to start my pill today?

[amber90]

I'm freaking out a little and just looking to see if anyone else has had similar.
I've been going through a hard time relationship wise and things have gone south pretty hard in the past 2 or 3 weeks. I am starting to believe that my relationship may be emotionally abusive and am having a hard time processing this. We had a particularly nasty run in on Friday where I was called names etc and have been seeking advice from some services in my area on this.
This has been a really stressful time for me and I've really felt run down with it. My previous period began on the 4th January and then started again this morning. I understand that stress can do funny things so thats fine but is this a real period? I know I'm not pregnant however have recently been prescribed the progestogen-only pill by my GP to help with bad menstrual cramps. They advised me to begin taking it on the first day of my next period which should have been in around 10 days. This sounds so silly but is what I'm experiencing a real period and should I begin my pill today? It feels different but that may be because I'm stressed out so I'm just not sure what to do. I'd speak with my GP however wont be able to do this until the end of the week which will be too late for me to start this month if that makes sense?
Any advice from anyone who has experienced this previously would be appreciated. Thanks so much.

I'm not an expert at all and always take advice from your GP (or pharmacist might be able to help?).

Just thinking out loud - if your last period began on the 4th Jan then today you're on cycle day 18 - normally a period cycle is around 28 days so it would seem like a very, very short period - could it be mid-cycle ovulation bleeding? How heavy is it?

Its not particularly heavy. Just the same as it usually is in the first day however perhaps a little "clotty" (sorry if tmi).
I'm 99% sure its so short due to stress as I'm usually really regular but have been through the mill the past couple of weeks but I dont want to mess up and begin early if that makes sense.
Maybe I'm best to leave it this month and begin next month instead. I was so keen to get started as my cramps are awful!
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply

Whenever I have used the progestogen only pill I have started it on the day I get the prescription. My cycle is so erratic that I could be waiting months for the first day of a period. I think the leaflet usually says you need to double up on contraception for a number of days if you do this.

I hope you're less stressed soon, and with the help of people you're speaking to, are able to come to a decision about your relationship. Take care of yourself.

I'm under the assumption you can start the pill wherever in your cycle but if it isn't the first day of your period then use other protection for at least 7 days, if planning on having intercourse that is.
I think they say from first day of period to ensure you're not pregnant or about to ovulate. I could be wrong though and don't mind if this is pointed out.

Thanks so much. I've not posted very often on mumsnet but whenever I do, even the couple of times I've name changed, I've felt so so supported by all of you. I'm always so amazed people take the time to care.

Your kind words touched my heart there, GruciusMalfoy . Thank you

As long as you know you aren't pregnant you can start it at any point in your cycle. With the POP you need 2 days of pill taking to be covered. Combined pills need 7 days