Expert: Norman Solberg - 10/8/2009

Question
Hi, thanks in advance for reading my question!
I'm eighteen and have been getting my period for quite awhile, I've alwas have had an irregular cycle spanning from getting my period every month to every 5 months at random.o preditablity at all... My question is, will birth control pills still be effective for me and will I get my period during to placebo pill time? Thanks again for your time!

Answer
Hi Jessica,
Your irregular periods mean that you don't ovulate regularly.  The hormones from ovulation are what control periods.  When you take the pill, it takes over for your ovarian hormones.  You will have the same kind of monthly periods as any other woman taking the pill.  Birth control pills will be effective for you, and you'll get your period during placebo pill time.  You may be a little more likely to spot or bleed the first month or so, because over time your uterine lining may be thicker than average.  That will take care of itself.  At the time you want to get pregnant, you may need a little help in getting to ovulate each month, but that's not difficult.  Best wishes.