Though I stopped my Depo injection, I have not got my period. Please advise.

Question

Hi doctor,

I was on the Depo injection for four years. I have been off the Depo injection for one year and three months. Also, I have not taken any other contraception in the last year. Four months ago, I went to my GP as I still had no bleeding. She did some hormone tests, which came back low, and booked me for an internal scan. Internal scan results showed more than ten follicles on each ovary measuring less than half an inch and anteverted uterus. She said that the scan showed features of PCOS, but ovaries were normal in size. So, it does not confirm PCOS. I also had a repeat hormone blood test, which was fine. I was advised to come back after three months if no period. I went in last month as my iron was low and explained the reason as periods causing low iron. I went crazy and explained that I had not had a single period in the last five years. She did not know what to say and just told me to take iron tablets. Nowadays, I am bleeding after sex. Sometimes it is fresh red blood when I wipe. But, I do not have any symptoms of the period. I am going crazy as I would like to start a family. Can you advise me what to do? I have done at least two pregnancy tests every month, going insane.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As you were on Depo injection for almost four to five years, this is a common problem with Depo injection. But, in most cases period starts within one year of stopping the Depo injection. But, as you said, if your hormone level is normal, like LH (luteinizing hormone), FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), E2 (estradiol), TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), and prolactin, then more likely you will get your period. You can take hormonal contraceptive tablets for 21 days, and you will get your period. But, you cannot get pregnant while on tablets. For that, you have to wait until your periods start. Do not take the stress, and that is all you can do. One more thing is that do serum AMH level (anti-mullerian hormone). It will give some idea whether you have ovum left or not.