Expert: Diane Cheryl - 12/8/2008

Question
I have been on the generic form of Ortho Tri-Cyclen (Tri Sprintec) for a few
years, and my period this year falls on my birthday, so I would like to delay it
if possible.  I know that taking birth control pills continuously can eliminate
periods, but I am wondering if the fact that I'm taking a combination pill with
different levels of hormones would put me at risk for pregnancy when I went
from the higher dose of the end of the pack (before the sugar pill week) to
the lower dose of the first week of the new pack.  Could I take two packs
worth of active pills consecutively, and then next month have my period, or
would I need to switch my prescription to a pill like Seasonale in order to do
this?  I have a basic understanding of the way the pill works, but I don't know
exactly the implications of the different hormone levels of different brands of
the pill.  Any info you can give me would be appreciated, thank you!

Answer
Dear Emma,

I don't recommend changing the way the pill is supposed to work. Really, I don't even advise women to take any kind of hormonal birth control at all. I don't think it is healthy for our bodies. Why take a chance on your normal cycle being confused just to not have your period on your birthday? Also, if you are sexually active, this could change the way the hormone level in your body would be, about preventing pregnancy. If you want more in-depth information, you could email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com and please put ALLEXPERTS in the subject line.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl