Birth Control Pill Cycles and Menstrual Concerns

Contraceptive pill cycle

Hello, doctor.
I just started using birth control pills to treat dysmenorrhea and acne.
I have four days' worth of pills left in the first cycle, but my menstrual period started today.
Should I finish the pills for the first cycle and then take a seven-day break before starting the next cycle, or should I complete the first cycle's pills? I am using Yaz, a 21-day birth control pill.
Additionally, is it normal to pass light-colored blood clots during my menstrual period? Thank you.

Nina, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/18

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
If your menstrual period has started, it is recommended to stop the medication and wait until the bleeding has completely stopped before resuming, starting with the first pill of the next cycle.

2.
It is possible that the entire endometrial lining has shed and mixed with menstrual blood; it could also be an endometrial polyp or something else.
If you want to confirm further, you can go to the hospital and ask a physician for assistance in evaluation.
If the physician is still uncertain, you can request a biopsy for pathological examination.
Sincerely, Dr.
Lu Li-Cheng, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/08/18

More Info

When it comes to understanding birth control pill cycles and menstrual concerns, it's essential to clarify how hormonal contraceptives work and what to expect during your menstrual cycle while on the pill.
Firstly, since you are using a 21-day birth control pill regimen, it is designed to be taken for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day break during which you will typically experience a withdrawal bleed, which mimics a menstrual period. This is due to the sudden drop in hormone levels when you stop taking the pill.
In your case, since your period has started while you still have four days of pills left in your first cycle, it is generally recommended that you continue taking the remaining pills as prescribed. This means you should finish the entire pack of pills before taking the 7-day break. Stopping the pills early could disrupt your cycle and may lead to irregular bleeding or other hormonal imbalances.
After completing the 21 pills, you will take a break for 7 days. During this time, you will likely experience withdrawal bleeding, which is usually lighter and shorter than a typical menstrual period. It’s important to note that this withdrawal bleed is not the same as a natural menstrual period, but it is a normal response to the hormonal changes induced by the pill.

Regarding your concern about passing light-colored blood clots during your period, this can be quite common and is usually not a cause for concern. Menstrual blood can vary in color and consistency, and it is normal to experience some clots, especially during heavier flow days. Light-colored clots may indicate that the blood is older or has taken longer to exit the uterus. However, if you experience very large clots, severe pain, or if the bleeding is unusually heavy, it would be wise to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, continue taking your birth control pills as directed until the pack is finished, and then take your 7-day break. It is normal to experience variations in bleeding and clotting while on the pill, but if you have any concerns about your symptoms or the effectiveness of your birth control, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can provide you with the best guidance based on your individual health needs and circumstances.
Lastly, it's crucial to remember that while birth control pills are effective in preventing pregnancy, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you are sexually active and concerned about STIs, consider discussing additional protective measures with your healthcare provider.

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