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. It also may change over time while taking the pill.
This is the primary way the pill prevents pregnancy. The hormones in the contraceptive pill stop and prevent your ovaries from preparing and releasing eggs.
The contraceptive pill prevents the lining of your uterus your endometrium from growing thicker, as it would in a typical menstrual cycle It also prevents ovulation and the typical cycling of reproductive hormones. When you have withdrawal bleeding, the bleeding tends to be lighter than normal menstrual bleeding. A few people may have only one day of bleeding mid-week, and others may have bleeding that extends into their next pill pack.
Up to 1 in 10 have no withdrawal bleeding at all not including spotting 5. Bleeding on the contraceptive pill is also likely to change over time. Bleeding also tended to decrease over time. No bleeding can also signal a pregnancy.
Spotting can happen outside of your usual withdrawal bleed time. This is called breakthrough bleeding. Spotting will often subside with the continued and regular use of birth control pills.
Anyone who is still experiencing spotting after 6 months of taking the pill should speak to a doctor. The doctor may recommend a different type of pill or investigate other possible causes of the bleeding. Spotting often occurs in the first 6 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.
Doctors do not fully understand why spotting occurs at this time. One possible reason is that an increase in progestin leads to changes in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium.
Progestin may thin the endometrial lining, which can cause some bleeding initially. A thinner lining helps prevent pregnancy as a fertilized egg cannot implant as effectively. If a person has taken birth control pills for more than 6 months and still experiences spotting, it may indicate another underlying condition.
However, most of the time, spotting occurs because the levels of hormones in birth control pills are not high enough to prevent occasional bleeding. The body may require more estrogen , which thickens the uterine lining and may reduce the likelihood of bleeding and spotting. Alternatively, the body may not respond as effectively to the synthetic progestin in the pills, allowing spotting to occur.
Neither of these issues is cause for concern, but both could indicate that the individual should try another pill type. These include:. If it has been longer than 6 months and spotting still occurs, switching to a different type of pill may help. Spotting may be light enough that a person does not have to wear a pad or tampon. However, some people may wish to wear a thin panty liner to avoid staining clothing.
A light or regular tampon can also help. While some people take birth control pills for decades without any problems, others experience troublesome side effects. Continue taking your pill as prescribed and contact your doctor. In many cases, the cause of the spotting is unknown and harmless. The estrogen in combination pills helps to stabilize the lining of the uterus. This can prevent irregular bleeding and spotting.
Women who take progestin-only pills may experience more frequent spotting. Irregular bleeding with cramps can also be a sign of pregnancy or miscarriage and may require medical attention. Women who take progestin-only pills are at higher risk of spotting. You may have an increased risk of spotting while on the pill if you smoke cigarettes. Let your doctor know of any smoking habits before you get a prescription so you can chat about the potential complications.
Women who take continuous birth control pills may also be at a higher risk of spotting. These pills include Seasonale, Seasonique, and Quartette. Occasionally, your doctor may advise you to take a short break from the continuous cycle of hormones to allow your body to have a short period. This may help resolve any irregular bleeding.
The pill is also associated with an increased risk of blood clotting. Blood clotting can lead to:. Most cases of spotting while on the pill are temporary and will resolve over time. Be sure to let your doctor know if you experience any of the following:. If you have unprotected sex after missing two or more pills or have sex with a partner who may have an STI, speak with your doctor. Once you rule out any underlying causes for your irregular bleeding, your doctor may prescribe a different type of pill or form of birth control.
Ask about pills that contain estrogen, since this hormone helps keep the lining of the uterus in place. Monophasic pills keep your levels of estrogen stable over the course of the month. Multiphasic pills change the levels at different points throughout your cycle.
Your body may react differently to higher or lower levels of estrogen, so only change pills under the direction of your doctor. These pills are safe, and your doctor will give you instructions on when to take them for the best results. Spotting typically resolves after the first three to four months of using birth control pills. One of the best ways to prevent or reduce spotting while on the pill is to take your medication at the same time each day.
This helps regulate your hormone levels. Wearing panty liners can help prevent unexpected accidents and stained clothing.
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