Expert: Diane Cheryl - 9/23/2011

Question
Hi Diane,

I have been on the pill for 3 months.  The first month I took JUNEL FE 1-20 TABLET, prescribed by my ob/gyn.  My period was on time (started the day after I took the placebo).  The 2nd month I took JUNEL FE 1-20 TABLET as well, but my period started during the 3rd week of the pack, for 8 days.  My pharmacy said the pill was out of stock, so they gave me MICROGESTIN FE 1-20 TABLET instead and my period, again, started during the 3rd week.  I am wondering why this is happening and if I should ask my ob/gyn to prescribe another pill.

I was on Loestrin 24Fe about 4 years ago, on it for 2 years. I haven't been taking any birth control pills since I stopped in 2009, until July 2011.

Thank you for your time,
K

Answer
Dear Kokomi,

This could sound like a strange question but I do have to ask this. The reason is that lately I've been getting questions here about birth control and then found out that the woman doesn't really need to be on birth control at this time. And this solves many of the problems.

So, do you really need to be on birth control at this time? If not, please let your natural cycle develop and don't put the extra hormones in your body.

Is there a reason that your doctor put you on the JUNEL FE instead of Loestrin 24Fe?

Each of these pills could have different side effects which I don't really know.

Please email me at CHERYL51@aol.com and I can help you work through all this. Hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl