Is it normal to have breakthrough bleeding while on birth control?

Breakthrough bleeding is a common side effect of birth control. It’s especially common in the first 3 months of using hormonal contraceptives. It can also occur after you switch from one type of birth control to another, or from one pill to another with a different estrogen dose.

When should I be worried about breakthrough bleeding on the pill?

In one study, 1 out of every 10 women experienced breakthrough bleeding in their first six menstrual cycles on the pill. If you continue to experience breakthrough bleeding after 3 to 4 months, you may want to consult your healthcare provider to see if another pill or contraception may be better.

What does breakthrough bleeding on birth control look like?

The most common side effect of using birth control pills in this way is breakthrough bleeding in the first several months. You may even notice that the blood you see is dark brown, which may mean that it’s old blood.

How long does breakthrough bleeding last on birth control?

How long does breakthrough bleeding last? The length of breakthrough bleeding depends on the person. However, it should not last longer than seven days. If you are experiencing breakthrough bleeding while taking birth control continuously, it is best to go off of birth control for a week to let your uterus reset.

Why am I bleeding on birth control pills?

The bleeding you get when you’re on the pill is not the same as a menstrual period. Your period on the pill is technically called withdrawal bleeding, referring to the withdrawal of hormones in your pill, and in your body. The drop in hormone levels causes the lining of your uterus (the endometrium) to shed (1).

Does breakthrough bleeding mean birth control isn’t working?

In most cases, heavy spotting or breakthrough bleeding does not indicate that your birth control isn’t working. There are many reasons you might experience some spotting between periods while using birth control.

Why am I bleeding in the middle of my birth control pack?

Spotting often occurs in the first several months of taking a new birth control pill. It may take time for the pills to regulate the menstrual cycle as the body needs to adjust to the new hormone levels. As a result, a person may still experience some irregular bleeding between periods initially.

Why am I spotting on continuous birth control?

Sometimes breakthrough bleeding can occur, even though you are taking the Pill continuously. If the bleeding is light or just ‘spotting’ that lasts for two or three days, keep taking the hormone pills daily as you have been.

Why am I bleeding in the middle of my birth control pills?

Why did I get my period on birth control?

Your period on the pill is technically called withdrawal bleeding, referring to the withdrawal of hormones in your pill, and in your body. The drop in hormone levels causes the lining of your uterus (the endometrium) to shed (1). This bleeding may be slightly different than the period you had before taking the pill.