Why haven't I had my period regularly in over 2 years?

Question

When I was 17 I started getting depo-provera shots. However, I never got them regularly, after I broke up with my boyfriend I stopped getting the shot, then once I got another boyfriend about a year later, I got the shot one more time. Since then (the last shot, I was aged 19) I haven't had a regular period. I'm now, nearly 21 years old and slightly concerned about this.

While I've enjoyed not getting a period, I know it's something that I should be getting as a young woman.

Should I just keep waiting it out, or what?

Answer 1

I felt completely betrayed by the medical community.  They won't tell you that hormonal birth control may cause problems with infertility.  That is what happened to me.

Look, hormonal birth control basically turns off your reproductive system.  And for me, when I went off the pill, my system didn't turn back on.  I think this problem is especially common for girls and women who either went on birth control at a young age, like you, or who stay on it for a long time.  In my case, I had some female problems already, and the pill covered up the symptoms, but then when I went off the pill, my system wasn't just a little messed up, it was completely out of whack.

I've always been irregular, so I know what you mean about not being heart-broken about a few missed periods.  But, menstruation is one of the body's ways of cleansing itself, so it is necessary.

I was eventually able to have children, so don't panic.  I turned to some natural things to help my body heal and to get my cycles going again.  A lot of doctors will tell you that what I did was hogwash.  But, tell a doctor you're not having menstrual cycles and what will they do?  Put you on birth control.  It's crazy.  

I used a natural wild yam extract cream (not artificial progesterone) and took different herbs at certain times of my cycle.  My first period after not having one for a year was a little scary, a lot of clots and very heavy.  You have to educate yourself and be an advocate for yourself, and, in my opinion, open your options up beyond what your doctor will tell you.  I'm not talking about shamans and chanting and magical mud or little green men.  I'm talking about the natural ways of healing that women have been using for thousands of years.

Answer 2

I would go to the doctor, because it might be something serious.  But it might be something more simple.  Menstruation can be interrupted if you are too thin, too heavy, or too active, for example.

Answer 3

take birthconrol or u can just wait another long year

Answer 4

While I know from my own experience that it's normal to not have a regular period after you stop using birth control, I know that it still feels weird.  You should definitely see a doctor...you said you're 21, so you should be seeing someone annually for your pap smear anyways.  Talk to your doctor about your concerns, getting an opinion from someone who for sure knows what they're talking about is the best.  Good luck!

Answer 5

One of the ways irregular periods occur is through pregnancy and birth, but you didn't mention that so we can rule that out.

Some other, more common ways are excessive alcohol consumption, significant weight gain OR LOSS, over-exercising, poor nutrition, smoking, drug use, excessive caffeine, increased stress (boyfriend issues?), and some other complicated reasons.

If any of these are a possibility, correct it and see if your problem is solved.

In any case, you should see a doc.