Should You Continue Birth Control Pills During Heavy Menstrual Flow?

Contraceptive pill issues?

After taking the Yaz (24+4) contraceptive pill for the first month and completing all 28 tablets, the instructions indicate to start the next pack immediately.
However, if the menstrual flow is still heavy, will continuing the medication prevent the menstrual cycle from completing? Should I wait until the menstrual period ends before continuing, or can I start the next pack right away?

Ms. Chen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/17

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the general guideline for starting birth control pills is to begin on the fifth day of your menstrual period, regardless of whether the bleeding has stopped.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/01/17

More Info

When it comes to managing heavy menstrual flow while on birth control pills, it's essential to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and their effects on menstruation. Birth control pills, such as the one you mentioned (Yasmin or similar), contain hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. They can help in reducing the heaviness of menstrual bleeding and can also help in managing other symptoms associated with menstruation, such as cramps and mood swings.

In your case, since you have already completed the first pack of pills and are experiencing heavy menstrual flow, you might be wondering whether to continue taking the pills or to wait until your period ends. Generally, the recommendation is to continue taking the pills as directed, even if you are experiencing heavy bleeding. Here’s why:
1. Hormonal Regulation: Birth control pills work by providing a steady level of hormones in your body, which helps to regulate your menstrual cycle. If you stop taking the pills mid-cycle, it can lead to hormonal fluctuations that may worsen your symptoms or lead to irregular bleeding.

2. Reduction of Menstrual Flow: Many women find that their menstrual flow decreases after a few cycles of taking the pill. Continuing to take the pills can help in reducing the overall heaviness of your periods over time.

3. Avoiding Breakthrough Bleeding: If you stop taking the pills, you may experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting, which can be confusing and may not provide relief from your current symptoms.

4. Consulting with a Healthcare Provider: If you are concerned about the heaviness of your menstrual flow, it is always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider. They can assess your situation and determine if the current birth control method is appropriate for you or if adjustments need to be made.

5. Possible Alternatives: If heavy menstrual bleeding persists, your doctor may consider other options, such as a different type of birth control pill that is specifically designed to reduce menstrual flow or other treatments that can help manage heavy periods.

In summary, it is generally advisable to continue taking your birth control pills even if you are experiencing heavy menstrual flow. This approach helps maintain hormonal balance and can potentially reduce the heaviness of your periods in the long run. However, if you have ongoing concerns or if the bleeding is excessively heavy, it’s crucial to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and management options. They can provide guidance based on your specific health needs and circumstances.

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