Progestogen only pill – three months on, ... - Endometriosis UK

Endometriosis UK

72,745 members53,177 posts

Progestogen only pill – three months on, three months off?

CitizenErased profile image
7 Replies

Hi everyone,

I hope you're all doing okay.

Just got a quick question. I'm now on my third month of taking the minipill (progestogen only). My first month was an absolute nightmare with constant bleeding and having a really low mood (plus a big cyst in one breast), but about a week into my second packet, I started feeling much better. Since then, I've only had a little bit of spotting, no period.

When my consultant at the hospital prescribed the minipill, she said I should take it for three months and then have three months off. In all the stress and confusion on the day, I didn't ask her why. Has anyone else been told this before? Do you know why I should take three months off now? I'll admit I'm curious to see how badly my symptoms reappear, but also I'm dreading the thought of having to go through that first month of taking the minipill again while my body gets used to it after having three months off. Has she just asked me to do this to check whether it improves my symptoms? Or is there some other reason?

Written by
CitizenErased profile image
CitizenErased
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
7 Replies
Tangoandmax profile image
Tangoandmax

Hi, I run a different pill three monthly cycles with a one week break and then straight back into the next three months. I think that’s normal to stop ovulation altogether/and create less pain with the infrequent periods. I initially started with the progesterone only but that does not work well for me. I haven’t heard of three months on and then three off before. Could it be a misunderstanding?

CitizenErased profile image
CitizenErased in reply toTangoandmax

Maybe I have misunderstood! Why do you take a week break after three months? Is that because you're on the combined pill and taking it back to back?

Pugparent profile image
Pugparent

when I’ve been on the mini pill for contraception before I knew I had endo, you just take it consistently with no breaks?

CitizenErased profile image
CitizenErased in reply toPugparent

Yeah, you would definitely not take breaks if you take it for contraception! But I'm not using it for that (my partner had a vasectomy ages ago). I've been prescribed it for endo symptoms, so that's why I'm not sure.

irishwife93 profile image
irishwife93

I would think she meant three months on, one week off? If you took three months off every theee months your body would be so confused! Maybe clarify though because I was convinced my doctor made a mistake when he told me to start taking the pill on the first day of my period so I ignored him and started immediately, turns out he meant what he said 😂

CitizenErased profile image
CitizenErased in reply toirishwife93

Oh really? Why one week off though? Is there a reason for that? I would understand that if I was taking the combined pill back to back, but the minipill is meant to be taken every day. Think I might just have to call the hospital and try to get through to the consultant I saw!

irishwife93 profile image
irishwife93 in reply toCitizenErased

To give your body a break and have a bleed? Personally I never got on with taking the mini pill back to back, I just spotted constantly, even when taking a break every couple of months! Definitely ring the hospital and check

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

PROGESTOGEN ONLY PILL

Hi all, I would love to hear from anyone who has had experience of the progestogen only pill. Did...
Janae15 profile image

Progestogen only vs combined pill

Hi all, I'm looking at going back on medication to try and slow down my endo coming back already...
PandoraEx profile image

First period on progesterone only pill

Hey everyone💗 I was put on Desogestrel (the progesterone only pill) around 2.5 weeks ago to help...

Progesterone Only Pill

Hi there, I have posted here before about symptoms of possible endometriosis. I still do not have a...
ZM1980 profile image

Severe back pain spasm like only had surgery three months ago, I'm in agony

Hi, First of thank you to this wonderful community everybody's post have helped me so much. For...

Moderation team

See all

Top community tags

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.