What are the different types of combined hormonal pills and how are they taken?
21-day pills
Take one pill at the same time each day for 21 days.
Wait 7 days before starting a new pack.
During the week you are not taking the pill, you will have your period.
28-day pills
Take one pill at the same time each day for 28 days.
Depending on the brand, the first 21 pills or the first 24 pills contain estrogen and progestin.
The remaining pills may be estrogen-only pills; pills that contain a dietary supplement, such as iron, but no hormones; or inactive pills (containing no hormones or supplements).
During the days you are taking the hormone-free pills, you will have your period.
90-day pills
Take one pill at the same time each day for 84 days.
Depending on the brand, the last seven pills either contain no hormones or contain estrogen only.
With both brands, you will have your period on the last 7 days every 3 months.
365-day pills
Take one pill at the same time each day for a year.
In time, your bleeding may become lighter and may even stop.
