Expert: Mia - 10/2/2008

Question
I have been on Loestrin 24 for about 3 months now. My last pack I missed about 1 weeks worth. I was so busy signing for my house and moving that I completely forgot to take my pills. It's now about 2-3 after I have taken the pill. I have not had my period. I'm going through mood swings and I can't stop being paranoid. I'm also very jittery and nervous all the time. My fiance can tell a big difference in me and we are not talking much right now. I took a pregnancy test and it says I'm not pregnant. Do you think this is normal? Is there a possibility that I could be pregnant even though I took a home pregnancy test?

Thank You!

Answer
Hi Misty,

I have a few questions for you. Which week did you miss? Did it include any of the inactive pills? Are you currently on active pills now? If you are on active pills now you most likely will not get a period until you are on your inactive pills. The birth control pill can make periods shorter and lighter for many women, and in some cases, women will skip periods occasionally. This is especially true for Loestrin 24, since there are only 4 inactive pills in the pack. So while it is possible you are pregnant, it is also possible that you did not get your period due to the pill itself. The nervousness could be due to your body still adjusting to the pill. It also could be due to the new house, worrying about pregnancy, etc. I recommend taking another pregnancy test to be sure. If it is negative, continue taking your pill as normal. If you do not get your period during the inactive pills, or you continue to have bad mood swings, give your doctor a call.

I hope this helps. If you have further questions let me know.

-Mia