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rvcsparkle posted:
I recently switched from birth control pills to the nuvaring. I like the convience of not having to take a pill everyday but my problem is the time it takes for my cycle to began. On the pills, once I stop/ or began the "placebo/non-active "pills, my cycle would start within 3 days. Now on the nuvaring, Once a remove the ring, it takes a week before my cycle starts. Why is there such a difference?
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:NuvaringI recently switched from birth control pills to the nuvaring. I like the convience of not having to take a pill everyday but my problem is the time it takes for my cycle to began. On the pills, once I stop/ or began the "placebo/non-active "pills, my cycle would start within 3 days. Now on the nuvaring, Once a remove the ring, it takes a week before my cycle starts. Why is there such a difference?
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Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:
Dear rvcsparkle: You are correct, it usually takes about 72 hours for the hormone levels in a birth control pill to decline to a point where a "hormone withdrawal bleed" (Pill period) will ensue. The same pattern must occur with the NuvaRing as well. According to data on file with the FDA, the manufacturer states that a flow should follow within 2-3 days of Ring removal.

After multiple literature searches I was unable to find information that suggests that a higher blood level of hormones is achieved with the Ring (thus taking longer to drop down). Therefore I cannot give you a "for sure" answer other than to point out that even among birth control pill users there can be variability about onset and completion of "Pill periods." You might want to ask the GYN or clinic that prescribed your Ring if they have any other explanations.

Yours,
Jane
Report This| Share this:NuvaringDear rvcsparkle: You are correct, it usually takes about 72 hours for the hormone levels in a birth control pill to decline to a point where a "hormone withdrawal bleed" (Pill period) will ensue. The same pattern must occur with the NuvaRing as well. According to data on file with the FDA, the manufacturer states that a flow should follow within 2-3 days of Ring removal.<br /><br />After multiple literature searches I was unable to find information that suggests that a higher blood level of hormones is achieved with the Ring (thus taking longer to drop down). Therefore I cannot give you a "for sure" answer other than to point out that even among birth control pill users there can be variability about onset and completion of "Pill periods." You might want to ask the GYN or clinic that prescribed your Ring if they have any other explanations.<br /><br />Yours,<br />Jane
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