Period after methotrexate for ectopic

Hi Everyone,

I’m sorry for everyone’s losses, I assume we’re all in the same boat here. :frowning: I am a little over a month post methotrexate shot for my ectopic and exactly 3 weeks post my hcg levels going to zero. I’m worried because I still haven’t ovulated or gotten my period. Can anyone offer their experience with the first ovulation after getting the chemo shot specifically? I did not have surgery, just the chemo shots. I’d appreciate advice/insight. I’m just ready for this first cycle to be “over” so I can feel like I’m moving in the right direction towards TTC again. I’m also going to have some fertility testing done, so I’d like to have completed my first cycle post ectopic first and know my hormones are back to normal first. Thanks!

Dear PB17,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,

Your periods can take a while to re-establish and they can re-start once hCG levels have fallen below about 100mIU/mL and most women find that their period arrives some time in the four weeks after their hCG levels have fallen to 0 if treated with Methotrexate, but this is an average and some maybe a little longer.

I would suggest leaving it a few more weeks and if still no sign of your period to chat to your GP.

As a gentle reminder with Methotrexate, you should wait until your hCG levels have fallen to below 5mIU/mL and then take a folic acid supplement for 12 weeks before you try to conceive. This is because the Methotrexate may have reduced the level of folate in your body which is needed to ensure a baby develops healthily. The Methotrexate is metabolised quickly but it can affect the quality of your cells, including those of your eggs and the quality of your blood for up to three months after it has been given. The medicine can also affect the way your liver works and so you need to give your body time to recover properly before a new pregnancy is considered. A shortage of folate could result in a greater chance of a baby having a neural tube defect such as hare lip, cleft palate, or even spina bifida or other NT defects. This is why the “wait” and then taking folic acid for 12 weeks before trying to conceive is so important.

Sending much love,

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811


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