Irregular Cycles & Ortho Evra

[Jessysgirl0828]

So, I started taking Ortho Evra back in 2002 to regulate my cycles, I took it for a couple of years and it worked just fine.  I wasn't sexually active so I wasn't needing it to prevent pregnancy.  I stopped taking it in 2006.  My cycles had been pretty irregular, they were all over the calendar, but this last 10 months, they had been particularly bad, every 20-22 days.  So, I decided to go to Planned Parenthood and see what they could do for me with getting back on the patch, since I had had such success with it before.  I have been taking it for 2 months, and the first week I had my period for a little over 7 days, I believe, and then I went 30 days without a period....I then started bleeding on December  18th, and still haven't stopped yet, even though I've been through two new patches.  I pulled the patch off tonight, finally frustrated with bleeding for the past 3 weeks, and hope that my cycles will go back to "normal".  I have another appointment next week with Planned Parenthood, at which time I am going to be asking for an IUD.  Does anyone have any experience with Othro Evra in the way that I have?  

I appreciate any advice you can give.

[Jessysgirl0828]

Thank you. My periods have already been irregular, so this is nothing new for me...I am tired of bleeding though, even though I took the patch off, it hasn't stopped yet, and it's been 4 days since I removed the patch.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
There are numerous reasons for having irregular periods. . High level of stress, cholesterol, hormonal imbalance, chain smoking, dramatic changes in your life style may be some of the common causes of you irregular periods.

If this was the first episode of irregularity in the periods, then wait for the coming cycle and try lifestyle modification by reducing stress and decreasing cholesterol levels. But if the repeat happens, then consult a gynecologist and get yourself thoroughly examined to diagnose the cause of irregular periods and start with the treatment.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.