Expert: Diane Cheryl - 10/25/2008

Question
I am 27 years old, and just went on birth control for the first time in 6 years, becaus enow I am in a serious enough relationship to consider having unprotected sex with my S.O.  My MD put me on an ortho pill and told me not to take the placebo and I could go without the interupption of a period.  I could also take a break from my pill every 3-4 months and allow my period to come if I wanted.  She told me to start taking it the first day of my next period.  I did, which is normally very regular and lasts 5-6 days... always.  Now it is day #12 and I am still having my period.  This has never happened to me before.  I was warned I might spot here or there, but this is more of a light flow.  My MD also thought it might shorten if not stop my period all together.  I feel like it is doing the opposite.  How long will this go on?  Should I stop taking the pill, let my period finish and then start the pill?  I just don't want to have my period for weeks.

Answer
Hi Amy,

I'm not a doctor but I have researched all kinds of birth control methods for years now. I don't agree with hormonal birth control in the first place. And for the doctor to recommend not taking the pills the way that they have been designed, in my opinion, is questionable advice.
The hormones in the pill most likely have interrupted your regular cycle and caused abnormal side effects. Can you consider another type of birth control? Let me know what you decide to do. You can email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com
Perhaps you can find a doctor that uses more natural means of health care.

Diane Cheryl