Missed Period While on Birth Control: Causes & What to Do

Question
Dear Brenda,
I have been on the pill for 7 years, but only on Microgestin for about 11 months.  I have never missed a period, and it usually comes on Wed. or Thurs. morning.  I did not get my period last month (Oct.) at all.  I took an HPT 7 days after I missed and it was negative.  I have been sick this month, with cold and flu symptoms, but I thought it was just because I teach kindergarten and the kids carry a lot of germs.  Could I be pregnant even though the test was negative?  I am due for my period again this Wed. (Nov. 22)  How long should I wait before getting a test or seeing a doctor?  Is it common to skip a period when you're on the pill?
Thank you,
Kim

Answer
Dear Kim,

Some women do skip periods when on the pill, especially when under stress, or ill, or have weight gain or loss, a change in diet, excessive exercise, etc,.. There are several factors that can cause this.

If you have successfully used the BCP for 7 years, and Microgestin for 11 months, without a pregnancy, I would not suspect that you are pregnant. That is, of course, unless you skipped a pill, took one way off schedule, or took a medication that decreases the effectiveness of the BCP (like an antibiotic). Plus, you took a HPT which was negative after a full missed period.

My suggestion is to wait and see if you do have a period this week. If so, great - you know it was just a fluke thing. If not - go ahead and wait until the last day of when you'd be having your period and then go ahead and test again just in case there was an error with the 1st test or the urine was too diluted too read positive or it was too early. When/if you take the test, make sure to use 1st morning urine to get a concentrated sample that has been in the bladder for at least 4 hours for the most accurate results.

If another test reads negative, I'd suggest you call the doctor and let him/her know that you've skipped two periods and have taken two negative HPTs. It will be important for a cause to be determined. If it reads positive, don't start the next month's pills and, obviously, call the doctor for an appointment. :-)

I hope helped you and answered your questions. Please don't hesitate to write again with any further questions.

Brenda