Skipping period using the pill

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-13-2004
Skipping period using the pill
1
Tue, 04-13-2004 - 5:57pm
I tried to skip my period using Ortho Tri Cyclen (by skipping the sugar pills and going right to a new pill pack). I was good for about a week and then I started bleeding (a little bit lighter than my normal period). I've read that some women spot/bleed all through the rest of that pill pack. Do I still assume my period will come during the "usual" time now that I'm already bleeding? I'm not sure if I should continue taking my pill pack until it's finished (and hope my period comes - again - during the sugar pills) or if I should get a new pill pack altogether and start it as a Sunday start after the spotting stops. Any suggestions? Has anyone had a similar experience? Thanks!
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2003
Tue, 04-13-2004 - 6:06pm
A triphasic pill doesn't work as well for period skipping (I didn't know that either back when I tried it). Because the hormone levels are lower at the beginning of the new pack, it could be enough of a drop to start bleeding. The spotting could go away through the month, or it might stay with you. I wouldn't be surprised if your next period was different too.

The better way to skip with a triphasic pill is to get another pack & use the third week, so that you keep the same hormone levels - less chance of spotting. Don't worry, your protection from pregnancy isn't compromised, that is a different mechanism from bleeding control.

If I were you, I would just continue with this pack & take the inactive pills at the end of it. No matter how you do it, this next cycle is messed up, you might as well just carry on.