just started patch - longer bleeding?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-14-2003
just started patch - longer bleeding?
5
Thu, 03-04-2004 - 10:08am
Hi,

I just started the patch last wednesday (this is my very first birth control ever) on the first day of my period. My period was supposed to end on Mon. But I am still bleeding. The bleeding has been light (for a period, but heavy for spotting.) Is this normal? How much longer am i going to bleed? Have any of you had this side effect.

I also feel like i am bloating, but i heard this is a normal side effect.

your comments are much appreciated.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 03-07-2004 - 9:56am
Hi nejesi, welcome!

Irregular bleeding can be a common side effect for the first several cycles when starting hormonal contraceptives. It takes about 90 days for your body to become accustomed to the new hormones you are putting in it. The side effects should begin to reduce over time. I hope other patch users will share their experiences. Post and let us know how you are doing, ok?

Good luck

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
Sun, 03-07-2004 - 1:37pm
If your patch change day is Wednesday, then when you put your first new patch on Wednesday, the hormones in the patch will tell your body to stop bleeding if you haven't already.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-19-2003
Tue, 03-09-2004 - 4:31pm
when i first went on the patch (over a year ago) my body acted a little funny for about the first month and a half. Your body isn't used to all these hormones and it's bound to act a little funny as it adusts. My patch change day is monday and on my week off I generally don't get my period until friday- occasionally saturday. This makes it so that I will sometimes still be bleeding when it's time for my next patch, but you just have to stick to your patch change day and keep on truckin' I know it's annoying to have to wait 3 months or so for your body to regulate itself on the patch, but hopefully you'll think it's worth it once everything starts running smoothly. good luck!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2004
Wed, 03-10-2004 - 12:56am
I'm having the same problem! see my discussion for their advice...
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-14-2003
Sat, 03-20-2004 - 8:19pm
thanks for everyone's advice. i really appreciate it.

I spotted for the 3 weeks on the patch and am on my off patch week. i got my period. so I am going to keep going and see where i am in 3 months. thanks again!