From Patch to Pill

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-28-2004
From Patch to Pill
1
Sat, 10-16-2004 - 10:24pm
About 3 weeks ago I was taken off the patch due to an allergic reaction. The day I got my period I started taking Loestrin, the pill. Two days after my period ended, which was 3 days after i started the pill, I had intercourse and we didn't use any other protection. I also had intercourse 2 other times without using any protection. I'm starting my last week of active pills tomorrow and I've been getting light cramps for about a week and major breast tenderness also. Usually I don't get these effects till about 3 days before I get my period. Is it possible that I may be pregnant? Also do those pills start working right away or do you have to wait awhile before they actually start working?, the directions didn't say.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 10-17-2004 - 10:24am
Hi auntienessa, welcome!

If you went no more than 7 24-days between wearing your last patch and beginning Loestrin then you should have been protected during the switch. If you were without hormones for more than 7 24-hour days then you would have needed to use back-up for at least 7 days while your hormonal protection was reestablished.

When switching hormonal methods or brands it's not unusual to have different PMS and find Aunt Flo is on a different schedule, and she may be of a different length and consistency as well. It usually takes about 3 cycles for your body to adjust to the hormones in the new method. Let us know how you like Loestrin, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill