Endometriosis and Contraception: Managing Spotting with the Pill

Question
I am 22, and have endometriosis. I have now been taking the pill on a 3 month cycle, and then off a week. This cylce of pills I have started spotting earlier than usual, and it's lasted over a week. I am not too worried, but was wondering if I could only take 2 months of the pills and then take a week off to get my period, and start back again, instead of taking them for 3 months. By doing this I am hoping my spotting will stop once I resume the pills again. THanks for you help.

Answer
There is no problem with taking the pills for two months rather than three months straight and then off for a week. However, this will not necessarily stop the spotting that you are having. There will always be some breakthrough bleeding (spotting) when you take the pills for longer than 21 days at a time. The spotting is harmless in any case.