Hi Vickers, I read your post about the menstual cycle, as you know I fully relate and understand. I am not on the pill, I was years ago and stopped. I am sorry I don't know about what day to start it, what I do know is that the fact you do NOT smoke is good, if you had I doubt the Doctor would of put you on it, smoking and the pill are not a good combination after 35 or 40 they say, its like "just one or the other" Remember when I thought I was pregnant and went to the OBGYN nurse and I was negative, she did the same thing to me, "manipalated my uterus" she moved it around so I would start and I DO remember that was the worst period I had, since then they have been bad but tolerable, I do not think that will happen again to you, also you probably will not be on it long, just a month or two perhaps to regulate it, I wonder if just doing a D@C would be better, no hormones and they could just sunction the extra lining?? I know when I had one after my miscarriage in the early 1990's for years my periods were light and less crampy {maybe I should have another!} The brown blood IS old blood, I have had that too from time to time, that is not dangerous or anything, Can you ask the Doc for a D@C or a "progesterone only" pill? Tell him your concerns concerning health risks, I HATE reading those inserts for any meds I try not to. Please let me know how you are and how you are feeling. I am praying for you, I know with the boys its hard, but put your feet up and order a pizza, you deserve it! Hope to hear from you soon. GOd bless, Debbie.