Early Menstruation After Birth Control: What to Do Next

Menstruation has arrived early..?

I have been taking the contraceptive pill for 21 days, and I stopped once after taking it for six months.
Currently, I am finishing the second month of use.
My period is usually on the 25th of each month, but this time it came about 7 days early (I had intercourse the day before it started, and there was an emotional outburst, but I am fine now).
The blood is dark red and not very much, just a little bit, with some bright red as well, and once it was slightly heavier.
Currently, the dark red flow is somewhat more than usual.
My period has been ongoing for a week, and aside from menstrual symptoms, I have no other discomfort.
Should I continue with the next pack, or wait until this period stops before starting the next pack? This is the first time I have encountered this situation...

Wang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/06/24

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

You have been taking the combined oral contraceptive pill for 21 days, and you stopped once for about six months.
Currently, you are finishing the second month of use.
Your menstrual cycle is usually regular, with your period expected on June 25, but this time it arrived approximately seven days early.
You had unprotected intercourse the day before your period started, and you experienced an emotional outburst, but you are currently feeling fine.
The menstrual flow is dark red and light, with some bright red spotting as well, and the amount varies slightly.
You have been menstruating for one week without any other discomfort aside from typical menstrual symptoms.
Given that your period is now approaching the expected time, you should continue with the next pack of pills without waiting for your period to stop.
This is the first time you have encountered this situation.

Reply Date: 2018/06/24

More Info

Understanding early menstruation after stopping birth control can be a confusing experience, especially for those who have been using hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills. It’s important to recognize that hormonal contraceptives can significantly affect your menstrual cycle, and changes in timing, flow, and symptoms can occur when you stop or change your method of contraception.

In your case, you mentioned that you have been taking birth control pills for two months after a previous six-month period of use. It’s not uncommon for your body to take some time to adjust to hormonal changes, especially after a history of using birth control. The early onset of your period, about seven days ahead of schedule, could be attributed to several factors, including hormonal fluctuations as your body readjusts to its natural cycle after stopping the pill.

The dark red blood you described is typically associated with older blood, which can occur at the beginning or end of a menstrual period. The presence of bright red blood, even in small amounts, is usually fresh blood and can indicate a heavier flow. It’s also worth noting that emotional stress can impact your menstrual cycle, potentially leading to irregularities. Since you mentioned experiencing an emotional outburst, this could have contributed to the changes in your cycle.

Given that you are experiencing what seems to be a normal menstrual cycle, albeit slightly irregular, it’s essential to listen to your body. If your period has lasted for a week and you are not experiencing any other concerning symptoms (such as severe pain, heavy bleeding, or unusual discharge), it may be appropriate to continue with your next pack of birth control pills as scheduled. However, if you are unsure or if this early menstruation continues to be a concern, it would be wise to consult with your healthcare provider.

Your healthcare provider can offer personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status. They may suggest monitoring your cycle for a few more months to see if it stabilizes. If irregularities persist, they might consider adjusting your birth control method or exploring other underlying issues that could be affecting your menstrual cycle.

In summary, early menstruation after stopping birth control can be a normal occurrence as your body readjusts. If you feel comfortable and your symptoms remain mild, you can proceed with your next pack of pills. However, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance, especially if you have any concerns about your menstrual health or if this pattern continues. Your health and well-being are paramount, and professional advice can provide clarity and reassurance during this transition.

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