Ortho Evra

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-19-2004
Ortho Evra
6
Tue, 03-23-2004 - 10:21am
I've been on the pill for a couple of years without incident. Switched to the patch just last cycle, and took off my last patch on Sunday. This is to be my first period since the switch and I'm wondering what to expect. Normally I would have started my period by now (with being on the pill) but nothing yet. I don't even feel any symptoms at all like I'm even going to start anytime soon... What are the chances of not having a period this cycle? What are other people's experiences and did your periods change when you changed from pill to patch?
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
In reply to: vics3
Tue, 03-23-2004 - 1:23pm
I'm not sure. I took my 3rd patch off yesterday night and now its the next night after. I still haven't started yet either. I'm not sure what to expect. Its weird. I haven't taken the pill in 11 years so this is strange because last time I took the pill I remember feeling so much better on the days off. That hasn't happenned yet. Also I have gained 10 lbs in the 3 weeks I was on the patch. Ughg.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-19-2003
In reply to: vics3
Tue, 03-23-2004 - 3:31pm
I have never been on the pill, but I am currently on the patch. I have been on it for over a year now. My patch change day is Monday and I generally don't get my period until thursday or friday. On one occasion I didn't start until Saturday!! Everyone's body will react a litle differently to the patch, but worry not:) Even if it happens to not show up this month, missing one period is not a big deal on any hormonal BC- it's only if you miss two in a row that you should be concerned and that applies whether you're having sex or not.

I have noticed that I no longer get any of the symptoms that used to indicate that my period was due soon. I used to get REALLY crampy and my breasts would get tender a day or two beforehand. Now that I'm on the patch I just have to wait it out because I don't feel different at all on my off week. Good luck with the patch:) I have really liked it but am probably going to be switching the the ring for unrelated reasons. I hope that you stick with it for at least a few months. It can be annoying to have to deal with your body figuring out it's cycle, but I think those first few months were well worth it:) Good luck:)

By the way, while some people DO experience weight gain on the patch, studies show that weight gain is slightly LESS likely to occur with the patch than with the pill. Any weight that is gained is probably in part due to water weight- even though that's not much of a consolation. In my experience- weight that is gained in the first few months on the patch will go back down to normal once your body is regulated on the patch. Feel free to ask any more questions that you might have!
Avatar for kissmedeadly
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
In reply to: vics3
Tue, 03-23-2004 - 4:54pm
I had the exact same thing happen. My period always came on the Tuesday after the last pill, and then on the patch it switched to Thursday. (Those were 2 long days!!) I have even had it come on a Friday if I took it off late in the day on Sunday. Give it a week, I am sure you are fine :) btw, I also did not have any pms symptoms either.
Avatar for poohwhitt
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: vics3
Tue, 03-23-2004 - 7:15pm
I've been on the patch since last summer and so far I love it. My usual patch change day is Sunday and the first month I didn't start until Thursday. Now it's about Tuesday. I love the fact I no longer PMS to heck. Even my DH is happy about it. Even my testosterone levels have worked themselves out. The only thing I really miss is being able to take a bath when I've had a bad day. That's about it.

Hope that helps

Ann :)

Avatar for kissmedeadly
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
In reply to: vics3
Wed, 03-24-2004 - 8:20am
Just to note..I have taken baths, and even been in a hot tub and pool with the patch, never had it fall off, or disrupted. I am stopping it this month however, b/c my skin is so senstive, it has created a few scars :( Mine stick so hard to my skin it sometimes makes really red blotches.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-21-2003
In reply to: vics3
Wed, 03-24-2004 - 2:16pm
I was on the pill for nearly 9 years before I switched to the patch. My period came at about the same time as it did when on the pill (about 3 days after my last patch). The BEST thing though is that I now have virtually no PMS or other symptoms, which was a real problem for me on the pill. I used to get very emotional and have horrible cramping, now I don't. I've also lost weight since starting the patch. However, everyone's body reacts differently to the hormones, I know it doesn't come as much comfort but you'll just have to wait it out and see! Good luck!