The Pill Question

[Mel14]

Hi, I've been on the pill since February. Around May/June I would say, I changed pill brands, and in August I drastically changed my time that I take it. I haven't really had a regular period and sometimes don't get it at all. Last period I spotted dark brown (I would guess it's old blood?) but this period (day 2) I haven't gotten anything yet. I take my pill at night because that's the only time when I know I'll be awake every day. I try to take it on time but it is usually off from a few minutes to two hours, but mostly just a few minutes.
I wanted to know if this is normal, should I be concerned? What has everyone else who takes the pill experienced? Thanks.

[Aletheia*]

Since you're fairly new to the pill, it could definitely stem from this. On the informational packet that comes with the pills (or at least, it could have), it tells you how much of a window you have to take it. However, as I'm sure you know, the pill is most effective when you take it everyday at the same time every day.

If you're concerned that this pill isn't working for you, or might be causing you more serious problems, I'd contact the doctor and see what your options are.

To answer your question, the only thing that has affected me from being on the pill has been acne. The first pill I was on was Ortho-Tricyclen. It helped with the acne, and so did Yaz. However, both being expensive and I couldn't afford it anymore, I've turned to an off-brand pill I get for free at a clinic nearby. It has caused me to have acne on my chin, and often, it's really embarrassing. But, I deal with it because even though I love kids, I'm not ready for them just yet.

[Verità]

I think it depends on which pill you're taking, and how long you've been taking it for. I changed from taking my pill at night to in the morning, and I had no problem after that. However, like I said, it really depends on the pill you're taking. It can take your body a while to adjust to the pill - I started taking mine in February and I'm still adjusting to the pill myself. We at TeenHelp aren't medical professionals, so I would say that if you're really concerned about it, visit your doctor. They'll know best.

I take Junel Fe, which I believe is an estrogen-only pill, and it has worked really well for me. The only negatives I have is that I never PMSed before going on the pill, and I tend to PMS really intensely now. However, you shouldn't judge pills just by the side affects-you should be taking the one that works best for you. Just keep that in mind.