Someone please help!

[Kisha0214]

I am 28 years old and have been taking Ortho-Tricyclen for about 12 years (about 6 years ago my doctor switched me twice, which really screwed my hormones up and so I went back to Ortho-tri-cyclen). Anways, in January of this year I started my period one week before I should have (third week of active pills),  and then the next week when I should have started I quit. I went to the doctor in February for my yearly exam and she gave me a pregnancy test, which was negative and said not to worry about it, it was probably just a one month thing.  Well after that everything was fine until last month. Last month I started my period a week early again. This time however, it was a regular flow and it lasted like that for two straight weeks (through the third week active pills and the placebo pills).  After I started a new pack of pills my period stopped but this entire month I have been a complete hormonal mess. I have had crazy moodswings - crying alot or getting angry easily (which is VERY unlike me), I have had trouble sleeping (also very unlike me), trouble concentrating, naseau, etc.  Anyways I was starting to worry that I may be pregnant so I took a test even though I had not missed my period, of course it came back negative. Well last week (one week before my period) I woke up and had horrible cramps in my stomach and lower back. I began spotting dark brown, the next day it was mixed with blood and by the third day I was bleeding very heavily and having the worst cramps that I have ever had since before birth control, it felt alot like something scratching the inside of my lower abdomen (and my breast hurt as well, which I rarely get before or during my period).  Yesterday was the day that I SHOULD have started my period and when I woke up yesterday most of the cramps were gone (including the sore breasts) and I was once again just barely spotting dark brown.  Today, almost nothing at all.   Has anyone else had this happen? I have an appt next week, I was thinking that the birthcontrol after all these years just isn't right for me anymore. I was thinking about just getting off completely, because I would like to have a child in the next couple of years.  However, I am kind of scared because I hope my periods won't be like this every month!  I'm sorry this is so long, I guess my question is has anyone else experienced this and what was it?  Thank You

P.S.: I took the pill everyday (at same time), so I know this wasn't cause from not taking the pill correctly.

[Kisha0214]

I think when you go off of birthcontrol you can start your period early or late, (not sure about the problems sleeping though).  The thing is, I am still on the pill. I just got a new refill yesterday because I wanted to wait and talk to my doctor, but I think this will be the last month I take them.  I have a doctor's appt. tomorrow,

[CaseyEJ]

Hi there!

So glad you posted this...I'm having a very similar problem!

I just stopped taking Ortho Tri Cyclen-Lo this month. It's been a little over 2 weeks, so not long at all. At the beginning of this week, I started getting mild cramps and very light spotting. I was excited because I thought these might be signs of pregnancy (although hubby and I were somewhat shocked it could happen within a few weeks of getting off the pill)! However, the light spotting turned into very heavy bleeding...sort of brownish and red.

I don't have any other early signs of pregnancy...no breast soreness, etc. The cramping is completely gone, though I am still bleeding moderately. I'm just confused...is this a period or what? I just finished my last period about two weeks ago...is it normal to have another one so quickly after stopping birth control? I was on Ortho tri Cyclen Lo for 6 years so I'm sure I'm prone to some weird side effects.

Also, like Kisha, I have had a LOT of trouble sleeping this week. No good reason for it, I just wake up with a huge jolt and sit straight up gasping for air a couple times a night. Totally weird.

Any insight would truly be appreciated!