If you are having breakthrough bleeding, or otherwise irregular periods, while taking birth control, the pill you’re on may not be right for you or could indicate something more serious.
Assuming you take the pill on time and don't miss any, it should regulate your period, and provide some possible secondary benefit (acne control, decreased or diminished periods, help treat cyclical mood disorder symptoms, etc.).
I started taking the Yaz® birth control pill for its advertised effectiveness against PMDD symptoms. I understand that taking birth control isn’t the primary method for treating mood disorder, but if it helps, why not? I’m all about killing two or more birds with one stone whenever possible.
I recently visited with a nurse practitioner at my OB/GYN's office for my annual exam. I was mildly concerned about the spotting between periods, so I decided to mention it. I had heard and read in the product literature that women taking the pill could experience some spotting between periods.
I had no idea that what I was experiencing was indicative this pill might not be the right choice for me. In some cases, breakthrough bleeding could be indicative of a more serious issue, like fibroids, polyps, infection, or disease, so it’s best to contact your OB/GYN’s office for direction if it happens. I found this article online to help explain abnormal uterine bleeding further: http://www.uptodate.com/patients/content/topic.do?topicKey=wom_issu/2281
The nurse practitioner did my pap & pelvic exam as scheduled. The pap came back normal, so she said that the pill was on top of her list of possible reasons. She told me that it’s typical that all women may have breakthrough bleeding on any particular pill.
I was instructed to finish the pack I’m currently on, and to try a different pill next. After three months if I’m still experiencing breakthrough bleeding, I need to contact the OB/GYN office again. At that time, a sonogram may be needed to delve further into the problem.
Christine Jeffries is a writer/editor for work and at heart, and lives in a home of testosterone with her husband and two sons. Christine is interested in women’s health and promoting strong women.
Resources
Patient Information: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (www.uptodate.com)