Breakthrough Bleeding on Birth Control Pills: What to Do?

Menstrual bleeding

I started taking the oral contraceptive pill (Yaz) on the first day of my menstrual cycle.
Before starting, I had an ultrasound at the gynecologist to confirm that there were no issues with my uterus.
By the time I reached the 8th or 9th pill, I experienced some light spotting (brown in color).
I am currently on the 14th pill, but I feel that the bleeding over the past couple of days resembles the first day of my usual menstrual cycle, and this morning it was even a bit bright red, but later turned brown again.

1.
Should I continue taking the remaining pills before considering switching to another brand?
2.
Or should I stop taking this medication and switch to a different one directly?
Thank you for your help.

Xiao Hui, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/12/29

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I started taking the oral contraceptive pill (Yaz) on the first day of my menstrual cycle.
Before starting, I had an ultrasound at the gynecology clinic to confirm that my uterus was in good condition.
By the time I reached the 8th or 9th pill, I experienced some light spotting (brown in color).
I am currently on the 14th pill, but I feel that the amount of bleeding in the last couple of days is similar to the first day of my usual menstrual cycle, and this morning it was even a bit bright red, although it later turned brown again.
1.
Should I continue taking the remaining pills before considering switching to another brand?
Answer: Yes, continue taking the remaining pills before considering switching to another brand.
2.
Or should I stop the medication and switch to another type?
Answer: It is advisable to continue taking the remaining pills and reassess the situation.

Reply Date: 2017/12/29

More Info

Breakthrough bleeding while on birth control pills can be a common concern for many women, especially when starting a new contraceptive regimen. It’s important to understand that this type of bleeding is typically not a cause for alarm, but it can be frustrating and confusing. Here’s a detailed explanation of what you might be experiencing and what steps you can take.

Understanding Breakthrough Bleeding
Breakthrough bleeding refers to any bleeding that occurs between menstrual periods while on hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills. This can happen for several reasons:
1. Hormonal Adjustment: When you first start taking birth control pills, your body may take some time to adjust to the new hormone levels. This adjustment period can lead to irregular bleeding or spotting, which is often light and may appear brown or pink.

2. Dosage and Type of Pill: Different birth control pills contain varying levels of hormones. If the dosage is too low for your body, it may not adequately suppress ovulation, leading to breakthrough bleeding. Conversely, some women may experience bleeding with higher doses due to side effects.

3. Missed Pills: If you miss a pill or take them inconsistently, it can disrupt your hormone levels and lead to unexpected bleeding.

4. Other Factors: Stress, illness, or changes in weight can also affect your menstrual cycle and cause breakthrough bleeding.

What to Do About Breakthrough Bleeding
1. Continue Taking the Pills: In most cases, it is recommended to continue taking the pills as prescribed, even if you experience breakthrough bleeding. Stopping the pills abruptly can lead to further hormonal imbalance and may exacerbate the situation.

2. Monitor the Bleeding: Keep track of the bleeding. If it remains light and sporadic, it is likely just your body adjusting to the hormones. However, if the bleeding becomes heavy or is accompanied by severe pain, you should consult your healthcare provider.

3. Consult Your Doctor: If the breakthrough bleeding persists beyond the first few months or if you are concerned about the amount of bleeding, it’s a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider. They may suggest switching to a different brand or type of birth control pill that may be better suited for your hormonal needs.

4. Consider Other Factors: Evaluate any lifestyle changes or stressors that may be contributing to your symptoms. Sometimes, addressing these factors can help regulate your cycle.

When to Change Pills
If you have been on the current birth control pill for a few months and the breakthrough bleeding continues or worsens, it may be time to consider a different formulation. Your healthcare provider can help you find a pill with a different hormone composition or dosage that may be more effective for you.

Conclusion
In summary, breakthrough bleeding while on birth control pills is often a normal part of the adjustment process. It is usually advisable to continue taking the pills and monitor the situation. If the bleeding persists or you have concerns, consulting with your healthcare provider is the best course of action. They can provide personalized advice and help you find a solution that works for your body. Remember, every woman's body reacts differently to hormonal contraceptives, and finding the right one may take some time.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Breakthrough Bleeding: Should You Continue Birth Control?

I have been taking birth control pills, but I experienced bleeding and stopped taking them. Now I am bleeding again. I have already purchased a new pack of pills because I stopped taking them on the day I started bleeding. This time, the bleeding is very light, just a few drops. ...

Dr. Zhong Wenzhen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: 1. Spotting or light bleeding during the use of oral contraceptives is a common concern. 2. This may be due to low hormone levels in the formulation or a higher metabolic rate in the user (commonly referred to as a mismatch in body chemistry). Proper management includes: 1...

Managing Breakthrough Bleeding While on Birth Control Pills

If a patient has been taking oral contraceptives regularly for over three months and experiences light bleeding after only one week into a new pack, with an ultrasound showing no issues and a diagnosis of possible endocrine imbalance, the clinic has prescribed progesterone, estro...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, you need to continue taking the contraceptive pills. Wishing you good health.

Managing Breakthrough Bleeding While on Birth Control Pills

On September 9th, I started taking the contraceptive pill after my period began. My period ended on the 14th, but a couple of days later, I noticed some brown discharge. On the 17th, I experienced heavier bleeding accompanied by cramps. I went to a gynecologist for a check-up, an...

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. It is recommended to observe for 1 to 2 months, and if the same condition persists, consider changing the medication. 2. You may also discuss with the prescribing physician to make a decision.

Understanding Breakthrough Bleeding on Birth Control Pills: Is It Normal?

Due to hormonal imbalance, my doctor prescribed oral contraceptives to help regulate my condition. However, why am I experiencing some bleeding by the third week? Is this a normal occurrence? How long will the bleeding last?

Dr. Zhuang Zhijian reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Abnormal bleeding should first be evaluated to rule out any other pathological conditions. If no abnormalities are found and the issue is solely due to hormonal imbalance, using contraceptive pills can help regulate the cycle. Initially, there may be some spotting, but this will ...