Why Did My Period Come Early While Taking Birth Control Pills? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Share to:

Taking oral contraceptives can cause your menstrual period to arrive earlier than expected?


Hello, I am currently taking Womban 28 for the first time.
My last menstrual period was from November 5 to November 10, and I took the first pill on November 9.
Today, I have four pills left, but I am experiencing light bleeding and am unsure if it is my period.

1.
Why might my period come early?
2.
If this is indeed my period, should I continue taking the remaining pills or start a new pack immediately?

77, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/03

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, finish the current pack and try taking it again next month to see if the same issue occurs.
If it does, I suggest switching to a different type of contraceptive pill.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/12/03

More Info


When it comes to the early onset of menstruation while taking birth control pills, there are several factors to consider. Birth control pills, particularly combination pills like the one you mentioned (温不姙28), are designed to regulate your menstrual cycle by providing a consistent dose of hormones. However, individual responses to these hormones can vary significantly, leading to unexpected bleeding or changes in your cycle.

1. Reasons for Early Menstruation:
- Hormonal Fluctuations: Birth control pills work by maintaining stable hormone levels in your body. However, if you miss a pill, take them at irregular times, or experience gastrointestinal issues (like vomiting or diarrhea), it can disrupt hormone levels and lead to breakthrough bleeding or an early period.

- Adjustment Period: Since this is your first time taking the pill, your body may still be adjusting to the new hormone levels. It can take a few cycles for your body to adapt fully, and during this time, you may experience irregular bleeding or spotting.

- Other Factors: Stress, illness, significant weight changes, or other medications can also affect your menstrual cycle and may cause early bleeding.

2. What to Do Next:
- If the bleeding you are experiencing is light and resembles spotting rather than a full menstrual flow, it may be breakthrough bleeding rather than an actual period. This is common, especially in the first few months of starting a new birth control method.

- Continue Taking Your Pills: It is generally recommended to continue taking your birth control pills as prescribed, even if you experience unexpected bleeding. Stopping the pills can lead to further hormonal imbalance and may cause more irregularities in your cycle.

- Starting a New Pack: Once you finish the current pack, you should start the next pack as scheduled. This will help maintain the hormone levels and provide better cycle regulation.

3. When to Consult a Doctor:
- If you continue to experience irregular bleeding after several cycles, or if the bleeding becomes heavy or is accompanied by severe pain, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider. They may need to evaluate your situation further to rule out any underlying issues or to consider a different birth control method that may be more suitable for you.

In summary, early menstruation while on birth control pills can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations, adjustment to the medication, or other external factors. It is advisable to continue taking your pills as directed and monitor your symptoms. If irregularities persist, seeking medical advice is crucial for your reproductive health.

Similar Q&A

Why Is My Period Coming Early While on Birth Control Pills?

Hello Doctor, I have been taking birth control pills for nearly 10 months. Since I started taking the pills, my menstrual period has consistently arrived 1-2 days earlier each month. However, this time it came less than a month apart; for example, I started my period on March 2, ...


Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, if you are taking a 21-pill pack of birth control pills, you should take one pill daily in the order of the pill dates for 21 consecutive days. During the 7-day break from the medication, you can expect your period to start between the 2nd and 4t...

[Read More] Why Is My Period Coming Early While on Birth Control Pills?


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...

[Read More] Early Period While on Birth Control Pills: What You Need to Know


Why Did My Period Start Early While Taking Birth Control Pills?

Hello, doctor. I would like to discuss contraception and menstrual regulation, so I have been taking birth control pills. In the first month, I took 21 pills of Alesse starting on July 10. Since I didn't want my period to come early, I continued to the second pack (expecting...


Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
I have been taking birth control pills to prevent pregnancy and regulate my menstrual cycle. I started taking Alesse on July 10, completing the first pack of 21 pills. Since I didn't want my period to come early, I immediately started the second pack (expecting my period in ...

[Read More] Why Did My Period Start Early While Taking Birth Control Pills?


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...

[Read More] Understanding Early Menstruation While on Birth Control Pills


Related FAQ

Birth Control Pills

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Medication To Induce Menstruation

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Medication To Delay Menstruation

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Premenstrual Bleeding

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Delayed Menstruation

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Menstrual Regulation Medication

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Menstrual Abnormalities

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Safe Period

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Contraceptive Pills

(Pharmacology)

Ovulation Period

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)