Breakthrough Bleeding with Oral Contraceptives: What to Expect - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Oral contraceptives


After five years, I started taking the contraceptive pill, Mesitron, again (I currently have polycystic ovary syndrome).
I began taking the first pack on the first day of my last menstrual period, and I experienced bleeding for almost the entire month.
I consulted a doctor and took hemostatic medication, but the bleeding stopped for only a day or two before resuming as spotting.
I suspected it was related to the contraceptive pill.
Therefore, I stopped the medication for eight days and then continued with the second pack of Mesitron (the bleeding stopped during the break).
However, after taking the 11th pill, I experienced very minimal spotting (only noticeable when using the restroom, not throughout the day), which continued until today, the 16th pill, when the bleeding increased, requiring the use of panty liners.
I would like to ask if this is still my body adjusting to the contraceptive pill? I plan to finish this pack; is it appropriate to continue using Mesitron for the next cycle? Is the dosage of this brand too low for me? Thank you.

Fan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/03/16

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 will cease.
However, if irregular bleeding persists for more than three months or if there is heavy bleeding, it is advisable to consult a physician for guidance.
Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2018/03/16

More Info


Breakthrough bleeding while on oral contraceptives, such as the medication you mentioned (美適儂), can be a common experience, especially when starting a new contraceptive regimen. This phenomenon occurs when there is unexpected bleeding between menstrual periods, and it can be particularly prevalent during the first few months of starting a new birth control pill.
When you begin taking oral contraceptives, your body undergoes hormonal adjustments as it adapts to the new levels of estrogen and progestin. These hormones work to regulate your menstrual cycle and prevent ovulation, but during the adjustment phase, it is not uncommon for some women to experience breakthrough bleeding. This bleeding can manifest as light spotting or more substantial bleeding, depending on individual responses to the medication.

In your case, since you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), your hormonal balance may already be disrupted, which can further complicate your response to oral contraceptives. The fact that you experienced continuous bleeding for most of the month and then had intermittent spotting after restarting the second pack suggests that your body is still adjusting to the medication.
It is important to note that breakthrough bleeding can be influenced by several factors, including the dosage of hormones in the contraceptive, individual hormonal levels, and the presence of underlying conditions like PCOS. If the bleeding is light and not accompanied by severe pain or other concerning symptoms, it may simply be a part of your body adjusting to the medication. However, if the bleeding persists or worsens, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Regarding your question about whether to continue using 美適儂 for the next cycle, it is generally recommended to complete the entire pack of pills, as stopping mid-cycle can lead to further hormonal imbalance and may exacerbate bleeding issues. After finishing the pack, you can reassess your situation. If breakthrough bleeding continues to be a problem, your doctor may suggest switching to a different formulation or dosage that may be better suited for your hormonal needs.

In summary, while breakthrough bleeding can be frustrating, it is often a temporary side effect as your body adjusts to the new hormonal environment. Monitoring your symptoms and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider will be key in managing your contraceptive use effectively. If you experience any severe symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection, seek medical attention promptly.

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