Persistent Bleeding After Stopping Lo Estrin 24: A Patient's Experience

Question
I have been on lo estrin24 fe birth control for about 2 1/2 or 3 years. In October of 2011, I had to have some dental work and had to be put on antibiotics for about 2 weeks so I decided to go ahead and come off the pill, since the meds would mess with it and my husband and I are thinking about babies. The first week in October, my period was normal and again in November was normal but starting the first of December - present, which has been almost 3 weeks, I have been bleeding non stop. Was wondering if this is normal since I was on birth control for so long. I called the doctor and they said I could wait it out but I should go back on the pill. Don't really want the pill back because I am not wanting to prevent getting pregnant. Any suggestions?

Answer
Dear Sally,

I am concerned that you have been bleeding for 3 weeks. I don't understand why your doctor would tell you to wait it out. You can become anemic or have other health problems from this. Please get a 2nd opinion or demand that your doctor help you with this problem.

And if you don't want to go bback on the pill, you don't have to. I don't recommend it because of the hormones and if want to get pregnant, there is no reason. So please seek some medical help, even if you have to change your doctor.

Please email me at CHERYL51@aol.com so we can talk more. Would like to hear from you and what happens.

Diane Cheryl