Switched to Junel bleeding problem
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| Sun, 06-18-2006 - 8:45pm |
I was on Errin (the generic for Ortho Micronor, the progestin-only pill) for the past 2 years because I had heavy periods and was also breastfeeding. I had 10 to 11 days of light periods about every 32 to 38 days while on Errin. The information leaflet with the Errin said that if you are switching from POP to the combination pill to start taking the combo pill on the first day of your period even if you aren't done with the Errin packet.
I switched on June 4 (first day of bleeding) to Junel 1/20 (the generic for LoEstrin 1/20). The bleeding seemed to stop on June 11, then I started spotting the next day. It's increased to light to moderate bleeding. My OBGYN said to stop taking the Junel for a week then start again with a new pack. My last pill was on Thursday, June 15. I'm getting tired of bleeding for 2 weeks now.
Also I am going on a vacation on July 19 so I don't want to have a period or any bleeding problems during that time. Any suggestions on if I should keep taking the Junel or stop the Pill completely and hope for the best? Thanks for your help

Hi runnergirl2006, welcome!
Jill
Hi Jill,
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm not really concerned with the hormonal protection right now. My DH and I also use condoms in addition to the Pill. We have 3 kids and aren't planning on having any more kids.
I just want the irregular bleeding to stop. If I do what my doctor suggested, I would start taking the Junel again this Friday 6/23 and the last active 21 day pill would be on 7/13. Theoretically, then the withdrawal bleeding would begin in the few days which could last into my vacation on 7/19. If I take less than 21 active pills, say 17 pills then the last active pill would be on 7/9. Hopefully I would be done with any bleeding before my vacation.
Thanks for the tip about the Instead menstrual cups but we won't be having any vacation sex. I am going on vacation with my kids in California while DH goes on tour with his band.
I had also read on the boards about taking a 10 day course of progestin pills to delay periods for women not taking the Pill. I was also thinking about not taking the Junel anymore until I get back from my trip and asking my doctor about the progestin pills. I'm not sure if that would be a better solution for not getting my period on vacation than taking the Junel.
Thanks for the update. Let us know what you decide and how you're doing, ok?
Good luck,
Jill