[Guest]

I was on the pill for 13 years and did not start a new pack after my last period. My last period was December 20th. I have not gotten my period yet and do not know when it will (or should) come. If I had remained on the pill, I would have gotten it a few days ago . . . So, I am wondering :

1. What kind of side effects are caused by going off the pill;
2. How long it may be until I get my period;
3. Can going off the pill cause weight gain;
4. How likely is it that I would get pregnant within the first 3 + weeks of going off the pill; and
5. How long does it take for a preg test to show a positive result?

The more info the better please !!!

[AFemaleProdigy]

1. It's not that you will experience "side effects", but you may start to experience changes in your flow, mood changes, weight gain or loss, and other things that are effected by hormones such as breast and hair changes.

2.` It can take anywhere from a couple of weeks, to years for your cycle to become normal again. It just depends on your body. So you could start your period any time now, or it could be a long time from now.

3. You could experience weight gain OR loss. It just depends on your body's reaction.

4. You first need to keep in mind that birth control is not 100% effective to begin with. So, you are definately increasing your chances when you stop taking it.

5. The time at which you can tell if you are pregnant varies depending on the pregnancy test you are using. They cannot all detect pregnancy at the same times. Be sure to read the packaging and it should tell you. I think that the soonest is 1 week before your first missed period, but I am not certain.

[Guest]

Thanks....but

My only question now is: how am I supposed to know when period is due so that I know whether or not I missed it? Or is there just no way of knowing until my cycle becomes more regular? The first day of my last period was five weeks ago, but as of yesterday, the test (First Response) came back negative.