Breaktrough Bleeding on Alesse

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-24-2003
Breaktrough Bleeding on Alesse
9
Tue, 04-13-2004 - 11:12pm
I started Alesse(this is my first month) on 28th of March, on the 6th of April I started bleeding(10 days after starting Alesse). I am still bleeding to this day which will be the 8th day I am bleeding. It's not getting lighter, but in fact, it might even be getting heavier(it alternates).

I called my GYN and asked her if it's normal to bleed for so long and she told me that I could bleed for months for all she knows. What the? Is that true? I mean, when they say breakthrough bleeding, they mean bleeding or spotting for no longer than 7 days(I consider it normal because I had a breakthrough bleeding before on OrthoTriCyclen), but months? Isn't it abnormal?

I was on the ring before that and had no problem with spotting...

Is my doctor right? Or should I call her and verify about that?

Thank you all in advance!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 04-13-2004 - 11:33pm
Hi Latvian amber,

It usually takes 3 or 4 cycles on a new pill for your body to adjust to the hormones. Hopefully any side effects will become less pronounced and then disappear in that time. But, if the mix of hormones isn’t right for you, then maybe not. It’s a pretty individual thing so no one can say for sure. Three cycles is considered enough time to give a new pill a good try before asking for a pill change.

Good luck

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-24-2003
Wed, 04-14-2004 - 12:20am
So it is normal to literally bleed for 3 weeks? I am just worrying. :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-05-2004
Wed, 04-14-2004 - 10:17am
I'm also on Alesse for the first time, I started the sugar pills of my first pack on Sunday but have been bleeding since the Monday before that! I know that's not as early as you started, but thought it might make you feel a little better to know you're not the only one going through the Alesse breakthrough bleeding! So let's hang in there and hope our bodies adujust really soon! :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-30-2003
Wed, 04-14-2004 - 10:50am
I would also get a more compassionate ob/gyn! I had NO bleeding on the Alesse
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-24-2003
Wed, 04-14-2004 - 11:23am
So you are bleeding since the 5th? Sorry if I didn't understand...

I was on NUVA ring before that and I had NO problems except for the discharge... I also am not taking Alesse at the same time every day(I just forget!)... Maybe that's another reason I am bleeding...

Thank you for your reply!
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-24-2003
Wed, 04-14-2004 - 11:26am
This is my second one though. I just wish they would be more compassionate, you are right, because when I talk to my OB/GYN it just seems that she doesn't listen... Like she has an answer BEFORE I say something...
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 04-14-2004 - 2:41pm
Hi latvianamber,

Not taking your pill at the same time each day can absolutely cause irreg. bleeding in some women. This board considers +/-2 hours of your regular pill time to be ‘on time.’ If you have been further off than that you might want to set a watch alarm or a reminder on your cell phone or computer to alert you to your pill time. Let us know how you’re doing, ok?

Good luck

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-24-2003
Wed, 04-14-2004 - 10:17pm
I missed the exact time a couple of times but it's usually by an hour or two, no more. I am still bleeding though, it's the 9th day.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 04-14-2004 - 11:16pm
I don't think I would call it 'normal' but prolonged bleeding during the first pack or two of a new pill is not unheard of. I'm sorry you are having this problem but there is no way to tell how your body will react to a given pill until you try it. Perhaps that is what your doctor was trying to say. Three packs is the accepted length of time to say that you have given a pill a good try. I'm sorry I don't have better news.

Hugs,

      Jill