When it comes to getting your period back after the process of egg freezing or stopping birth control, it can be tough to know exactly what to expect, especially if you’ve been on some form of hormonal contraception for years. While some fall into a rhythm after just a few weeks, for others, it may take some time for your body to sync up.
Let's take a closer look at what you might expect during this process, plus some steps you can take to best support your body's natural healing and hormonal balance.
Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is the series of hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body each month, in preparation for pregnancy. The cycle starts on the first day of your period and ends with the start of your next period.
A typical menstrual cycle lasts anywhere from 21 and 35 days. Throughout the cycle, the body produces several hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).
These hormones work together to regulate ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary) and the thickening and shedding of the uterine lining (which is what causes your period).
Egg Freezing and IVF
Oocyte cryopreservation, often called egg freezing, involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries and freezing them for later use, while IVF involves fertilizing eggs with sperm outside of the body and then implanting the resulting embryos in the uterus.
Both procedures can have an impact on the menstrual cycle, as they involve hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries and control ovulation, and require that you pause the use of hormonal birth control prior to undergoing the procedure
For example, during egg freezing, a woman may take medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs than usual. The hormone stimulation may also cause the uterine lining to build up thicker than usual. After the procedure is complete, it may take some time for the body to return to its normal hormonal balance and for the menstrual cycle to resume. And the next period might be a heavier one than usual.
Getting Your Period Back After Egg Freezing and pausing birth control
The timeline for getting your period back after pausing your birth control can vary depending on several factors, including your age, overall health, and your menstrual history.
In general, it is common for it to take ten days to three months for the menstrual cycle to resume after egg freezing. This is because the body needs time to recover from the hormonal medications and stress of the procedure.
Here are some steps you can take to support your body's natural healing and hormonal balance during this time:
Support your body with the right supplements: Lunar Sync is our series of four, uniquely-compounded supplements for each phase of the menstrual cycle and support your body's natural rhythm. Whether it’s after freezing your eggs, trying to conceive, or simply to try another method of contraception or go hormone-free, resetting your menstrual rhythm can be tricky to navigate. We typically recommend you start your pack on the first day of your period. If you don't bleed, you can begin on the first day of the New Moon.
Eat a balanced diet: Eating a diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and protein can support your hormonal health and help your body recover from the stress of the procedure. Be sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out any toxins or medications that may be lingering in your system and support overall health.
Get plenty of rest: Getting enough sleep and rest can help reduce stress and support hormonal balance.
Manage stress: Stress can affect hormonal balance and delay the resumption of the menstrual cycle. Consider incorporating stress-reducing practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your routine.
Talk to your doctor: Your doctor can provide guidance on the timeline for getting your period back and any specific steps you can take to support this, especially if it’s been over 3-6 months.
