How commmon is this..

Avatar for rthrbswmng
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
How commmon is this..
2
Thu, 06-17-2004 - 12:09pm
I'm almost on month 11 of OTC lo. Last month, I got my period with 2 active pills left and it lasted longer than normal (but was lighter too). Well this morning it looks as though that might be happening again bc I'm having slight spotting. I've had some cramping and sore breasts this week also. Could this be due to the fact I took probably 5 or maybe a few more pills late (like 2-4 hours) during the course of the month? I'm hoping this doesnt mean I should need to change my pills (because I can't until the end of August when I go back to school). My dr down there was going to switch me to nordette before I left because of slight cramping every month, but I told her I was happy and didn't want to switch yet bc I'd think cramps would come with most periods (not mattering which pill you are on). Sorry for the longwindedness...Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much :)

Melissa

Melissa

Avatar for rthrbswmng
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Thu, 06-17-2004 - 11:48pm
*bump*

Melissa

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 06-18-2004 - 12:49am
Hi Melissa, welcome back!

Two hours is the outer limit of what this board considers on-time for taking your pills. After that, depending how sensitive your body is to variations in your hormone levels, you could begin to experience irregular bleeding. How soon after taking your pills late did the spotting start? Or it could be, as you suggest, that the mix of hormones isn’t quite right for you any more and is unable to control your endometrium for 21 days in a row. If that is the case it shouldn’t reduce the effectiveness of your protection as ovulation suppression and endometrium control are two separate functions of your pills. Taking your pills late isn’t a good habit to get into. If you are having trouble remembering to take your pills on time you could try setting the alarm on a clock or watch or a reminder message on your cell phone or computer to help you remember. I think you should make sure to take your pills on time for your next cycle and see if you experience early bleeding again. Let us know how you’re doing, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill