Is it really necessary to take the pill at the same time every day for it to simply regulate your cycle?

Question

I've been on depo for a year or so, but now I'm switching to the pill. I have been innactive since June, and have no intent of becoming active in the near future, I just got sick of 2months without a period followed by an entire month of spotting eratically. Thus, the pill is mostly there to bring me back to a regular cycle.

My days are less than stuctured, so the same time every day would be tough. Even if I did it at like, six each night, there's no telling if I'd be awake, at work, or home and able to take it. So does it really matter if it's the same time every day? I think that it does if it is to prevent pregnancy (but what do i know? i'm going off the words of a doctor that i may or may not question) but just to regulate my cycle I'm not sure.

Thanks much.

Answer 1

It is important to take the pill at the same time every day in order to get the best effectiveness, regardless of your reason for taking it.
You have a 3 hour "window" to be considered on time. If you choose 9 PM, you can take your pill anytime from 7:30 to 10:30 without problem. You can vary your schedule, but you probably won't get optimum results.

Answer 2

You need to do it at the same time each day. You would be all right if you took it 1 or 2 hours before/after your usual time, but you really should stick with having it at the same time each day.

Is there a consistent time that you are awake that you could take it? Just bring your pill pack with you, whether you are at work, home, out with friends...