loestrin discontinued, no period, negative test 1 week out

[srl1292]

Dear Dr. Brown,
My girlfriend and I are a bit worried/terrified.  I am writing because she doesn't think she needs to follow up with her her ob/gyn (and she probably knows more than I do, but I'm trying to be responsible and educated here), and I just don't understand what the best course of action is.  Neither of us wants to have a child right now.

My gf had not been on birth control for a year or more. She began taking Lo Loestrin Fe on Oct. 20, the first day of her period.  The side effects (increased acne, severe anxiety and depression, emotional lability) were so severe for her that she decided to stop before the pack was done.  I believe she took roughly 2 weeks and a few days of the pack (maybe 3 weeks total), then quit them because she was so miserable.  We mainly used condoms during this time, but there were 2-3 instances when we did not and pre-ejaculate could have made it into her. I never ejaculated in her however.  She is a smoker (but under 35), so that was another consideration for stopping the pills.

She took a home test Fri 11/22 because she was scared after her period did not come.  That would be about a week after when she was expecting it.  Would you recommend she test again, or can we rely on this?  Do you think her hormones need time to 'reset' after this amount of Lo Loestrin? If so, how long should she expect to wait?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
If your girlfriend was my patient, I would recommend a repeat pregnancy test in one week UNLESS she has her normal period.  I would then test weekly for up to 4-6 weeks.  If she has not resumed her periods by then and isn't pregnant, she should check with her doctor. If she is pregnant, she should also check with her doctor, of course.
It is possible that the pills delayed her ovulation and that is the reason for the delayed period.  ALSO two things--the side effects become much more tolerable and diminish if you give the pills a little longer AND don't forget about emergency contraception ( eg. Plan B, Next Choice) that is available
at most pharmacies without a prescription.
Good luck!
Dr B

[sarahf38135]

Hey guys, I was on loestrin for 6 months, with mo periods and still ended up pregnant, keep your chin up. It can happen.

[srl1292]

Also - my girlfriend is Rh-

Thanks so much.

[srl1292]

Thank you so much for your response Dr. Brown. The only piece of information I realize I forgot to mention is my gf said she observed light spotting after she stopped the Lo Loestrin.  Would that be encouraging or should we continue with repeat testing?