When I first started on birth control, I was on the pill. My general physician stopped prescribing it to me because I turned 21 and he said I needed to see a gynecologist to get pap smears and a yearly physical and that they would prescribe it to me from then on. (Irritating, but fair.) Last year, I had my first appointment with my gynecologist. She talked to me about birth control options, and I got on the Depo shot. I had three shots before I realized it was causing my hair to fall out, extreme weight gain, and problems with my antidepressant/mental health. I got back on the pill about 9 months ago, but things never went back to normal. I wouldn’t start my periods until the very end of the placebo week, and they’d stretch to the end of the following week (first week of my new pill pack). Last week I brought it up since I had my yearly physical again, and my gynecologist recommended I skip the placebo week for two months (taking 9 weeks of active pills) and then during the third month, have a period. She said it could help reset my body. I talked to my mom about it (we’re close and I still live at home) and she didn’t seem to think that was normal advice. Has anyone else received this advice (or something similar)? I definitely wouldn’t mind only having 4 periods a year!