Expert: Drea Jean H. - 4/30/2006

Question
The only birth control I've ever used has been depo shot.  I switched to the pill.  Doctor said start taking them Sunday after you start your period.  Last few months on depo my period has been messed up. I will bleed for 2 weeks or just once every other day or spot everyday for a few days.  So I'm confused if I started spotting or it was my period but is still messed up from depo.  Yesterday I bleed just in the morning enough to use a tampon.  Today nothing it went away.  So do I take my 1st pill today or wait until my period comes for a few days?  

Answer
Hi Renee,

It's a tough question to answer. The best thing you can do to regulate your period is to start the pill. Today is Sunday, and it would be a good day to start your pill, since you are never really sure if you are having a period, or just spotting or break through bleeding.

My suggestion would be to start the pill today, BUT, use a back up method the entire month, to make sure you are protected, and let your body adjust. You may have an unusual period your first inactive week, it may be heavy, or light, or come a little later than expected. That would be normal. The second pack of pills, you should be okay to not use the back up method, and you will find your period will start to regulate.

If you still aren't quite sure what to do, it never hurts to follow up with your Dr.

Hope that helps, and Good Luck to you,

Drea Jean

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