Expert: Diane Cheryl - 5/27/2010

Question
I was taking Tri- Cyclen Lo for over a year and just switched to Loestrin 24 last month.  I started the pack on a monday and just finished the white active pills on tuesday.  I am expecting my period over the weekend.  I wanted to start my new pack on a day that would prevent a weekend period.  When is it okay to start the new pack and is there any particular day that could possibly prevent a weekend period? I am confused since I am now using a 24 active pill pack.  Also, do I have to take the 4 brown pills at the end?

Answer
Dear Carrie,

Did your period start over the weekend? I don't usually recommend women to alter their cycle and the pills. This could cause problems with your natural cycle. I would also suggest that you consult your doctor about this.

I don't usually recommend hormonal birth control methods which does include the birth control pill. I feel that hormones are not natural or healthy to our cycles, as women. I prefer to advise women to use non-hormonal birth control methods.

Please email me at CHERYL51@aol.com and we can talk more about all this. Hope to hear from you soon.

Diane Cheryl