Cycling and your 'cycle'

[Hammer]

Alright, so... I've been on Ortho TriCyclin Lo for 3 and a half months now. Last month my period started a full week before the placebo pills. When for 2 months it did start during the blank pills. This month I spotted the last couple days and now it appears that it's here to hang out for the week. I don't start the empty week of pills until next Sunday. True, I'm not fantastic about remembering to take them on time... I'd forget one and then take two the next night. A few days later I'd forget again and take 'em both the next day.

Also, I bought my bike at the end of July of this year. I'd been active before and workout a couple days a week... until May I'd been a member of our local Curves workout joint. But that's nothing like biking for an hour 3 or so days a week alternating with a day or two of jogging (I generally give myself a day or two off)... I've only dropped 10-14 pounds in 3 months... depending on the particular morning. My weight tends to fluctuate.

I only have my period once a month and it seems normal. I suppose that I could call my healthcare provider. I'm not presently sexually active, so I'm not worried about becoming pregnant... and I hadn't been on any form of birthcontrol before the pill. I'm just wondering if my body is confused.

[Blueberry]

and you may want to talk to your healthcare provider. They were able to switch me to another pill that basically eliminated the problem (in fact, I now take my "regular pills" in the 3 month cycle pattern with my Dr.'s blessing). That's not an uncommon thing to have happen, but there may well be other options out there...

Good luck!

[Kimred]

I've been on the same pill for almost two years. I still start earlier than the placebo but that is only if I am not very strict on what time I take it everyday. If I take it at 8:30am every day then I start pretty much when I am supposed to. It makes a huge difference.

[Grog]

What Kimred says. Even just a few hours off schedule can trigger your periods to start earlier. (Although it doesn't impact I believe on the birth-control aspects.) Switching to a stronger pill can maybe have an effect on this, but then you probably do not want to take a stronger pill for no other reason...

[Hammer]

Thanks... I usually take it at night when I go to bed. Though sometimes that varies a bit. If I happen to be gone all evening and then get back in the 2a.m. range, I forget to take it before I crash. I'll try to be better about being more consistent. I'm not freaking out about it. Muchos Gracias for the replies!

[doctorfrau]

If you are having so much trouble remembering to take the pill that it messes up your periods, then it is messing up your "protection" too.

You might want to consider the Patch or Depo shots instead - something that isn't quite so timing-sensitive.

See your Gyn - they don't know it's a problem if you don't tell them.

[KSH]

True, I'm not fantastic about remembering to take them on time... I'd forget one and then take two the next night. A few days later I'd forget again and take 'em both the next day.

If you are using this as your only form of BC, and you don't want to get pregnant... be careful! This is probably why women get pregnant on the pill. Maybe you can set an alarm on your phone to remind you take it every morning/night.

I get the Depo shot... and it has been great! Unfortunately, I am only allowed to get it for 2 years, and then I have to get another form of BC. The doctor said that due to the bone loss, you are not allowed to take the Depo shot for more than 2 years.

I asked about the patch, but it's not meant to stay on through 1 hour of lap swimming... sweating on a bike ride for 4 hours... running... etc. It's for the "average" person who doesn't do hardcore workouts!

Otherwise, I hope I can find something that doesn't require me taking a pill once a day... because I am horrible at remembering to take a pill each day!

I wish they still had the Norplant... that thing that would go in your arm for 5 years. Now that would be NICE... because kids are NOT in my future!

[Grog]

If you are having so much trouble remembering to take the pill that it messes up your periods, then it is messing up your "protection" too.

You might want to consider the Patch or Depo shots instead - something that isn't quite so timing-sensitive.

See your Gyn - they don't know it's a problem if you don't tell them.

Or an intra-uterine device (IUD)?

There has been discussion of this topic before on TeamEstrogen...

[doc]

Hammer,
If your period is coming at the "wrong" time during the pill cycle, and you are admittedly not good at taking the pill at the right time, you are at HUGE risk for pregnancy. Your period coming early is telling you that your body is running the hormone show, not the pill. And if your body is in control, then it will try to ovulate.
Depo shots are a good alternative. But like mentioned above, it has it's down side. The IUD is great (I've had 2 over the past 10 years) but is not good for those who are not monogamous (i.e. married, very long term relationship etc) because it slightly increases the risk of an STD. I'm an old married lady so that better be out of the question!! There is also concern about using an IUD if you've never had children (stretched out uterus).
Someone mentioned going on a higher dose pill. That will decrease the need for being exact about what time you take it. But of course, we would all like to be on the lowest dose possible.
I didn't know that the patch doesn't stay on during heavy exercise. Thanks for telling me that bit of info KSH. Perhaps there is a way to get around it? Put a dressing over it? Like "tegaderm"
Talk to your ob/gyn That is for sure!
And of course, get on the bike

[Blueberry]

Otherwise, I hope I can find something that doesn't require me taking a pill once a day... because I am horrible at remembering to take a pill each day

I wonder if this might be an option for you: http://www.nuvaring.com

I've never tried it or discussed with my doc, but do have a friend who swears by it. Might be worth adding to the list of things to ask your doc about...

Good luck!

[Hammer]

I'm going to keep trying to straighten myself out and be more punctual. I'm not in a relationship presently... so no activity going on here. And if there were, I'd use a back up. I'll keep trying for a bit and then talk to my doctor about changing methods.

[Irulan]

I wish they still had the Norplant... that thing that would go in your arm for 5 years. Now that would be NICE... because kids are NOT in my future!

if kids are not in your future, why not just get your tubes tied?

[singletrackmind]

Norplant sucked! Nice, the 5 year without thinking about it thing but the constant breakthrough bleeding was NOT appreciated!

Don't forget to stay away from certain medications and St. John's Wort while you're on the pill, if , er, activities, come your way-they can make the pill less effective.

My sister never got along with the pill and does the shots too. Sometimes it's only a matter of changing pills, as CA said.

Hee Hee! We've gone permanent! I have my dear little boy and 2 step girls and am dangerously close to 40 so we are calling it a day. YAY!!

[anaphase]

I'm on OrthoTricyclen Lo, too, and have never had that problem when I'm good about taking my pills on time, which means taking them in the morning right after brushing my teeth. It's way easier to remember than at night.

But look into the ring or an IUD. IUDs are supposedly way better (safer) now than they used to be, and they last 5 - 10 years. And it's less invasive than going permanent (and depending on how old you are, it might be hard to find a doctor who will actually tie your tubes. Mine wouldn't do it before I was 35 in case I changed my mind. ).

[RoadRaven]

if kids are not in your future, why not just get your tubes tied?

Now that I have done my dash with kids, I have my tubes tied...

Had them done when my youngest was 6 months old.

Brilliant decision - no chemicals, drugs, hormones or invasions like IUDs or latex in my body or with its rythyms

I would thouroughly recommend it to anyone who has finished having kids...