I'm just starting taking a low dose bc - Alesse. I'm taking it to skip my next period. I just started it on the 5th day of this month's period. My question is, will it actually stop the next month's period since this will only be my first month being on it? I'm going on a vacation and want to skip the Oct. period. How long does it take before it's effective for skipping ? I've read you should be on bc for three months for your body to adjust, but I will have been on it for 3-4 weeks, maybe a bit longer. Is that enough time to prevent the next one? I'm 51, pre-menopausal, but still having irregular type periods which I can't predict (messes up vacations, special days, etc). Vacation starts Oct. 11 and I don't want anything going on....so, anybody know? Or does it just depend on the person? Thanks for the feedback!