Expert: Dr. Ravindra Bhaskar Ghooi - 7/5/2009

Question
I am on alesse 28 and I tried to skip my period but have been having breakthrough bleeding since the 4th pill of my second pack.  I have heard you can just take a break when you are ready because I have taken almost 30 straight active pills.  Can I just take my week of green pills after my second week and then start a new pack on the sunday?

Answer
Hi Larissa,
Generally when you continure the active pills (in a contraceptive) the periodic bleeding does not take place. For some activity related purposes a woan may have to postpone or prevent a period. There s nothing wrong n this medically or physiologically, it wont harm in any way. But some women have higher hormone levels and the physiology ovrcomes the hormones being administered, resulting in breakthrough bleeding.
Breakthrough bleeding is a recognized side effect during the use of Alesse. The manufacturers recommend that you should begin the pack on the first day of the cycle or on the first sunday following the cycle, it wont matter if you were to begin on a saturday!
If your need for a period free time is over let the period take place and then begin the pack again. If you still want to skip the period keep taking the active pills, you will not have a full period but breakthrough bleeding may take place. Tp prevent breathrough bleeding you may rquire additional estrogen which your doctor can presecribe for you.
Ravi