Early and long period on the pill

Hi, I am  recently new to hormonal contraception and because I have bled solid for 28 days on the 4th month of taking a mini pill (not to be confused with the Pill which also contains estrogen and not so recommended for older women, I am 45 ! )  I am trying something else.  I was a great fan of the Pill when 18 yrs old it was  perfect for me. Is yours the combined or a progesterone only ?  I have nt heard of many period probs on the combined pill but I know that some women can 't tolerate estrogen and can get all sorts of probs. You should see your doctor definitely, I did and wished I had sooner and would recommend you see a lady doctor simply because they have a woman's body and wouldn't put up with all these problems themselves. I have learnt alot by looking at the proper nhs website which explains in detail all the methods available and how they work etc.  I think it is reasonable to expect a settling time of about 3 to 4 months but that depends on you and how badly you feel it is affecting your life. With prolonged periods I was at my wits end to have had two days off never mind 2 weeks off (a luxury !)  I had an implant fitted today and will see how that goes. As i am also in a new relationship which is very important to me and with the most understanding man I will trial and error all of this. It is unfortunate, but even today there is no perfect answer to contraception as we are all different and something out there must suit us in the end ! All work differently and dose the hormones differently so I reckon are worth a go. Speak to your nearest lady doctor soon cos it is obviously doing your head in !!  Hope this helps Tils .

An update - my "period" (the early one) seems to have finished or is at least about to - I've still got 2 days left of pills though and then I guess my induced period will start again. Would it be ok if I start the next pack straight away so I don't have two periods or do you think as I'm only going into my 3rd month I should leave a break to make sure my bodies used to the hormones?

Hi Tils, I am sorry to hear you are still having period problems. I thought, like you, that the combined pill regulated your periods.  As it stops ovulation, I have heard that if taken continuously you should simply get no periods. Most women's dream ! The break week allows a false bleed which reassures us that we are not pregnant and makes us feel more natural and normal etc. That was the idea behind the break week in the design of this pill I have read somewhere. I also have heard that not having a period full stop at any age does us no harm whatsoever. As I am a bit of a follow the instructions kind of girl, I would use any medication as directed on the packet, Or by a doctor, should they give alternative instructions. I definitely would 'nt take the albeit well meaning advice of members of the public ! This site is great for us to share our experiences and to know we are definitely not the only ones having problems, we feel better just knowing we are not alone.  I would ask to speak to a doctor on the phone with your question, I know they do this , and it saves you having an appointment and trailing in there.  If the pill is actually causing you period problems you didnt have before I would be asking the doc to try other brands and also asking how long to go on with this, it may be that the combined pill just does'nt suit you full stop, whichever brand. The implant is a progesterone only method of contraception which may suit you better. Mine was fitted last week so it is too early to say yet, whether it will be " the one" ! Its boring to say it I know but keep going back to the doc's they are the only ones that can prescribe alternatives and I wouldn't do my own thing even though i was VERY tempted. It could do more harm than good. Wish I was a doctor Tils but sorry I'm not !!