And asked
I am on the birth control pill called Mirvala 28 and I have skipped my period for 2 months now and starting on the third packet and i just finished the first week of the third packet and I'm starting to bleed. Am I able to take my sugar pills to make my period come now or do I have to wait until I finish all of the active pills?
Answer
It can be difficult to accurately predict when you will get your period after stopping birth control pills, especially if you stop taking your pills in the middle of your cycle. In general, you will not get your period quickly if you stop taking your pills in the middle of the pack. You will most likely have "withdrawal" bleeding in 2 to 4 days however.
It is important to make the distinction between withdrawal bleeding after stoping your pills and your "natural period". Your first period after stopping the pill is often called a "withdrawal bleed" and is not considered a "natural" period. Your next period after withdrawal bleeding is considered your first "natural" period.
Stopping Birth Control Pills And Your Period
If you are looking to stop taking your birth control pills, it is often best to simply discontinue them after you finish your last pack. You will have a better idea of when you will get your period at the end of a pack. This isn't to say it isn't safe to stop your pills mid-pack, it will just make it harder to predict when you’ll get your period. If having a good idea of when you will be getting your period is important, finish the pack.
In terms of getting your first "natural" period after your initial withdrawal bleeding, it can take some time. Most women will have a period around two to four weeks after stopping the pill, but it can sometimes take even longer. A variety of factors can influence the time it takes you to get your period, including:
- Weight
- Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Length of time your have been on birth control pills
- Stress
In addition, it can take a few months to return to a "normal" menstrual cycle that is consistent in terms of timing with minimal adverse events such as spotting. Irregular periods for a few months is not uncommon.
It is important to note that while it can take a few weeks to get your period after stopping birth control pills, it is possible to become pregnant relatively quickly after stopping as ovulation will resume . The hormones in birth control pills (i.e. the estrogen and progestin) will be cleared from your body within 2-3 days. After this time period, you may not be protected from pregnancy and you should use back-up contraception.
