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I am on the pill and every month when I get my period, it seems to last a shorter time. Last month I had my period for less than one day! This month, I stopped taking my 7/7/7 pill on Saturday, I usually get my period on Wednesday, but I did not get my period. I have had cramping like I was going to get my period, but I never had any bleeding. I am wondering if this is due to the pill or if I am possibly pregnant.
Birth control pills usually decrease the amount of endometrial tissue formed each month. That is the mechanism by which they decrease menstrual flow and usually decrease cramps. Sometimes the amount of tissue formed each month is so little that a day of spotting or no menses at all can be the case. There is no long term problem with having scanty or no flow other than the worry that in any one cycle it could represent pregnancy.
Pregnancy can occur while taking birth control pills but it is usually in the range of less than 1% of women who don't miss any pills. Missing pills raises the rate.
Checking a home pregnancy test will reassure you that the "no flow" represents little tissue formation rather than unintended pregnancy. Even though "no flow" on the pills is not thought to be harmful, women and physicians alike sometimes get "nervous" about that. In that case, switching to a pill with slightly higher estrogen dose or lower progesterone dose/potency may help restore at least light flow.
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