Irregular Periods After Starting Birth Control Pills

The medication was not finished before the onset of menstruation?

I started taking the contraceptive pill on the first day of my period, February 26.
My period came again from March 13 to March 17, but I continued taking the pills until March 18, totaling 21 pills.
From February 26 to March 13, there were only two weeks between periods, which seems normal as I did not miss any doses, and the maximum delay was just 12 hours; I took the pills every night at 8 PM.
My previous menstrual cycles were typically 30 to 40 days apart, so I thought taking the contraceptive would help regulate my cycle.
On March 22, I visited the pharmacy, and the pharmacist informed me that I needed to start the new medication immediately because my cycle had become irregular.
Now, on April 6, my period has come again, with cycles occurring approximately every 14 days for the past two months.
I currently have seven pills left.
Should I continue taking them?

E Mo, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/06

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I started taking the contraceptive pill on the first day of my period, February 26.
My period came again from March 13 to March 17, but I continued taking the pills until March 18, completing a total of 21 pills.
From February 26 to March 13, there were only two weeks between periods, which is normal for my pill regimen, and I did not miss any doses, with only a few instances of taking it up to 12 hours late, always around 8 PM.
My previous menstrual cycles were typically 30 to 40 days apart.
I thought taking the contraceptive would help regulate my cycle.
However, on March 22, the pharmacist informed me that I needed to start a new medication immediately because my cycle had become irregular.
Now, on April 6, my period has come again, with cycles occurring approximately every 14 days for the past two months.
I currently have seven pills left.
Should I continue taking them?
Answer: You should not continue taking them; consider switching to a different brand.

Reply Date: 2019/04/06

More Info

When starting birth control pills, it is common for women to experience irregular periods, especially during the first few months of use. This is primarily due to the hormonal changes that the body undergoes as it adjusts to the synthetic hormones in the pills. In your case, you began taking the birth control pills on February 26, and experienced a menstrual-like bleeding episode from March 13 to March 17, which is quite close to your regular cycle. However, it seems that your cycles have become shorter, with periods occurring approximately every 14 days.

The irregular bleeding you are experiencing can be attributed to several factors:
1. Hormonal Adjustment: When you start taking birth control pills, your body needs time to adjust to the new hormone levels. This adjustment period can lead to breakthrough bleeding or spotting, which is not uncommon in the first few months of starting the pill.

2. Type of Birth Control Pill: Different types of birth control pills contain varying levels of hormones (estrogen and progestin), and some women may respond differently to these formulations. If the pill you are taking has a lower dose of hormones, it may not adequately suppress ovulation or stabilize the uterine lining, leading to irregular bleeding.

3. Consistency in Taking the Pill: While you mentioned that you have been diligent about taking your pills, even slight variations in timing can affect hormone levels and lead to breakthrough bleeding. It is crucial to take the pill at the same time every day to maintain stable hormone levels.

4. Underlying Health Conditions: In some cases, irregular periods can be a sign of underlying health issues, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders. If irregular bleeding persists, it may be worth discussing these possibilities with your healthcare provider.

Regarding your question about whether to continue taking the pills, it is generally advisable to finish the current pack of pills unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Stopping the pills abruptly can lead to further hormonal imbalances and may exacerbate irregular bleeding.
However, since you are experiencing significant changes in your menstrual cycle, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your specific situation, consider the type of birth control you are using, and determine if a different formulation may be more suitable for you. Additionally, they can rule out any underlying health issues that may be contributing to your irregular cycles.

In summary, while irregular periods can be a common side effect of starting birth control pills, persistent irregularities warrant further investigation. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure that your contraceptive method is appropriate for your needs and to address any concerns you may have about your menstrual health.

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