Expert: Diane Cheryl - 8/4/2008

Question
I'm a little concerned about something.  I woke up to find blood in my panties and I remembered I lost (yes how ironic) a pill in my kitchen two days before, so I just went without it. I started having a panic attack thinking something was wrong with me because I continued taking one next day, so I figured it wouldn't matter. But, I woke up today with bleeding. I am not sexual active and am 17.  I am also due to have my period in a week.  It hasn't stopped, so I decided since I'm not taking it for sexual contact, I can just wait until it is over and start a new pack.  My question is, is that normal or should I be concerned? It's been eating away at me all day, and I hope it's just a slip.

Answer
Hi Sarah,

Thanks for your question. I just wonder why you are taking the pill if you are not sexually active. It's possible that missing a pill would cause your cycle to be abnormal as you didn't put the usual hormones into your body on that one day. I would say that it is ok to just start your next pack when you are supposed to but if you are concerned, it wouldn't hurt to check with your doctor. I wouldn't be real worried about it but like I said I am not a medical doctor. If you want to talk more, just email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com.
Also, I don't recommend hormonal birth control because of side effects and risks (such as this).
Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl