Abnormal Bleeding After Switching Birth Control Pills

Abnormal bleeding after taking "Yueji" (a traditional Chinese medicine)?

Hello, doctor.
Several years ago, I took Diane to treat my acne, and it worked very well without any discomfort.
However, due to recent stress, my acne has flared up again.
I searched online and found that many people recommend Yaz because it is less likely to cause weight gain, so I switched to Yaz.
I started taking it on the first day of my menstrual period, August 18.
About six to seven days later, my period ended, and after 1-2 days of almost no bleeding, I began to experience brown spotting.
Initially, for 3-4 days, I could use panty liners, but then the bleeding increased slightly, and I felt a dull sensation in my abdomen.
The color remained a deep reddish-brown, and the bleeding became enough to require sanitary pads, about one pad per day.
I have just finished the 21st pill on September 7, but I am still experiencing bleeding.
Is this normal? Can I continue to take the second pack after the eighth day? Thank you.

Wei En, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/09/10

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, if you start taking birth control pills on the fifth day of your menstrual cycle and experience light bleeding, it may indicate that the dosage is not sufficient or that your body needs more time to adjust.
It is recommended to consider switching to a different type of birth control pill next time.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/09/10

More Info

When switching birth control pills, it is not uncommon to experience abnormal bleeding, especially during the first few months of use. This phenomenon can be attributed to the hormonal adjustments your body undergoes as it adapts to the new medication. In your case, transitioning from Diane (which contains a combination of estrogen and progestin) to YAZ (which also contains a different formulation of estrogen and progestin) can lead to changes in your menstrual cycle and bleeding patterns.

The initial phase of taking a new birth control pill often involves what is known as "breakthrough bleeding." This is characterized by light bleeding or spotting that occurs between periods, which can be brown or dark red in color. This type of bleeding is generally not a cause for concern and is usually temporary. It occurs because your body is adjusting to the new hormone levels, and it may take a few cycles for your body to stabilize.

In your situation, since you started taking YAZ on the first day of your menstrual cycle and experienced some bleeding shortly after, it is likely that this is a normal response to the hormonal changes. The fact that you initially had a normal period followed by some spotting is consistent with what many women experience when they switch birth control methods.

However, the increased amount of bleeding you described, along with the sensation of discomfort in your abdomen, warrants further attention. While some spotting is expected, if the bleeding becomes heavier or is accompanied by significant pain or other concerning symptoms, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. They can assess whether this bleeding is a normal side effect of the new pill or if it may indicate another underlying issue.

Regarding your question about continuing to take the next pack of YAZ, it is generally recommended to continue taking your birth control pills as prescribed, even if you are experiencing some abnormal bleeding. Stopping the pills can lead to further hormonal fluctuations and may exacerbate the bleeding. However, if the bleeding persists or worsens, or if you have any other symptoms that concern you, it is important to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

In summary, while some irregular bleeding can be expected when switching birth control pills, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any significant changes or have concerns about your health, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Your healthcare provider can help determine the best course of action and ensure that you are on the right track with your birth control method.

Similar Q&A

Switching Birth Control Pills: Understanding Unusual Bleeding and Symptoms

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my situation. For the past few months, I have been taking Yejih without any issues. However, this month my boyfriend bought a different contraceptive pill called Kylian from the pharmacy. I thought since they are both birth control pills, ...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, inquirer: If you experience menstruation or bleeding after switching birth control pills, there is no need to stop taking the medication; continue to take it as scheduled. Once your body adjusts to the birth control pills, abnormal bleeding should cease. However, if irregu...

Understanding Irregular Bleeding with New Birth Control Pills

Hello Dr. Jan: I recently started taking a new contraceptive pill on the first day of my menstrual period (the pharmacy mentioned it is a new product). However, I have noticed that I am still experiencing light bleeding more than a week after my period has ended. Additionally, du...

Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Some contraceptive pills can indeed cause spotting. If this happens again next month, it might be a good idea to switch to a different one! It's best to consult a gynecologist for a prescription.

Unexpected Bleeding While on Birth Control: What You Need to Know

Hello. I am currently taking the contraceptive pill "Diane," but I noticed some bleeding during my cycle when I shouldn't have my period. This started after taking the eighth pill of this cycle, and the amount of bleeding is not significant, but this is the first t...

Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Spotting while taking birth control pills is sometimes normal; however, if it occurs frequently, consider switching to a different brand. 2. It does not affect contraception effectiveness.

Should You Switch Birth Control Pills After 4 Months of Irregular Bleeding?

I have been taking Qlaira for three months with the goal of regulating my menstrual pain. Initially, I experienced some abnormal bleeding, but now that I am in my fourth month, it is still the same. Additionally, the amount of menstrual flow is greater than when I was not on birt...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the user: During the use of contraceptive pills, if menstruation occurs or bleeding happens, there is no need to stop taking the medication; continue to take it as scheduled. Once the body adjusts to the contraceptive pills, abnormal bleeding should cease. However, if irre...