Ortho tricycle lo is a birth control pill that contains two hormones: norgestimate and ethynil estradiol. These hormones affect the regular hormonal production in order to prevent ovulation. The approved regimen is: taking active tablets for 21 consecutive days and then taking “reminder” tablets for the next 7 days in which breakthrough bleeding is expected.


One of the most common side effects of birth control pills are menstrual irregularities (hypermenorrhea=prolonged and heavy bleeding being one of them as in your case). This often happens in the first cycles during which the body tries to adapt to the new cycle induced by the pill. What is important is to keep the regimen as described even when there is unexpected bleeding a couple of days sooner or later than expected.


However, in your case the menstrual bleeding started rather too soon (during second week of taking the active pills). So, you are advised to visit your gynecologist to check if the condition is really caused by the birth control pills and eventually figure out if other birth control pills would be better for you.