Thanks to anyone who reads this. I feel like I'm probably overreacting but if you could give me some reassurance or tell me your experience I would appreciate it.

I have been on Aviane, a lower-dose BCP, for about 7 months now (before that I was on ortho-tri-cyclen for about 9 years). I just completed my 3rd 10-week cycle - 3x3 weeks of active pills, 1 week for your "period." In my first two cycles I had a lot of breakthrough bleeding but in the third cycle I didn't have any so I figured my body had finally adjusted to the new lower dose. When I was on my last pill my period almost always came on Thursday or Friday (I start on Mondays) but it's been more irregular on this pill because of all the breakthrough bleeding. So I was expecting to start bleeding by the end of this past week.

On Friday morning I noticed a tiny bit of brown discharge so I figured my period was starting. I did bleed a slight bit that morning and early afternoon - more like spotting than a real period - and then it was completely gone. I thought maybe it would start again on Saturday but it didn't. This is the first time in the 10 years I have been on BC that I haven't had a period lasting at least 3 days.

I did miss one active pill that I remember this cycle - I believe it was last weekend. I took it about 24 hours late, along with my next pill. My husband and I did not use a back-up contraceptive method following that.

I have not had any other early pregnancy symptoms or detected anything unusual about my body other than feeling light-headed about once every other day in the past couple weeks, which I thought was maybe from not eating enough carbs in the previous few hours.

My question is: Should I take a home pregnancy test tomorrow before I start my next pill pack? (I have never taken one before so I'm nervous.) Or might a period lasting only a few hours perhaps a new normal for my body after adjusting to my new pill, even though I've been on it for half a year?

Sorry for the mini freak-out. This is just very unusual for my body. And of course we're really not wanting to be pregnant right now!

I would hold off on the new pills and take a test just to be on the safe side.

Take it first thing in the morning, that's when the hormone concentration will be highest and you'll have a better chance of getting the most accurate response. I've been in a very similar situation, plus extremely sore breasts, hightened smell, and food avoidance - and it turned out to be nothing. But who knew peeing on a stick would be so damn scary?! I shook and held my breath the whole time.

Could be your body's reaction to the change in general - but I wouldn't chance it just in case.

Good luck!

my body doesnt have TOM when i'm low carbing or putting my body under any kind of physical or mental stress...its an interaction between my pills and my body, i guess...

but once i realized i could possibly be pregnant, i went ahead and did a home pregnancy test just to make sure...because i wouldnt want to put those pills in my body if i was already pregnant...but i tested before i was supposed to start a new batch of pills so i wouldnt throw another curve ball into my schedule lol

First of all, hugs to you. These sorts of situations are always stressful, been there done that darling. I think you are totally reacting normally, as anyone would. Hang in there, either way you are strong and can handle anything

I would probably guess that it's normal and that your body is adjusting to this new BC pill, and that perhaps periods will be lighter than your expecting from here on out. I only say this because I've had a similar experience in which I had some breakthrough bleeding and subsequently a 'lighter' period and it turned out to be nothing. Now I usually just have light periods all the time, I barely even notice it some months.

I would definitely take a test to be on the safe side. The first-time and every other time is always hard, I guess it's the 'not knowing' thing that gets you. Although whether you take the test or not the result will remain the same so you'll have to bite the bullet. Once you do you'll be glad you know either way. Also I second what eskinomad stated, early morning will give a more accurate result
All the best, I hope everything works out for you!

I agree, between dieting/low carbing and your new bcp's, you are probably just having a normal skip as your body adjusts. If you missed an active pill last weekend (7 days ago) it is far too early to get an accurate result at this time. You need to be 14 past conception for a home pregnancy test to work, and that is for an expensive test. You have to be 10 days past conception for a blood serum test to come back accurately. If you had sex after missing your pill a week ago, it is just too early to tell. Also, taking the previous pill with the next one was the right thing to do. I would wait until a full two weeks has past since you last had sex, and then test to be safe. Good luck, and try to relax. Odds are in your favor.

I missed my period for SEVERAL WEEKS after beginning a new kind of birth control. I was absolutely certain I was pregnant . . . turned out to be nothing. My body was adjusting to the changing hormone levels. Next month, there it was, as usual. I was so relieved.

Take a pregnancy test for YOUR peace of mind.

Thank you all for your reassuring words and the tip about taking the home pregnancy test in the morning. My husband went to the store early this morning to get a test, which was NEGATIVE. I am so relieved! The mystery of why my period didn't show up remains. Maybe it is something diet-related as was suggested. I hope it will be recognizable as a period at the end of next cycle so this doesn't become a recurring expense... Thanks again!

I had something similar happen (not with the missed pill but I'm on continuous BC and had some random break through bleeding recently). I wouldn't stress about taking a test and generally recommend taking a test every now and again if you are going to be on continuous BC for 3 months at a time...once you get over your first few tests its just peeing on a stick for your peace of mind.

A negative test! Oh, thank goodness.

Babies are a wonderful blessing . . . for those who want to have them.

Looks like I posted at the same time you did. Congrats on the negative result! What a releif, huh?

I'd still consider taking a test every now and again if you are going to be on the pill for 3 months at a time...you might not present other symptoms of pregnancy and without your period it can be hard to tell what is going on with your body. I take my pill for about four 3-week time frames (with my DR's approval of course) and take a test about half way in between just to be certain I'm not "missing" anything important.

asweetchicagogirl1, I'll consider taking a test more often especially if I have weird symptoms. With this episode I realized I could have conceived anytime in the last 10 weeks if my period not showing up would be the only sign (which I hope it wouldn't be, but I don't really know). Anyway now we have a second unused stick so next time it won't have to be so dramatic.

I am relieved about the result (though still kind of WTF about skipping my period) and my husband said he is "neutral." When I was so worried last night he said "Haven't you mentally prepared yourself for the possibility of getting pregnant? I have." He said ALL the right things. We do want children when we're a little further into our marriage, but would rather wait until we're out of grad school and can better afford them.