Early Period After Starting Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo: What to Expect?

Question
I started taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo at the end of January  and have been relatively consistant in taking them at the same time every day - I haven't missed any in the last two months and if I don't take it at exactly the same time everyday, it's within an hour (either before or after) of my usual time. I am nearing the end of my active pills for this month (4 more pills before my inactive pills), but about two days ago I started to get my period really lightly (I wasn't sure if it was or wasn't my period) and then today it got heavier. Should I continue to take the rest of my active pills and then my inactive ones as I usually would and start a new pack after finishing, or should I start a new one right now? And sex wise, should I be using a backup contraceptive since my period has randomly started?

Answer
Hello Leilani,

Sorry I could not answer your question the same day that you sent it. So what did you end up doing? I hope you consulted your doctor or pill provider.

I'm not sure about the backup method but I would have advised you to continue the pack as usual and then just start a new one. But also, I don't usually recommend that a woman use the birth control pill or any kind of hormonal method. There are risks and side effects from the hormonal birth control pill.

Let me know what happens and if you could change to a non-hormonal method. You can email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com and hope we can talk more.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl

P.s. That may have not been your period but just break through bleeding. let me know what your doctor or pill provider says.