Q:
I was on Depo Provera for a year then recently switched to the patch about 3 months ago. I was doing the 3 months with no period thing. Now I am on my 'week off', it has been about 3 days and I still have not had my period. Is there reason to worry or is my body just not adjusted to having a period? Should I stay off the patch and wait till I get my period to start up again?
A:
Presuming you had no period during your DepoProvera year, you are probably not yet adjusted to the switch in contraception. There is some data to suggest that women should have periods at least twice a year which indicates minimal estrogen levels for bone protection. Continue with your patch and schedule an appointment with your women's health practitioner to discuss whether you need to look at a change in contraceptive dosing or not.
~The Doc
