Yes, you should be able to use FA after you stop using hormonal birth control, but the learning period may be longer for you than for someone who is not coming off hormonal contraception. Ovulation is suppressed by hormonal birth control, and after you stop taking it, as with a car that hasn’t been started for a long time, it can take a while for the engine to catch, and then it might need to warm up for a while before it runs properly. In many cases, our bodies bounce right back, but it can take up to 6 or even 12 months (especially after Depo Provera and other long acting contraceptives) to get back to one’s usual cycles.
During this transitional phase, cycles can be absent or irregular and fertility signs can be confusing. It may take a few months to start ovulating again. The luteal phase (between ovulation and menstruation) may be short. Cervical mucus may be scant, or patchy, or otherwise difficult to interpret.
Most people who stop taking hormonal birth control do go on to have typical cycles and can use FA without difficulty. Those who don’t end up with typical cycles most likely had an underlying disorder that had been masked by hormonal birth control. One of the great things about Fertility Awareness is that you can see what’s happening on your charts as your body returns to its natural functioning. You may end up with typical, healthy cycles, or you may discover a health issue that’s causing your cycles to be atypical. Either way, you are learning about yourself, and your health, and can be empowered by that knowledge.