QuestionQUESTION: Hi Mia,
I was supposed to start my first pack of pills (28 day pack) on the first Sunday following my period, what I did instead was start it two Sundays after my period. I'm not currently sexually active but plan to start within the next two months. Okay so here's where I goofed: I started the pack on Sunday, November 30th, (that month I got my period on November 10th)I ended up getting my period on December 10th (this month and still have it) and am still on the active pills of my pack. I now have 4 active pills left followed by 7 placebo pills. What should I do to catch up?
Please help! Thanks Claire
ANSWER: Hi Claire,
It is ok to start your first pack at any time during the month. What you are experiencing is breakthrough bleeding, which is a common side effect of the pill, especially during the first 3 months while your body adjusts. You should continue taking the rest of the pack as planned and start a new one after the 7 days of placebo pills. As long as you have been taking the pills on time and have not missed any, you are protected. If the bleeding is very heavy, or you continue to experience breakthrough bleeding after 3 months, give your doctor a call to discuss possibly switching to another brand to help with that side effect.
I hope this helps. If you have further questions let me know.
-Mia
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Mia,
Thanks for setting my mind at ease!!! I believe that I will have my period for a couple more days then.. it's not heavy.. but prior to your response, I made the mistake of taking the four remainder active pills. (Thinking that it would bring me somewhat up to date). Will my period stop or will it continue if I'm on the placebo pills? I can't believe myself!
ANSWER: Hi Claire,
Do you mean you took the 4 remainder pills on the same day? This could cause your period to stop, even if you are on the placebo pills because of the extra dose of hormones. But it may not. It is also possible that your period will stop for a few days and then start at again at some point during the placebo week. It is hard to say what will happen exactly because all women are different. You may also experience some nausea, headaches, and breast tenderness due to the extra hormones. These should all go away within a few days.
You have several options right now for starting the next pack:
1. Start a new pack this Sunday instead of taking all 7 placebo pills.
2. Waiting the 7 day placebo pill week and then starting a new pack on whichever day it falls.
3. Taking the 7 placebo pills and then waiting until the next Sunday to start a new pill pack (you will not be protected from pregnancy during any of the extra days you wait).
Any of the above will work for the next pack, so you can choose the one that makes the most sense for you. I think you should treat this new pack as if it were your first one and use a back-up method such as a condom if you decide to have sex during the first 7 days of the pack (you do not have to do this for every new pack you start).
I hope this helps. If you have further questions let me know.
-Mia
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Mia, I started my new pack this past Sunday (3 days ago), but I still have my period. And it's somewhat heavy? Will it go away soon? Is this what happens when you start the pill on a wrong day?
AnswerHi Claire,
Yes, it should go away soon. It is a side effect from your body still adjusting to the pill. Also, since you took four active pills on the same day (or within less than 4 days) you got a higher dose of hormones and now have a lower dose. This can also cause bleeding.
I do recommend that you give your doctor a call though if your period does not stop by the end of this week, just to check in and see if he/she has any suggestions.
I hope this helps. If you have further questions let me know.
-Mia
