Expert: Norman Solberg - 1/16/2009

Question
I am taking birth control, ortho tricylin. I have been taking it for about three months. I was told when I first started taking it by the nurse that I had the option to skip my periods and have them every few months or so. I didn't trust the pills at first so I chose the period every month option. I never really got details about the other option. But this month I wasn't really thinking and decided to skip the period (taking the sugar green pills) and just continue with the blue pills. I was told by the nurse I would experience spotting, but I basically am having a period while taking the pills that are supposed to stop my period, should I worry? Or just continue taking the blue pills and hope it stops? Or do I just start taking the green pills now?

Answer
Your period is trying to come, so the best thing is to start the green pills for 7 days and let it come.  Some pills work better for avoiding a period, and it varies for different women.  Sometimes when you've been on the pill longer it may work better.  You could try it again later after you've gotten back to normal periods.