Mini pill constant bleeding :(

[qebesenuef]

Hi there,
First time on here, hope someone can share their experience. I started the mini pill about 6-7 weeks ago. I went to the nurse to get the medication that stops your period temporarily as I'm going on holiday soon, but she said there had been recent medical advice updates on it and it wasn't being prescribed any more. Instead, she put me on the mini pill, which she said would have the benefit of lightening my periods. I have always suffered with very heavy ones, and normally take tranexamic acid to cope with it (have tried other measures, with little success). On an everyday basis, while my periods are difficult, I can manage them. However, my holiday will be abroad, in various places where I may not be able to get to a toilet if I need to (hence my request for something to suppress it for a little while). On the first pack of the pill, I had a little bleeding, which was fine and expected. I'm now halfway through my second pack and I've had a heavy period for two weeks now, which is showing no sign of stopping. If anything, it's getting heavier and it will ruin my holiday if it doesn't stop. This will be my first holiday ever and it's the trip of a lifetime for me, I've never been able to have one due to family reasons, so I'm really upset! I'm due to be leaving in less than 3 weeks.
What happens if I stop taking the pill - will the bleeding stop quickly or will it take a little while to peter out? I also don't want my next one to start in the middle of my holiday, so if this still the same period (I gather from the leaflet, etc. that it's not necessarily a 'proper' period), will the next one start in about 4 weeks, or would I be better to keep going till maybe a week before I go away? I don't know what's best to do - wait and see if the bleeding lessens over the next week or so? Help! :)

[BabyDreams2018]

You should take an iron supplement since you're bleeding continuously so you don't become anaemic. The bleed you get when you stop taking the pill is not a real period, it is a withdrawal bleed.
You can ovulate pretty soon after stopping the pill and have a period a couple of weeks later. Could you ask your Pharmacist or GP what are the alternative options?

[Sidge]

The guidance on norethisterone has changed. It is partially metabolised to ethinyloestradiol, which is an oestrogen. So if you have a medical condition that contraindicates the use of oestrogen (which is in the combined pill) such as blood clots or migraine, then norethisterone isn't safe.

You could persevere and see if the bleeding settles, or stop it and revert to your original cycle and see how it goes when you're away.

[qebesenuef]

Babydreams2018, that's also very helpful - it was mainly to control my period for the holiday, but that extra info is also very important! :D

Thank you both, appreciate it very much :D xx

[qebesenuef]

Yes, that's what I had been looking for. I didn't know you could get them in that way. From what the nurse told me, they weren't prescribing them any more because of the increase in risk of depression, etc. but I'd only be using them this once. I'll look into that (and stop the mini pill today!!). Thanks a lot for your input :)

[BabyDreams2018]

I changed pills years ago and had continuous bleeding during the first few months. I had a GP appointment and queried it and GP said I wasn't covered against pregnancy while I was bleeding. Luckily, we had been using condoms with the pill. Be aware you may still need to use another type of contraceptive. Enjoy your holiday.

[dementedpixie]

Also available from other chemists too e.g. boots, lloyds

[dementedpixie]

Can you afford to buy them? Superdrug has an online service where you can get a prescription and buy online too:

onlinedoctor.superdrug.com/norethisterone-tablets.html

[dementedpixie]

Was it norethisterone you were looking for? Maybe try a different doctor?

[qebesenuef]

No, I'm over 40 now and have migraines so combined is out :(

[dementedpixie]

Mini pill is known for causing erratic bleeding. Could you take the combined pill?