Expert: Norman Solberg - 2/18/2011

Question
Hi,
I have been taking Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo for about 2 years now. I have missed pills before, but I have never missed a period. Last month I did not take a few of my pills at 8 p.m. as I normally do, but I took them the following morning. However, I took my inactive pills and was suppose to start my period on February 2. It is now February 17 and still no period, spotting, or signs of menstruation. I have taken 2 at home pregnancy test. One almost one week after my missed period and one two days ago. Both have had negative results. Should I see my doctor?? Could I be pregnant??

Thank you!

Answer
Hi Catherine,
You're not pregnant.  Some women on some pills will stop having their periods or miss some periods while on the pill.  It's not unusual and not harmful.  Most women get lighter periods on the pill, and sometimes they get so light that they don't come at all.  I would continue taking your pills as usual.  If you'd prefer to have periods, ask your doctor to switch you to a different pill.  However, some women don't mind having no periods, so you could also just keep on with the same pill.