Worried :(

[Lindsey]

Thanks for the input Diana. I really was not worried about the possibility of pregnancy even after the oops. It was in the back of my mind a little but I am so careful with my pills, and there was a very little chance that it even could have happened... And then when I got my period the thought was completely gone. I am trying so hard to remember if I maybe took a couple of pills late before last week, which maybe is affecting this cycle... But it's so hard to think back if I never assumed anything was wrong!
I keep reading terrible things online so I just want to know that there's a possibility that it's nothing. All I see are abnormal cells, cysts, cancer... and I would really rather have none of those!

[gja1000]

I doubt that it is anything to be worried about - but if it continues, then I'd definitely see the doctor. There are many things that can cause your periods to be irregular. Stress, illness, fatigue, too much exercise. You are young and healthy, so I don't think it is anything to worry about, but if it continues, then get that checkup!

[Lindsey]

Originally Posted by gja1000

I doubt that it is anything to be worried about - but if it continues, then I'd definitely see the doctor. There are many things that can cause your periods to be irregular. Stress, illness, fatigue, too much exercise. You are young and healthy, so I don't think it is anything to worry about, but if it continues, then get that checkup!

But is it normal after 6 and a half years of birth control pills and regular periods?

[Janet]

Lindsey, the advice given to you is good. I'd also talk with your Dr. about a different kind of contraceptive. If I remember right....you should only take the pills for so long. Gayle probably knows more about this than I do and it's been such a long, long time since I needed anything like that. {{{{{Hugs girl!}}}}}

[gja1000]

Originally Posted by Janet

Lindsey, the advice given to you is good. I'd also talk with your Dr. about a different kind of contraceptive. If I remember right....you should only take the pills for so long. Gayle probably knows more about this than I do and it's been such a long, long time since I needed anything like that. {{{{{Hugs girl!}}}}}

Nope Janet, I don't know the answer to this - my speciality is gerontology (old people) and we don't have these issues I do remember in the past, a recommendation for how long to take the pill - but don't have a clue what the time length is now, if it even still exists.

And Lindsay, yes your period can suddenly change for a variety of reasons. It may mean there is a problem, but usually not. It's worth getting checked out just to ease your mind though.

[Ponyup]

I had been on ortho-tricyclen for 6 years & all of the sudden I started getting really weird PMS. I would be cramping, moody & miserable the whole week before my period, the whole week of & then like 3 days after. I was so worried I went to see a gyno instead of my general practitioner & she said it was perfectly normal for women in there mid to late 20's to start experience changes in their cycles. Maybe that's all it is. I would still check with my doctor & run a full check for STD's just to put your mind at ease. But I'm sure your fine.

[Lindsey]

Thanks for all the help everyone! I have been so tired on top of all this.. I fell asleep after work for 2 hours, and then woke up for 3 hours, and fell asleep for another 8 hours. Before I went to bed for the night, I had the worst cramps I've had in probably 5 years. All I could do was lay flat in bed, even sitting at the computer was too painful! I ended up sleeping an hour past my alarm this morning. But today it looks like it may have passed already. I hope it's just the one day.
Ponyup, thanks for letting me know your experience. I always get my bad cramping the week before my period, but I'm usually fine the week of.
My mind is more at ease just hearing from all of you! I'm well overdue for a pap anyway so I will make an appointment for that as soon as I can get in, and just mention the rest of this stuff to my doctor while I'm there.