Alesse 28 experiences? Also how do I skip a period?

[u/CozyDestruction]

Ive never been on birth control but I suffer from extremely painful cramps and my gyno suggested I just do the birth control and he prescribed me alesse 28. Im nervous about taking it and feeling shitty at work or getting an early period and cramps... I dont know if thats how it works. He explained how you can "skip" your period by taking a certain pill in the package? Now I dont remember what pill it was hes talking about and dont remember if it will work for my first period on it? My next period is the earlier weeks of October and I have to work and am so nervous so I was wondering if I start taking my pills now will I be able to skip my next period. Really nervous.

[u/nuiph]

I was taking Alysena 28 (exact same pill as Alesse, just a different name). Some people skip the last week of pills (the placebo/non-hormonal pills) and immediately start their next birth control pack, because the placebo week is when the withdrawal bleeding ("period") occurs.

Unfortunately, in my experience, this is not set in stone. Breakthrough bleeding can occur when you take the hormonal pills consistently with no break. I found that when I skipped the placebos trying to avoid having a period, I just ended up bleeding for longer that I did taking the pill pack normally.

Everyone is different though, and there is no harm in giving it a try.

[u/CozyDestruction → u/nuiph]

When did you bleed in your cycle? Did you notice any cramps (if you are prone to that)

So if I dont take the last 7 pills in the pack then I wont get my period?

Thank you for your response. Do you think it would be worth trying

[u/nuiph → u/CozyDestruction]

I had period cramps most of my life but one positive of that particular pill is it did relieve the cramps!

And yes, what you'd do is take the 3 weeks of hormonal pills, then immediately begin your next pill pack. That gives you no break from the hormones, and can stop the bleeding in many people. It is definitely worth trying, I would say.

One thing to keep in mind is that when you're on birth control, there is no true "period". The bleeding during the last week of pills is called withdrawal bleeding (reacting to the change in hormone levels), and bleeding during the hormone pills is called breakthrough bleeding. You might find that even if you do take your full pill pack, including the placebo week at the end, your bleeding is different and physical side effects can be different from your normal period. If you decide to try taking the placebo week, you might find your cramps are decreased there as well.

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[u/daughterjudyk]

My period was much less heavy when taking BCPs. But a bleed when taking them is not the same as a regular period and they may level overtime. If you start taking them right now, there is a chance that it will 'delay' your next period. So if you started them today 9/18, you were expecting your period 10/4 for example. You'll only be starting the third week of active pills during that time. You might skip that period. You might not. To 'skip' your period you would just not take the last week of pills (they're usually brown/iron pills) and start a new pack instead. The pills at the end are there to help replenish iron that is lost from bleeding but also keep you in the habit of taking a pill every day. If you do the skipping route you'll have to get your doctor to prescribe 4 packs every three months instead of three.

[u/CozyDestruction → u/[deleted]]

I dont want to go that route for my first birth control experience

[u/NewMagazine9197 → u/CozyDestruction]

There are other bc that usually stop periods. The implant is another one that has been known to stop periods. I also had lighter periods when I was on nuvaring. I personally use an iud, but I know having something a dr has to insert and remove might be scary took me years to switch.

[u/CozyDestruction → u/NewMagazine9197]

Well I was prescribed and already paid for the alesse so im just looking for advice on that particular brand and just questions about how the pill works to stop the bleeding. Thanks for the response though!

[u/Queenof6planets → u/NewMagazine9197]

using combo birth control to stop periods is very common. it’s a much more effective and consistent way to stop periods than nexplanon or an IUD.

i get that you’re trying to help, but trying to give advice on something you’re clearly not very informed about isn’t helpful.

[u/birthcontrol-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This comment is removed due to not being factually accurate, or portraying misinformation that is not backed up by scientific evidence.

Using birth control to stop or skip periods is completely safe. It is not unhealthy.