Early Menstruation While Taking Birth Control Pills

Emergency contraceptive pill

Hello! My last menstrual period started on December 16, and I began taking Yaz the next day.
I have taken it before (with a four-month break in between), and my cycle has always been regular at 28 days.
However, this month my period started on January 4, which is ten days early.
A few days before my period started, I had a cold and took Panadol Cold & Flu Extra Strength, but I continued taking Yaz as scheduled in the evenings.
I would like to know if this early onset of my period could be due to that.
Should I continue taking the remaining Yaz pills, stop the medication, or buy a new pack since there are four inactive pills left? Thank you for your guidance!

Cai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/01/05

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the following medications may interact with oral contraceptives:
1.
Antibiotics (Penicillin, Cephalosporins, Erythromycin, Sulfonamides, Bactrim, Chloramphenicol) - may reduce the gut flora that aids in absorption, thereby decreasing the effectiveness of contraceptives.
2.
Sedatives (Barbiturates) - increase the metabolism of contraceptives, reducing their effectiveness.
3.
Antiepileptic drugs (Primidone, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine) - increase the metabolism of contraceptives, reducing their effectiveness.
4.
Antituberculosis medications (Rifampicin, Isoniazid).
5.
Antidiabetic medications (Rosiglitazone).
6.
Acetaminophen and Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) - may inhibit estrogen metabolism, leading to increased concentrations in the body and a higher incidence of side effects.
7.
Oral contraceptives can affect the action of anticoagulants.
8.
Smoking - increases the metabolism of contraceptives, reducing their effectiveness.
If menstruation occurs or bleeding happens during the usage period, it is advised not to stop taking the medication and to continue taking it as scheduled.
Once the body adapts to the contraceptive, abnormal bleeding should cease.
However, if irregular bleeding persists for more than three months or if there is heavy bleeding, it is necessary to consult a physician for advice.

Wishing you safety and health,
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2017/01/05

More Info

When it comes to understanding early menstruation while taking birth control pills, it's important to consider several factors that can influence your menstrual cycle. Birth control pills, such as the one you mentioned (Yaz), are designed to regulate your menstrual cycle by providing a consistent dose of hormones. However, various factors can lead to changes in your cycle, including illness, stress, and even the medications you take.

In your case, you experienced an early onset of menstruation just a few weeks after starting the birth control pill. This could be attributed to several reasons:
1. Hormonal Adjustment: When you start taking birth control pills after a break, your body may take some time to adjust to the new hormone levels. This adjustment period can sometimes lead to irregular bleeding or changes in your cycle, especially in the first few months of use.

2. Illness and Medication: You mentioned that you were experiencing a cold and took medication (Panadol) during this time. While over-the-counter medications like Panadol are generally safe and do not typically affect the efficacy of birth control pills, the stress on your body from being ill could potentially influence your hormonal balance and lead to an early period.

3. Missed Pills or Inconsistent Use: If there were any missed doses or if the pills were not taken at the same time each day, this could also lead to breakthrough bleeding or an early period. Consistency is key when it comes to the effectiveness of birth control pills.

4. Breakthrough Bleeding: Sometimes, what appears to be an early period could actually be breakthrough bleeding, which is common in the initial months of taking birth control pills. This is usually not a cause for concern unless it continues or is excessively heavy.

Regarding your question about whether to continue taking the remaining pills or stop, here are some guidelines:
- Continue Taking the Pills: It is generally recommended to continue taking the pills as prescribed, even if you experience unexpected bleeding. Stopping the pills could lead to further hormonal imbalance and may not resolve the issue.

- New Pack: If you have a few inactive pills left in your current pack, you should finish the pack as directed. After that, you can start a new pack. The inactive pills are there to allow for a withdrawal bleed, which mimics a natural menstrual cycle.

- Consult Your Healthcare Provider: If the early menstruation continues or if you have concerns about the bleeding, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current situation.

In summary, early menstruation while on birth control pills can be influenced by hormonal adjustments, illness, and medication. It is usually best to continue taking the pills as prescribed and consult with a healthcare provider if you have ongoing concerns. Remember that every individual's response to birth control can vary, and it may take some time for your body to adjust to the hormones.

Similar Q&A

Early Period While on Birth Control Pills: What You Need to Know

Hello! I started taking a 21-day pack of oral contraceptive pills in January. My period came two days after finishing the first month's pills, but this month, after taking the 19th pill last night, I noticed dark red blood this morning. Am I experiencing an early period? Why...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, if there is a little bleeding, continue taking the medication until it's finished. If there is a lot of bleeding, similar to menstruation, stop the medication and observe how it goes next month when taking the medication, especially if it starts early. Wishing you goo...

Is Early Menstruation Normal While Taking Birth Control Pills?

I have been taking the contraceptive pill for a long time, and my period usually starts on the fifth day after finishing the pills. However, this time my period started while I still had one pill left to take. Is this normal? Should I still wait seven days before starting my next...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, everything seems normal. Generally, birth control pills are started on the fifth day of menstruation. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Early Menstruation While on Birth Control Pills

Hello doctor, I have been taking the Yaz contraceptive pill for almost a year. This time, my period unexpectedly arrived early on the 21st pill. I would like to know if this is normal or if there could be any reasons affecting it. Should I be concerned? Could it be related to the...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the user: During the use of contraceptive pills, if menstruation or breakthrough bleeding occurs, 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 will cease. However, if i...

Experiencing Early Period Symptoms While on Birth Control Pills?

Your girlfriend has been taking oral contraceptive pills for contraception and is currently in her second week. However, she occasionally forgets to take them and takes a missed dose the next day. Now, she is experiencing abdominal pain and symptoms resembling menstrual bleeding....

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
If contraceptive pills are not taken regularly, the hormones received by the body (from the contraceptive pills) can become unstable, leading to irregular menstruation. This may result in breakthrough bleeding, which can cause uterine contractions and abdominal pain. It is recomm...