Birth Control Forum - Breakthrough Bleeding


Breakthrough Bleeding	Join us now!

Medical Questions-> Health Forums -> Birth Control -> Breakthrough Bleeding

Medical Questions

Author

Message

katiedp

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 13 Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Location: Toronto, Canada

Breakthrough Bleeding Posted: 12-13-05 15:04pm


This is my second try at this. It didn't accept my first post. I've been on four different brands of pill in past two years. It all began because I was 3 1/2 weeks late. The first pill made me bleed 45 out of 90 days. The second, alleviated the bleeding but after being on the pill for 5 months, my breakthrough bleeding increased. On the third pill, I bled every day the first month, a few days the second and none on the third, but on the fourth month, my bleeding began to increase again. I am now on my fourth brand of pill in two years. I've experienced short periods of breakthrough bleeding (about 5 days, mostly pink discharge) and in my fifth month, i'm now on my fifth day of my regular spotting and it doesn't seem to be letting off. I've been told that I cannot be put on a higher dosage pill due to a fibroid. I do not want to be taken off of the pill. During the switch between pill #2 and #3 my obgyn took me off of the pill for three months. My bleeding during this break was horrible, probably comporable to a urine stream. I also understand that I cannot take provera to minimize my menstral bleeding also because of my fibroid. What frustrates me the most is that I did not have any problems with my period before all of this started. Has this happened to anyone else out there?

Carifairy

Extremely EHEALTHy

Joined: 12 Nov 2005
Posts: 2580
Location: Charlotte n.c.

Thanks: 12

Thanked:0

Posted: 12-13-05 17:27pm


Yes unfortunately it is a common problem for many pill users. Breakthrough bleeding and spotting are common especially in low dose birth control pills, and can happen for the first 3-6 months. Normally 3 months is about the most. Have you ever tried nuva ring? Some women say they have very little breakthorugh bleeding, if any, with nuva ring. That is the only kind of birth control my sister can use, because it is the only one which does not cause the breakthough bleeding for her. It's lower dose than any pill too :)

katiedp

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 13 Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Location: Toronto, Canada

Posted: 12-13-05 18:55pm


Thanks. I'll take the nuva ring into consideration. I'm am concerned about the mood swings that it causes in some women because i'm prone to suffering from s.A.D. (aka winter blues). I'll consult my doctor about it. How many different types of pills did your sister take before she started using the nuva ring?

Carifairy

Extremely EHEALTHy

Joined: 12 Nov 2005
Posts: 2580
Location: Charlotte n.c.

Thanks: 12

Thanked:0

Posted: 12-13-05 20:41pm


She like me has taken almost all of them. I suffer from severe mood swings from pills. I suffer from moderate lifelong depression, and need meds everyday. She liked nuva ring because she never spotted. I use an iud because it is hormone free so I don't worry about side effects.:)

solar001

Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy

Joined: 23 Nov 2005
Posts: 82
Location: Weston, FL

Posted: 12-15-05 19:06pm


I just started nuvaring last month. I suffered from depression a few years back, and I was hesitant to try nuvaring because like most bc's, it can cause mood swings/ depression. I read that taking vitamin b6 can prevent this, so I take a woman's multi-vitamin that has a very hefty dosage of b6, b12, thiamin and riboflavin (these vitamins are found in b-complex vitamins) and I think that's why I haven't had any problems with depression or hair loss (b vitamins are also good for hair troubles), which are two of the biggest complaints that i've seen related to nuvaring.

katiedp

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 13 Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Location: Toronto, Canada

Posted: 12-15-05 22:08pm


I made an appointment with my doctor for tomorrow. My spotting hasn't stopped yet, and is increasing. I'm experiencing pms symptoms (back pain and cramping) and i've also noticed that I have developed a (painful) yeast infection, which I have read is not uncommon for someone taking a high dosage birth control pill and who wears tampons like I do. I'd like to know why I didn't experience any breakthrough bleeding the first time I went on the pill back in 2001 and now I seem to not be able to find a pill that doesn't cause breakthrough bleeding.

kranberriez

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 22 Jul 2006
Posts: 2
Location: Toronto

Regular Spotting Between Periods...help! Posted: 07-22-06 22:27pm


I dont know what to do. Iv been on the pill for about 3 yrs now, and in the last year iv started spotting regularly between periods. It starts exactly 1 week after my period is over, and continues to my actual period starts. Iv done all the tests the can be done, and thankfully everything is clear. I have changed my pill twice but it still continues. I dont experience any cramps, pain or any sort of discomfort. The only discomfort is the I have to wear pads/panty liners months on end. I started on alesse, then switched to triquilar. Triquilar was ok for about 2 years, and then the spotting started. Just recently my dr switched me to marvelon, im on my third month on marvelon, and nothings changed. I will be going back to the dr to either get a refill of marvelon, or perhaps hell swtich me to something else. I have a feeling tho that this problem wont go away!! The spotting starts of a light brown color, then gets reddish. The first week I dont really have to use a liner or anything. Then in the second week it gets a little heavier, where I have to wear a liner. And is still a light brown/red color. Then the week before my period, it turns into a light flowing period. I always get my period on time, and always regular cramps, flow etc. Nothing out of the ordinary. I dont know what to do. I dont want to go off the pill as I just wouldnt be comfortable having sex with only a condom and no pill. (we use a condom even though I am on the pill). But at the same time im so fed up with this constant annoying spotting that im almost thinking to go off the pill and become a nun! (no offense to anyone!!) ;) id like to hear from anyone out there, who shares the same problem as me, if you have any comments, suggestions, anything.

Tylanas

Especially EHEALTHy

Joined: 13 Jul 2005
Posts: 12985

Thanks: 3

Thanked:0

Posted: 07-23-06 13:21pm


Have your tried the orhto-tri-cyclen pills yet? There are at least two kinds, the regular dosage and ortho-lo (which i'm on). There is also a mini-pill but I don't know if it's in the same brand name as the ortho-pills.

kranberriez

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 22 Jul 2006
Posts: 2
Location: Toronto

Posted: 07-23-06 21:25pm


Hi, thanks for your response. No I havent tried the ortho pills, but I have heard of them. The last time I went to the dr, when he switched me to marvelon, he did ask me if I had a preference, and ofcourse at that time I couldnt think of any. Did u have the same problems prior to starting ortho? I wonder if I should continue marvelon for another 3 mths, and then switch and try ortho? I think ill read up on that a bit first. I have to go see the dr sometime next week to get a refill anyways, so I guess ill ask him about ortho and see what he says.

Tylanas

Especially EHEALTHy

Joined: 13 Jul 2005
Posts: 12985

Thanks: 3

Thanked:0

Posted: 07-24-06 13:39pm


I never had a problem with my periods before birth control. My periods were, however, closer to 35-40 days apart, lol. Also, I have what I would consider severe cramps, since I would on occasion miss a half day of school and/or puke because of the pain. After the pills, my cramps are what some might consider mild-to-moderate, but I no longer have to take pamprin! I also don't have spotting; but it may be a factor of my weight and height; i'm 5'2"/5'3"-ish and I only weight 100 lbs lol so it's possible that weight can be a factor in spotting.

merad1

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 17 Jun 2007
Posts: 1
Location: belleville

Clarafication About Bleeding Posted: 06-17-07 10:30am


Hi, I just started using the Nuva Ring about 3 months ago. I just got some bleeding but I'm not supposed to take the ring out until 4 days from now. I just want to make sure this is somewhat normal and nothing is wrong.

Tylanas

Especially EHEALTHy

Joined: 13 Jul 2005
Posts: 12985

Thanks: 3

Thanked:0

Posted: 06-17-07 12:05pm


Yes, I don't think early break through bleeding is abnormal with any horomonal birth control, especially if your cycle was very different from what the ring is setting it to.

angelrage

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 20 Aug 2007
Posts: 1

Breakthrough Bleeding Posted: 08-20-07 18:44pm


Do any doctors actually post here with advice? I was on the pill for a few years without any spotting, then off for 2 years, and now I'm back on it, but having problems with breakthrough bleeding. Over the course of the last year and a half, I've been on Ortho-tricyclen, Ortho-tricyclen Lo, Marvelon, and Marvelon (with only 3 days of placebos) accompanied by a daily dose of Premarin. I was on Premarin for 4 cycles and I've been off it for 1 and I'm still bleeding. I bleed 3 out of 4 weeks in a cycle... it's really annoying! I also suffer from pms the entire duration (with the acception of cramps & backache only during real menstruation). Not sure what to try next...

bellydancer7

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 23 Oct 2007
Posts: 29

Posted: 12-20-07 17:25pm


I have been on the Nuvaring for almost 6 months, and had a little spotting at first, then only light periods a few months after. A month ago, I decided to switch to 28 days in, 7 out, and this month, I have had relatively heavy bleeding 1 week before removal! I think it's ok, though. It's funny. The spotting started exactly at 10:00 am on Monday, which was exactly when I used to remove it! Well, it still is, but one week later. I jusst wonder if I'll get my period on the ring-free week, too. I'll have to admit, the idea of early miscarriage popped into my mind for half a minute-you never know! But it's unlikely. I'll just have to wait it out.

anniek

Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy

Joined: 02 Sep 2007
Posts: 420
Location: , Iowa Usa

Thanks: 15

Thanked:2

Posted: 12-20-07 20:33pm


Oh my gosh I'm not alone in this world!!! (I posted in Womens chat about the same thing) I have been on the patch, the ring, had a 2 month break and now I'm on lo ovral. But I did well when I was off bc for 2 months. The bleeding finally stopped. But I have to be on bc. I also have to be careful what I take because I ended up pregnant while on bc so my dr doesn't want to put on certain ones because the contain the same hormone that must not work for me. I'm waiting for my dr to get back so I can talk to him again. I too get yeast infections ever since this started. And now get pains in my right leg while bleeding. I'm really getting upset because I don't know what to do! So I'm really glad you posted I don't feel so alone. You can alway pm me if you want to vent I know it makes me at least feel better.

bellydancer7

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 23 Oct 2007
Posts: 29

Posted: 12-23-07 12:21pm


yes, Nuvaring's been pretty good to me until now. I've felt so moody the past few days. And the bleeding's making me tired. I'll let you all know how this pans out. I hope and pray my cycle with regulate, and I won't have to deal with this again! I don't want to stop taking the Ring.

bellydancer7

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 23 Oct 2007
Posts: 29

Posted: 12-26-07 07:25am


Ok, so I'm on my ring-break now, and the bleeding is only spotting. This is a good sign! I think this will all even out.

ibby28

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 03 Mar 2008
Posts: 1

AT MY WITT'S END Posted: 03-03-08 12:39pm


I have always had an irregular period. It's always very painful, sometimes late, also the cramps can last all month. So I go to my gyno and he suggest's birth control as he is rushing me along b/c the office packed and always is!!! I start the b/c and everting was ok for about 5 days then i got it again. Call the doc service and he says tylenol or e.r..By the way i hate hospitals so i opted not to go just work through all the pain, heavy bleeding and clotting. NOW I have a 3rd time. I don't know what to do and I don't know why this is happening. I am seriously considering the dreded e.r.

Tylanas

Especially EHEALTHy

Joined: 13 Jul 2005
Posts: 12985

Thanks: 3

Thanked:0

Posted: 03-03-08 22:42pm


You've had 3 periods in one month? I'm not sure what you're asking. Having periods in the way you do is an actual medical condition that can be controlled and "fixed" to an extent, but it does involve doctors and clinics. So you'll either have to get over your fears, or live a life of pain.