Questions about waiting for AF while on Lupron (after stopping BCP)

My last natural period started on June 16.  I was then on BCP from June 18 - July 02 (so a total of 15 days).

I've have been taking Lupron the last 7 days and will continue for awhile yet.

Because I stopped BCP, I know I am supposed to be expecting a period to start some time soon.  My baseline US & BW before starting stims is next week, Tue July 07.  And then I am to start stims on Wed July 08.  That is only 3 days from now (!!)

Questions:

- Is 15 days on BCP adequate to "give" me a period?  If I was taking a full package of BCP, there would be 21 days of active pills.
- How many days after stopping BCP should I expect AF to start?  (This is my 3rd day off, no sign yet.)
- Does the Lupron somehow help make AF arrive?
- What happens if AF does not show up?
- Can I start stims if there is no AF?  (I am guessing not.)

I know I can ask Lori this next week, but I thought I'd tap you ladies today to see what I can learn.

Thanks as always!

GreenZelda!  As always, we are in the same spot.  I actually just came on IG to ask this exact question.  I'm supposed to start stims tomorrow and I haven't taken a pill since Tuesday evening.  I've been spotting a lot, but definitely not a full AF.  I'm curious to the answers to your questions also.  I will talk to Lori tomorrow and I will let you know.  If anyone just spotted and didn't get a full AF before starting stims- will you post that here also? 

GreenZelda:

My last natural period started on June 16.  I was then on BCP from June 18 - July 02 (so a total of 15 days).

I've have been taking Lupron the last 7 days and will continue for awhile yet.

Because I stopped BCP, I know I am supposed to be expecting a period to start some time soon.  My baseline US & BW before starting stims is next week, Tue July 07.  And then I am to start stims on Wed July 08.  That is only 3 days from now (!!)

Questions:

- Is 15 days on BCP adequate to "give" me a period?  If I was taking a full package of BCP, there would be 21 days of active pills.
- How many days after stopping BCP should I expect AF to start?  (This is my 3rd day off, no sign yet.)

I don't know if I'll be all that much help, but wanted to let you know that I was previously on BCP before starting down this high tech route.  I am cycling in aug and Lori had me stop my bcp two weeks into my pack to get the timing right. After I stopped them AF came a few days later (i think 3 or 4).  So yes, I think 15 days on bcp is long enough to trigger af.  For me, 3-4 days after stopping bcp is normal.  Hope this helps a little!

Thanks girls!

Pippi - Great, if you find out anything from Lori, please do post back!   

Anyone else - further insight appreciated, if you have any.

I am just right behind you both! I take my last BC pill tomorrow 7/6 and then don't start my injectables until 7/11 and the IVF coordinator said after I stop my BC pill I may or may not get a period and either way it would not effect me starting injectables on 7/11. I have also just started spotting some too...not like a period...just very light spotting off and on. Hope that helps! I know so many questions and unknown especially going through this the first time. Good luck ladies! 

 No you should not start stims until AF shows up.  And it has to be full flow AF, not spotting.  My AF was really really late in coming.  It changed my whole stim schedule, set ER and ET back and was a mess. I had to change all of our flights.  I think that's all in my blog.  Frustrating but worth it in the end to get the timing right!  If AF is late, you'll continue lupron until she shows up.  That keeps your ovaries in from making follicles until you are ready to stim. 

GL! I hope your AF starts soon. 

I took BCP for 20 days and got a period, it was lighter then normal though but still lasted for my normal 5 days.  My last BCP was a Friday night and I got AF early Tuesday AM.  I don't think the Lupron helps AF arrive, I've actually heard it can delay AF in some women.  I am not sure what happens if AF doesn't arrive in terms of being able to start stims, hopefully you won't have to worry about that one and she will show up tommorow or the day after.

ready4pink:

 No you should not start stims until AF shows up.  And it has to be full flow AF, not spotting.  My AF was really really late in coming.  It changed my whole stim schedule, set ER and ET back and was a mess. I had to change all of our flights.  I think that's all in my blog.  Frustrating but worth it in the end to get the timing right!  If AF is late, you'll continue lupron until she shows up.  That keeps your ovaries in from making follicles until you are ready to stim. 

Darn!  Does the worrying ever end?  I know the answer to that actually....

So, can they tell at your monitoring u/s if it is really AF or just spotting?  I really can't tell.  I'm guessing they check your Estradiol levels and lining and know whether or not it's AF.  Is that true? 

 Yes your estradiol should tell them how close you are to getting AF.  Just email Lori tomorrow and she will walk you through what to do.  They'll probably just have you wait a couple days unless you really aren't sure if it's AF by then.  

FWIW some gals think cinnamon will start AF.  I don't know. I ate tons of it and nothing helped.  

Just a fun note that my AF started in full force at 4:30am this morning.  I haven't had it start like that while I was sleeping since I was a teenager!

I guess the weird cramps and collosal PMS meltdown last night could have been a clue it was coming.  lol!!

Pippi - I hope yours is on its way soon too!  I know, soooo much to worry about hey? 

Crazy Zelda

So I had my baseline u/s and b/w this morning and my E2 came back at 0.  So that means this weird spotting WAS my period.  So if anyone has a really light period- don't panic.  I was so worried that everything was going to get postponed, but we're good to go! 

 Whoooo hooooo! Great news for both of you.  I'm so glad because having to reschedule sucks!  Good luck with your cycles. 

 That's great girls! So glad AF came. I spotted all through the BCP, but last Friday AF came. It was definately heavier. 

Can't wait to go to HRC next week!