Birth Control Pills & Periods

[dreamxonxaxwish]

Dunno if this is the right forum but whatever.

So, I've been on the pill for about 4 months now. (20 weeks now) I also have that arm thingy but the pill is supposed to straighten out my periods which had gone crazy for a while. They've recently started going crazy again and I realized it might be because of how horribly I've been taking them. I rarely take them at the same time because I'm now in class at that time.

So what was suggested on one of the sites I read was a journal to track your period and your pill. And I decided to start one today. I had my period two weeks ago and the pill just forced it to start again today - so I decided I'm going to start on a new package tomorrow (which should end my period) and start a whole new fresh look at this - trying hard to take it at the same time every day and eliminate a period every other week.

I was just curious if anyone else is on birth control and has had odd periods because of it? If so, what helped fix it?

[misspearlygates]

I've been on birth control pills for a few years now and still have spotting/cramps/abnormal periods despite skipping the placebo pills. The Mirena is meant to be a great form of birth control in regards to stopping your periods/cramps but when I asked my doctor about it she said that it's mainly used for people who have already had kids. I want it so that I don't have kids, wtf. So now I'm stuck with the pill (a few of my friends have the arm thing and said it isn't very good). I usually take the pill between 4am-6am every day so it's consistent at least. I just wish it'd stop the bleeding and cramps completely! =)

[dreamxonxaxwish]

I just wish it'd stop the bleeding and cramps completely! =)

While that would be amazing and nice, I'd be fine with just a regular period! Bleeding every other week is not fun. Especially when you want to fool around with a boy! Ugh.

[misspearlygates]

Oh that really sucks, maybe have a chat with your doctor about alternative birth control? Bleeding has ruined quite a few "good times" for me. It's definitely not fun.

[dreamxonxaxwish]

Since I'm only on month 4 and they say it can take 6 months to become regular, I'm going to give it until September or October and make sure I'm taking it at the same time. I think the journal will help with that and me telling my doctor all about what's happening. I really hope this helps, though.

[Elizabeth]

I am on a pill called Cozette, it stops you having periods completely because you take it all the time. However a couple of times a year I might get spotting and need a pantiliner. It is a lot more flexible than most pills because if can take it within a 12 hour window, so if you aim to take it at 3 in the afternoon but find yourself busy or forget, you have 12 hours to remember.

[UsedRomance]

I'm not on the pill anymore. Was on it for a couple of years and I put a ridiculous amount of weight on it. Nothing would ever make me go back on it.

After I came off, it took me 4 months to get a period. Those were a scary few months!

[Lori]

I was always fine on the pill, but I've never had the "arm thing."

I recently went on the depo shot (about a month ago). The doctors flat out told me they had no idea what it would do to my period because "everyone is different." I would up getting a very light period for two weeks straight.

Long story short: taking hormones will mess with your hormones, which messes with your menstrual cycle. Just let it happen and don't worry too much. The reduced risk of pregnancy is worth it.

[i.am.taking.control.]

I'm not on the pill anymore. Was on it for a couple of years and I put a ridiculous amount of weight on it. Nothing would ever make me go back on it.

After I came off, it took me 4 months to get a period. Those were a scary few months!

I was actually wondering about this. Does everyone gain weight on the pill or just some people? I really want to start it, but I'm nervous that it'll make me gain weight.

[perfect_disguise]

i remember once when starting birth control i had my period (lightly) for something like two weeks. it sucked so bad. just taking it regularly will help to sort them out, then you can start skipping the placebo pills and have a period every three months or however you want, it's pretty cool. i guess you just have to wait it out, it sucks but yeah it'll eventually get better.

[HoneyHeart]

I have the contraceptive implant (the arm thing) and i stopped getting my periods, some women carry on getting them (the pill might actually be messing up your cycle in the first place) and some just get spotting. If you're looking for regular periods, but having problem with the pill you could get the implant taken out and try the injection. Everybody's reaction to a new contraception is different but they jab you in the bum every three months, and that's usually taken pretty well! Something to mention at your doctors maybe?

Does your doctor condone taking the pill and having the implant together? I am all for using more than one type of contraception, but the pill and the implant can counteract each other, and can increase your risk of pregnancy. Otherwise, both forms by themselves are very effective when taken properly.

Also, changing what type of pill and getting the implant out might help. So much hormones, they all work in different ways!

[dreamxonxaxwish]

Does your doctor condone taking the pill and having the implant together? I am all for using more than one type of contraception, but the pill and the implant can counteract each other, and can increase your risk of pregnancy. Otherwise, both forms by themselves are very effective when taken properly.

Also, changing what type of pill and getting the implant out might help. So much hormones, they all work in different ways!

My doctor actually said that it doesn't affect anything to have both. She said that the pill should regulate my cycle and that there are no risks to it. She knows I'm having irregular periods which is why I got on the pill four months ago. If its still happening after six months, I'm probably going to get the arm thing taken out and just stay on the pill.