Breakthrough Bleeding?
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| Thu, 03-23-2006 - 6:34pm |
Hello all,
This is my first time posting to this board and I would like to hear your thoughts. I am going to apologize as this might be a bit long, but I thought if you have my history it might help. I have PCOS and had been on BC for about 12 years, there was a period of time that I did not need to worry about BC so I decided (with my doctors approval) to take a break from the pills if I could. I did for 4 years. Recently I started them again, I went right back to the same brand (Levora) - I went through so many during my 12 year period to find the best one for my condition and this was it. I decided (since I had done this in the past) that I would skip the placebos so that I would skip my period -the first month went fine. About 1/2 way through the 2nd month I missed a night (Sunday night). I noticed it on Monday night so I doubled up - taking Sundays pill on Monday night, Mondays pill on Tuesday morning and back on track Tuesday night. Perhaps this was not the best practice but again, I had done this in the past with no issues.
Well, Wednesday/Thursday of that week I noticed I had dark discharge, not heavy but definitly there. This has gone on for about a week now, sometimes it seems to let up and I think it is going to be finished but over the last day or so I have noticed some actual "bleeding" (sorry about being so descriptive). When should I worry and make an appointment to see my doctor? My normal period would last about a week so I am hoping this will stop soon.
Again, sorry this is so long, thank you for reading it and I appreciate any feedback.
Free

Hi freespirit_gal, welcome!
Irregular bleeding is a very common side effect when starting or switching hormonal methods, so I’ll bet that is what is going on. It usually takes about 3 cycles to adjust and any side effects should decrease and disappear in that time if the method is right for you. Not all women can skip their periods successfully and for those who can they stand the best chance of skipping after the 3 cycle adjustment interval. I’m thinking you just hadn’t given yourself enough time to adjust before you tried skipping.
The bleeding probably won’t stop until you take a few hormone-free days for your period. Since you have been taking active pills for more than 21 days in a row you can stop your active pills now (or on some more convenient day) and get your period and then start a new pack of pills. You should go no more than 7 24-hour hormone-free days to retain your protection. Getting your period should reset your cycle. Keep the partial pack of active pills for use in case you vomit or lose a pill.
Once you start again if things haven't settled down by the 4th cycle you have given the pill a good try and it's time to talk with your doctor about switching to something else. For more about side effects see the posts in our FAQs about common side effects and irregular bleeding.
Thanks for posting. More questions? If so, please ask. Let us know how you're doing, ok?
Good luck,
Jill
I agree with Jill, it may have been too early to try to skip your period yet, but the bleeding may be more influenced by that missed pill on Sunday night.
Ladies,
Thank you so much for your responses, I feel much better and will take your advice.
Thanks again!
freespirit_gal