills for four days due to work, and my husband and I decided to stop taking them.
At that time, there was still about a week's worth of pills left (including those four white ones).
On the fifth day after stopping the medication, I experienced a brief episode of bleeding.
After returning to Taiwan and seeing a doctor, I was told that it could be considered as my menstrual period.
Later, my husband and I did not use any contraception, and this month (May), my expected period was on May 20, but it has not arrived yet.
I also have not experienced any premenstrual symptoms such as bloating, headaches, or breast tenderness.
Could I be pregnant, or is it simply a case of anovulation?

Ma Furen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/25

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Consult a physician for an examination; a urine test will be more accurate if necessary.

Reply Date: 2017/05/25

More Info

When you stop taking Yaz, a combination oral contraceptive, your body may take some time to adjust back to its natural hormonal cycle. It is not uncommon to experience irregularities in your menstrual cycle after discontinuing birth control, especially if you have been on it for an extended period, such as two years in your case.
The short-term bleeding you experienced shortly after stopping Yaz could be a withdrawal bleed, which is similar to a period but is not necessarily indicative of a regular menstrual cycle. This bleeding can occur as your body responds to the sudden change in hormone levels after stopping the medication.
Regarding your missed period, there are a few possibilities to consider. First, it is important to note that after stopping hormonal contraceptives, some women may experience anovulation, which means that they do not ovulate during a given cycle. This can lead to missed periods or irregular cycles. Anovulation can be influenced by various factors, including stress, changes in weight, and hormonal imbalances, which may be exacerbated by the recent changes in your medication routine.

On the other hand, if you and your husband have been engaging in unprotected intercourse since stopping Yaz, there is a possibility of pregnancy. The timing of ovulation can vary significantly after stopping hormonal birth control, and it may take some time for your body to establish a regular ovulatory cycle again. If you had unprotected sex during your fertile window, which typically occurs about two weeks before your expected period, there is a chance that you could be pregnant.

To determine whether you are pregnant or experiencing anovulation, the best course of action is to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy. If the test is positive, it would confirm pregnancy. If it is negative and you still do not get your period, it may be advisable to wait a few more days and retest or consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, after stopping Yaz, it is common to experience changes in your menstrual cycle, including missed periods and potential anovulation. If you suspect pregnancy, taking a home pregnancy test is the most straightforward way to confirm or rule it out. If you continue to have irregular cycles or have concerns about your reproductive health, it would be beneficial to discuss these with your healthcare provider, who can offer personalized advice and support based on your specific situation.

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