When I read the instructions for taking bc pills, or using the patch or nuva ring, it says to start using it at a certain point in your cycle. I have had my period for over 6 years(have been on depo about 6 1/2 years), so how the heck am I supposed to know when that is? Or does it not matter?

Another thing, I have heard that the pill is less effective in overweight women, and someone I work with said her doctor told her she can't use the patch because she is overweight - this surprised me, she is an average-sized gal.
Does anyone know if this is true?
If it is, why can't overweight women just take a higher dose of the pill or something?
Does anyone know if the effectiveness of nuva ring is affected by what you weigh? This one kinda worries me b/c this is what I am thinking of switching to, but their official website makes a big deal about the fact that it has lower doses of hormones, and I was slightly overweight to begin with and am much more so now since taking depo. (at 5'7", I'm about 240lbs )
So if I switch to something else, will it not work because I weigh too much???

Sorry that was so long and so many questions...

When I read the instructions for taking bc pills, or using the patch or nuva ring, it says to start using it at a certain point in your cycle. I have had my period for over 6 years(have been on depo about 6 1/2 years), so how the heck am I supposed to know when that is? Or does it not matter?

Another thing, I have heard that the pill is less effective in overweight women, and someone I work with said her doctor told her she can't use the patch because she is overweight - this surprised me, she is an average-sized gal.
Does anyone know if this is true?
If it is, why can't overweight women just take a higher dose of the pill or something?
Does anyone know if the effectiveness of nuva ring is affected by what you weigh? This one kinda worries me b/c this is what I am thinking of switching to, but their official website makes a big deal about the fact that it has lower doses of hormones, and I was slightly overweight to begin with and am much more so now since taking depo. (at 5'7", I'm about 240lbs )
So if I switch to something else, will it not work because I weigh too much???

Sorry that was so long and so many questions...


That is a good question because I haven’t had a period since I stopped the Depo back in Nov. of 2003. I went on BC last month and had a period for the first time. MY doctor told me to start the pack on a Sunday even though I don't have a period but other people are telling me that you suppose to start your first pack after your cycle ends on a Sunday. I don't want to risk getting pregnant off of something no one is sure about so I stopped taking the pills right after I got off of my period. My boyfriend is a little upset but I told him I need more answers before I can start the pill again. Plus I want the Ortho-Lo type of pills next time.

I'm one of those impatient types. Can't wait to start something new. So when I started taking the pill for the first time I didn't bother waiting till my period started. I just waited till the next Saturday (which is when my pack starts) and took it then. It just means that you will have to wait longer before the pill becomes effective.

I don't know about the weight issue though. I've never heard this. I would ask your doctor about you going on the pill. They will be able to discuss your options and help you find the best for of bc for you.

For the pill-- I never heard anything about the weight issue. Now for the Patch- There is a weight limit. You can't weight more then 197lbs I think it was. I was on the patch for 1 mth and i gained 6 lbs in that month. So I went back to the Pill still havnt lost that 6 lbs but what can i do. For the pill to be effective right away you have to take it within the first 24 hrs of your period starting. Also if you don't get your period you just take it on a Sunday (or whichever day you want to start your packs on) and then it says wait 14 days before having unprotected sex. I recommend waiting through 1 pack first. so that would be 1 month. But on the patch its 7 days and you are good to go! But I was over 240 at one point and I wasn't told I couldn't take the pill due to my weight and Im 5'8-- So Im not exactly sure about that then. And there are thousands of different pills with all different amounts in them for anyone for anyone-- If you want it just for Acne, loss of libido, lots of things. I was on Alesse in the past for 4 yrs and then i was thinking that it was bad for my body to be on it for so long -- Which it isn't after reading up on it and so I was off the pills for about 4 mths and lost about 10 lbs just coming off of it. and now Im back on Gained 6 lb's back THANK YOU PATCH :-( -- But When I came off the pill my period skipped everyother month and that was a pregnancy scare everymonth then for me.. NOT Into that!! I guess it just depends on the person and what you would like to do!! Good Luck! and sorry I just rambled about other stuff! hehe..