Cramps normal when switching bcp?

Avatar for wannabbygrl
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Cramps normal when switching bcp?
1
Tue, 11-09-2004 - 9:28am
I was just wondering if what was going on here was normal or not... I have been on bcp for exactly a year now (after baby) and usually have a few cramps before AF but nothing bad. Last Tuesday I started Seasonale after being on Ortho Tri-Cyclen and for 2 or 3 days now I've had cramps and weird little twingy/pulling feelings on my sides. The thing is, I was technically off of bcp for 11 days (7 days of inactive ortho and then my OB appt was 4 days after that so I didn't refill because I knew I was switching). I had a normal AF and have no idea what's going on now with this. Is it possible that I'm ovulating and feeling it because I had such a long break from the pills? ANy ideas are very welcome here.

TIA,

Callie and Gage 8/31/03

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 11-09-2004 - 10:25am
Hi wannabbygrl, welcome!

If you were off hormones for 11 days there's a good possibility that you are fertile. You weren't protected after 7 days off your old pill so I hope you have been using another effective method of contraception during that time and have been using back-up for at least the first 7 days of active Seasonale pills while you reestablish your hormonal protection.

You are putting the hormones from your pills on top of your natural mid-cycle hormones so you might feel a bit uncomfortable. If you are ovulating you should be getting your period in about 2 weeks even though you will be taking active pills. When starting Seasonale irregular bleeding is a very common side effect for the first several extended cycles. So, if that happens try not to let it put you off the pill before you give it a good try. Let us know how you like Seasonale, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill