I started taking the pill when I was 19, and now I'm 31. I stopped taking it this December. Since then, I've had four cycles. I'm tracking my cycles using BBT charts, and they seem to be getting worse and worse. The first cycle was 38 days and I'm not sure if I ovulated. The second cycle was 30 days with ovulation on day 19. The third cycle was 36 days with ovulation on day 24. Now it's day 28 and I haven't ovulated yet! How long will it take for me to get back to normal, or close enough so I can try getting pregnant?

--Jennifer

We generally recommend waiting four to six months to see if the cycles will regulate after discontinuing the birth control pill. If your menses were irregular or absent before starting the pill, they will likely be so after stopping. The pill does not make you have abnormal cycles. So, we need to look for other factors, such as weight gain, thyroid conditions or pituitary problems. After reviewing your medical history and doing a few blood tests, your physician may determine that you need ovulation medications.