Q:
I'm currently taking Ortho Tri-cylcen and seem to be having a problem. My period is now four days late (with no apparent signs of starting)--I did miss a couple of pills in this last cycle. I'm supposed to be starting a new pack Sun June 9, but am hesitant to do so because I have not had my period yet. I've been on this BC for seven years now (due to acne) and am wondering if this is at all normal. Last month my period was super light and a couple of days late. Please let me know if I need to schedule an appointment with my physician--it's quite disconcerting.
A:
If there is risk of pregnancy (sexually active vaginally or external vagina) then you need a pregnancy test due to the missed pills. If you are not at risk of pregnancy, it is not unusual on low dose pills to occasionally miss a period or have just spotting as the low hormone dose often does not build much endometrial lining so there is nothing to slough off during the no hormone week.
If you have another cycle of no period you may want to contact your prescribing physician about considering another pill dosage.
~The Doc
