Expert: Drea Jean H. - 4/12/2006

Question
I have been taking the pill for about 6 months now and last month i switched to a new brand.  This week is my period and my last active pill was sunday (today is wednesday)...I wanted to know if my period could be this late because I'm getting nervous.  Usually I have my period at the end of the first day after the active pill, but last month I did not have my period due to starting a new pack from missing more than 3.  In the reccomended time after missing these, I did not even have sex.  So, I'm just not sure what to think

Answer
Hi Nicole,

There could be a few reasons it's late. Your body may be adjusting to the new pill. Your period could start at a diffrent time on these new pills, than it did on the other kind. Also, missing those pills could have thrown off your cycle and your body is trying to readjust. It could be stress, women note changes in cycles due to many things, and stress is high on the list.

Taking a pregnancy test will assure you the pills were working, and ease the stress of being concerned about pregnancy. If thats negative, you'll just have to wait for it to start. If it doesn't start by your first day of active pills, re-test. If that test is negative, continue your pills just as you should.

By the time your next pack is done, your period should be back to normal. If not, it may be a good idea to see your Dr. If the "vanishing" period is due to your pills, he may switch brands for you, and that may fix the problem.

Good Luck to you, and Thanks!

Drea Jean