The Student Room Group

Pill question

I did try and find any answers to this but i couldn't.... Umm I'm on microgynon and for one reason i decided to run two packs together. I've only been on it a few months. This is my 2nd week of the new pack so 6th in total since my last period. However I started spotting today...should I keep taking the pill til it finishes or stop now? Does this mean it's not working?? so confused!!
Reply 1
I use a different brand, Brevinor, but I'm pretty sure they say spotting is normal if you run two packs together. Does it tell you on the info leaflet?
Reply 2
don't stop midway through a pack, you might as well get them out the way.

i'm not sure what the 'rules' are for taking the pill continuously, but it does say in the booklet that comes with the pill that there may be spotting during the time you are taking the pill. i'm sure it is working fine, but since it has been a month and a half since your last period, then maybe your body has just decided it wants to let it all out.
i don't know exactly, it's just what i'm guessing.

maybe i will try to run two packs together sometime soon and see what happens.

i'm sure it is working though, if you are taking it then it should be.
Reply 3
If you want, you can take your break now. I run my packs together and either take 3 packs in a row, or stop once I start spotting. As long as you have at least 21 days of hormones, and no more than 7 hormone-free days, you're protected. Some people can't deal with skipping periods, but I've only spotted once when I took 3 and a half packs in a row, heh.
Anonymous
I did try and find any answers to this but i couldn't.... Umm I'm on microgynon and for one reason i decided to run two packs together. I've only been on it a few months. This is my 2nd week of the new pack so 6th in total since my last period. However I started spotting today...should I keep taking the pill til it finishes or stop now? Does this mean it's not working?? so confused!!
Don't stop taking the pills, just carry on until you finish the end of the packet and then take your break week (I assume you usually have this). Sometimes the hormones in the pills aren't strong enough to completely stop any bleeding so you get break through bleeding, which is more common if packs are run back to back. They're still working though. :smile:
Reply 5
I've been on microgynon for years. As long as you've taken at least 21 days in a row, you can stop and have you're pill-free break whenever you want- i often take just an extra week or so of the next pack if i want to delay my period for a few days. You don't need to carry on to the end of the second packet as some have been saying, and if you're experiencing spotting then it might be a good idea to take a pill free week now- it definitely doesnt mean it's not working, just that your body needs a break!

The only risk with stopping half way through a packet is that you might lose track of the days for your next cycle- but as long as you do the maths and make sure you take at least 21 then it'll be fine. I don't think consistently taking 2 or 3 months worth back to back is recommended, or very good for your system...there's a reason it's designed to work 21 days on/7 off. The period you have after 3 months must be a nightmare!!