Managing Birth Control and Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Key Insights

Contraceptive pill issues, menstrual cycle problems?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask about the timing of taking preemptive medication.
I have been taking the medication "Yueji" for about a year due to irregular menstrual cycles, and during this period, my menstrual cycle has been very stable.
Last month, I stopped taking the medication for a month because I received a vaccine, and as a result, I experienced a delay of 45 days (on December 2) before I started to notice a small amount of dark blood, approximately the amount of one pad per day.
I thought my period had started, and since the bleeding was minimal, I began taking a new pack of Yueji, expecting the bleeding to increase.
However, the small amount of blood continued until December 16, when I finally started to have a normal flow of bright red blood.
At that point, I had already been taking the medication for half a month (14 days).
Concerned about the effectiveness of the medication, I continued to finish the pack.
However, since my period started on December 16, it has now lasted for 11 days (as of December 27), and the flow has not decreased! According to the principle of taking a break for 7 days, I should start the next pack of medication on Wednesday.
Given my current situation of menstrual irregularity, is it appropriate to continue taking the medication? Could it potentially worsen the situation or cause prolonged bleeding?

Bobo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/12/27

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the factors that can affect the menstrual cycle or cause intermenstrual bleeding are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraceptive pills, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine or cervical lesions, infections, ovulation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, among others.
It is recommended that you first consult a gynecologist to determine whether the issue is due to hormonal imbalance or other reasons before deciding whether to continue taking contraceptive pills.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2021/12/27

More Info

Managing birth control and irregular menstrual cycles can be quite challenging, especially when unexpected changes occur. Your situation, where you experienced a delay in your menstrual cycle and then had prolonged bleeding after resuming your birth control pill (in this case, "悦己"), raises several important points that need to be addressed.

Firstly, it's essential to understand that hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills work by regulating your menstrual cycle. They contain hormones that help maintain a consistent cycle, but any interruption—such as stopping the pill for a month due to vaccination—can lead to irregularities. When you resumed taking the pill, your body might have taken some time to adjust back to the hormonal regulation, which could explain the prolonged bleeding you are experiencing.

Regarding your question about whether to continue taking the pill given your current situation, it is generally advisable to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the guidelines that come with your medication. In most cases, if you are experiencing breakthrough bleeding or prolonged menstruation, it is still recommended to continue taking the pill as directed. Stopping the pill mid-cycle can lead to further hormonal imbalance and may exacerbate the irregularity of your cycles.

However, if the bleeding continues beyond what is considered normal (typically, a menstrual period lasts between 3 to 7 days), or if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or any other concerning symptoms, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider. They may want to evaluate your situation further, possibly adjusting your birth control method or exploring other underlying causes for the prolonged bleeding.

In terms of the timing of your next pill pack, if you have been bleeding for 11 days and it is still ongoing, you should discuss this with your doctor. They may recommend waiting until your bleeding has stopped before starting a new pack, or they may provide specific instructions based on your individual health needs.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that irregular menstrual cycles can be influenced by various factors, including stress, changes in weight, exercise habits, and underlying health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If you find that your cycles remain irregular even after resuming the pill, it may be beneficial to explore these factors with your healthcare provider.

In summary, while it is generally safe to continue taking your birth control pill during irregular bleeding, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely and consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can help determine the best course of action based on your specific situation, ensuring that you manage both your birth control and menstrual health effectively.

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