Expert: Norman Solberg - 5/31/2009

Question
In hopes of changing my period week, I skipped the placebo pills but ending up with what seems like a normal period that starter later in the week of my normal period.  I have continued taking the active pills of TriSprintec but am wondering if I should stop the pills at this point and let things restart naturally?  I am currently at end of 1st week of active pills.

Answer
Yes, sometimes your period just wants to come even when you're on the pill.  I would recommend stopping the pill to let it come.  You can stop from 4-7 days, then restart.  Then you'll need to take the pills for at least 3 weeks to continue protection.  In general, you can take the active pills as long as your body will let you, but it has to be at least 3 weeks.  You can wait less than 7 days between restarting active pills, but it can't be more than 7 days.  The triphasic pills like TriSprintec probably aren't the best for going longer, since they are designed specifically for 3 weeks of active pills.  However, if you're taking them sort of out of order, they still work for birth control, as far as I know.