Waiting for my period

[4EverHopingT]

I had an ectopic pregnancy a couple of months ago and around 4 weeks ago, my hcg levels returned to low/pre-pregnancy levels and I was discharged from the EPU (i did not have surgery or any injections).

I am anxiously waiting for my period and am getting so worried that I have nt seen it. Last week, throughout the week I had really bad cramping. I usually do cramp when my period is coming, but these cramps were more intense and also no sign of any period. Desperately wanting to try again and feeling really worried that I havent seen my period yet. Ive heard it can vary in time it takes to come back but I'm not finding comfort in this and want to hide away from everyone and everything until I feel "normal" again

[Jadelouise1]

Hello, I am in a very similar situation. On the 19th September my HCG levels had returned to 9 and I was discharged from the EPU. I had a bleed which I thought was a period almost the next day for about 5 days. I am still waiting for my period and I’ve had some spotting last week and a bit of cramping so thought my period has been on the way but it hasn’t arrived yet.
I read it can take up to 10 weeks for period to come back and cycles could be irregular or not the same as pre-pregnancy.

[EPT Host 20]

Dear 4everhoping,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy loss,
Your menstrual periods after an ectopic pregnancy can take a while to re-establish.
They can restart any time between four and ten weeks after treatment. Most find that their first period arrives sometime around week six or seven after surgery, or, if treated without surgery, at some time in the four weeks after their hCG levels have fallen to below 100 mIU/mL. According to a study for women who had methotrexate treatment for an ectopic pregnancy in a Fallopian tube, periods generally return to normal after an average of 24 days (range of 24–38 days) from the pregnancy ending.

Before you can have a period, ovulation needs to occur. It is perfectly possible to ovulate 14 days after surgical treatment and almost as soon with methotrexate treatment. It is important to be aware that it is possible to become pregnant even without having the first period if you are not using some form of contraception when having sexual intercourse.

The first period may be more painful or less so than usual, heavier or lighter, and last for longer or shorter than usual – there really is no set pattern. You should be able to manage the discomfort with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medications and should not be soaking a pad in less than an hour. If this is not the case, you should seek medical advice.

I hope this helps,
Sending much love,
Karen x
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
The EPT is awarded the PIF TICK as a Trusted Information Creator, the UK-wide quality mark for healthcare information
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[4EverHopingT]

Thank you for this, i just keep thinking what if it never comes back and how much time is passing and Im getting older so it's just making me really upset and distressed.