mar asked
I take vienva birth control I take it at 9:13 every night and my pack starts on saturday. i skip placebo pills, but dont continue to the next pack. I havent started bleeding yet. is this normal?
Answer
Amenorrhea (i.e. missing your period) can happen when you take birth control pills, even with perfect use. This is most likely to happen if this is your first time taking birth control pills and in the following situations:
- You took emergency contraception during your cycle (e.g. Plan B)
- You missed doses during your pack
- You took extra doses during your pack
- Inconsistent diet
- Excess stress
Whenever you miss your period, it is important to reach out to your doctor or at the very least, take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. The prescribing information for Vienva (and most birth control pill products) states the following:
"There may be times when you may not menstruate regularly after you have completed taking a cycle of pills. If you have taken your pills regularly and miss one menstrual period, continue taking your pills for the next cycle but be sure to inform your health-care provider before doing so."
Missed Periods On Birth Control
As stated above, missing your period may also occur even if you take the medication as directed. The main reason for this being that the active pills contain hormones which work to suppress ovulation. The way in which the body adapts to these hormones may vary from month to month, depending on many factors.
Missing your period while on this birth control pills is certainly concerning for many, but know with perfect use (i.e. taking your pill at the same time every day with no missed doses), pregnancy is unlikely. Nevertheless, it is important to speak with your doctor or at the very least take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.
