Absent period after stopping oral contraceptive pill

It is perfectly normal for your body to take several months to return to its natural cycle after stopping the oral contraceptive pill. However if your period has not returned after 3 - 4 months you may need to investigate further.

The first thing to check is whether or not you are pregnant. Although the oral contraceptive pill is an effective form of contraception it is not perfect and it is possible to fall pregnant even when on the pill.

Once you have confirmed that you are not pregnant, the first step to restoring your normal cycle is to do a liver detox. This basically involves increasing fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains and fish whilst reducing your intake of fried fatty foods, processed foods, dairy, smallgoods, coffee, tea (except herbal), sugar, refined flour and alcohol. Since most medications (including the oral contraceptive pill) must be metabolised through the liver, a liver detox is vital to ensure that all remains of the medication are out of your system. Herbal medicines and amino acid supplements will aid a liver detox.

If your period still has not returned, it may be necessary to use herbal medicine to balance your body's own hormones. Herbs such as Chaste Tree, Blue Cohosh and Mugwort are excellent but please do not use herbal medicine until you have seen a naturopath, herbalist or other appropriately trained health practitioner. Stress may also be a factor (especially if you are worried because you don't have your period). Relaxation techniques such as yoga, time out or gentle exercise may be of benefit to help unwind and let your body return to its natural rhythm.