Question about btb

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-07-2003
Question about btb
3
Wed, 08-11-2004 - 4:33pm
Hi everyone!

OK, this is the situation: I used to be on regular Ortho-Tricyclen, but after 2 years on it I had to switch because I was having breakthrough bleeding between the second and third weeks of active pills from the estrogen-progestin hormonal difference. It was the only problem I ever had with it, but I switched to Yasmin for 5 months, which I didn't like, so I decided to go for Ortho-Tricyclen Lo, thinking that I wouldn't have the btb problem with the lower estrogen in this version. However, I'm finishing my 4th month on OTC-Lo, and had a bit of btb, again, between the 2nd and 3rd week of active pills. It was very, very light, lighter than it was on the regular Ortho, but it still left me feeling slightly disturbed, because I like these pills; I don't want to have to switch pills AGAIN. Has this happened to anyone else on OTC Lo? I haven't been on antibiotics, suffered from upset stomache, nor taken any diet supplements or Snt. John's Wort, and I've been taking them regularly and on-time every day; no late or missed pills. I mean, I haven't done anything that could be affecting its effectiveness...though I'm still moved to ask the million-dollar question: this doesn't really mean that they aren't working, right? And if they are working, and the btb is this light (it's not a major inconvenience), is it OK if I stay on these pills, would I be at risk for some kind of health problem? And my other concern: I had sex with my bf the days I had btb (I noticed it inmediately after)...since I was taking the pills correctly and the btb isn't supposed to mean the pill isn't working, I should be alright, right?

Does anyone know an answer to any or all of these questions?

Thanks for bearing with me. <:) And thank you in advance for any help/advice you might be able to give me.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 08-11-2004 - 5:26pm
Hi Dianna, welcome back!

If you have been taking your pills correctly then you should be quite safe. Irregular bleeding does not mean your pills are not working to protect you from pregnancy. Ovulation suppression and endometrium control are two different functions of the pill. See: “Irregular Bleeding Anyone” in the FAQs at the top of the board. Are you dieting? If you are loosing weight burning fat releases estrogen which can sometimes cause irregular bleeding.

If you are willing to put up with very light spotting, that’s entirely up to you. Unless you are anemic there should be no health problem in doing so but you might want to ask your doctor and see what s/he says. Let us know what you decide.

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-07-2003
Wed, 08-11-2004 - 8:55pm
Thanks Jill!

About your question: I haven't really been dieting. I mean, I'm not on the low-carb diet nor any of the other fad diets, nor taking any weight-loss supplements. I have been watching what I eat, though, and have lost some weight, but it hasn't been anything drastic. I mean, I haven't cut a whole lot of calories suddenly, and I've been dropping about 1 lb. a week, which is supposed to be the healthy way. Could that be it, then? Does this affect the pill's effectiveness, or does it just do that, raise estrogen levels? Should I be concerned?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 08-11-2004 - 9:41pm
Hi dianna,

No you shouldn't be concerned. The effectiveness of your pills isn't reduced by gradually loosing weight. A pound a week! Good for you! If you are very sensitive to your hormone levels and on a low estrogen pill I think that might be the cause. When you get your weight where you want it see if the spotting stops. You'll let us know, right?

Good luck,

      Jill