Skipping a period by starting a new pack early...

[Mr. Truelove]

I have a question for anyone in the know. Mrs Truelove takes Microgestin FE 1.5/30 as her birth control. In the past we've started a new birth control pack instead of the placebo week and skipped a period that way. We know it's safe to do that once in a while.

We're at a point where we were considering doing that 2 months in a row, and was curious if anyone knew how unhealthy that is.

From what I found online, it shouldn't be an issue. 3-4 periods a year are fine on it. And it wouldn't be our only form of BC. But just wanted to get some additional insight on the matter.

We would normally consult a doctor, but the choice is ours to make tomorrow, in which case the doctor's office will not be open.

Now that I type all this I suppose we could still contact a pharmacist. But what the heck, I'll ask the question anyway.

What do you guys think?

Yes, it's OK. 2 off, 1 on (period every 3rd month) has been considered and found acceptable.

[FitCpl30s]

I don't see a problem with that, I only get my period 3-4 times a year. Some years only 2 times but that was because of heavy training.

[todesireu]

There is a birth control pill called Seasonale and its users have only 4 periods a year. The afore mentioned use of the pills works ok as well.

[VanHlebar]

One of our friends attempted this when we all went on a "vacation" to Florida back in April. Unfortunately it did not work for her. On top of that, it really messed up her cycle for about a month or so. Hope it worked out and I guess maybe each person is different as are the pills taken? What do I know I am a guy.

-Van

[Mr. Truelove]

Not sure if it correlated at all, but she noticed sensitivity to getting migraines. Worked for the period though.

Mrs. Truelove also has trouble focusing sometimes. It comes on kind of like a migraine, but without the headache. Just trouble focusing on stuff, slight double vision. That also happened a little more frequently latey, but could also be a coincidence.

I think both issues are simply because of her history of migraines.

Timing issues with playing are such a pain, though.

[mwc_mich]

I did that when I was on oral BC, but check with your doctor and they will be able to tell you for sure!

I have had a Mirena IUD for the past 2 years and my periods have stopped completely. It was covered as a prescription drug and it is suppose to last 5 years. It was a little rough with my body getting use to it over the course of about 4 months, but now its great. Freedom from having to remember to take a pill daily and the absence of a period couldn't be better!!! I would highly recommend it!!!

[JustAskJulie]

I'm on Loestrin and do this quite often. 2 off one on is probably the norm for me. I typically just plan my periods to when I want them (unless I screw up and forget) whether it's taking two or three full packs in a row without the placebos or sometimes doing partial packs to get it to fall when I want it.