Expert: Diane Cheryl - 12/26/2007

Question
Hi there,
I had been taking birth control pills for around 2 years now, and just recently went off the pill due to the long term health risks assoicated with them.  I stopped taking them in October, and have had two normal periods.  This month I was expecting my period on the 20th, and around the 24th I have had alittle bit of brownish blood when I wipe for a 3 days now.  This is odd becuase my period is really regular, took a home pregnancy test just to make sure, and it was negative.  Could there be something messed up with my hormones because of going off birth control?  Could I possible be preganant, I stopped birth control and switch to condoms and Always wore them.  But I know there is always a chance.  I'm just very worried.  What should I do go to the doctors?? are the going to do anything for me?

Answer
Hi Sarah,

Thanks for your question. I'm not a medical professional so I advise you to see your doctor. Or another option would be to find a pregnancy resource center in your locality and see when they advise you to take a pregnancy test. They give free ones so check it out at http://www.optionline.org or call 1-800-395-HELP to find a local center for a free test.
I'm glad you found out about the health risks of the birth control pills. Your normal cycle could be abnormal because of the change of hormones in your body or you could be pregnant. You do have to take a pregnancy test. I hope you will email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com and let me know what happens.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl