[Mspennylane25]

Hello, I have a question. I've been on Loestrin 24 Fe for about 2 years. I've always been regular and had a good period. I've been in a relationship for three years and have always taken BC pills regularly and never missed a day.

Last month, I noticed I had brown, old blood instead of red blood. This was very light and lasted only a couple of days. I began to worry and scheduled a blood test for pregnancy which came out negative.

This month, I haven't received my period. I was wondering if this was normal after being on the same pill for a long period of time? Should I switch my BC pill? Should I schedule another pregnancy blood test?

[Ashlee T.]

When I was on Loestrin FE I spent more money on pregnancy tests than I did on the pill. It caused me to stop having periods, though I'd spot sometimes, and I always had horrible PMS that seemed never ending because I never would go ahead and start.

How long you've been on a pill really has no bearing on whether or not you'll have symptoms. As you change with age, your hormones do too. A pill that might work wonderfully 1 year, may work horribly the next.

If you read about Loestrin FE you'll see lots of people talking about no period. It seems like I also remember losing a lot of hair on that pill. I just remember I had horrible PMS on it both physically and emotionally. And then the added stress of worrying every month that I was pregnant. I knew realistically I wasn't, but didn't want to rule it out and continue taking BC if I might be preg.

Buy a cheapo test at the pharmacy if that will make you feel better. But this is most likely just a result of your pill.

[Mspennylane25]

Thank you for your reply. That helps put my mind at ease a bit.

I wound up calling my ob/gyn's office and the MA told me almost the same thing. She said the pill thins the lining of the uterine wall and will eventually stop causing you to shed blood once it thins out.

I'll still run to get a test but I think I should schedule an appointment to possibly change pills.