Expert: Norman Solberg - 12/16/2008

Question
I've been on Seasonale since the beginning of the summer, and I really like it. My only problem is now I'm about to end my third month of pills, and I'll be getting my period right on New Years Eve. I really don't want to have to deal with it on that night of course. Would it be safe to either start the inactive pills a week early, or just get a new pack and skip them altogether? let me know what you think. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Cindy,
You can have your period when you want it.  It's fine to start the inactive pills a week early or a week late.  I wouldn't skip the inactive pills altogether, since it's good to have a period occasionally, like 4 times a year.  If you start the inactive pills a week early, you'll have 7 active pills left.  I'd take them first when you re-start active pills.