side effects timing question?

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-15-2002
side effects timing question?
2
Fri, 03-24-2006 - 9:47pm
Hi, I have another question. I have been on the pill now for only about two weeks. I didn't have any significant side effects until today, I have a headache and nausea. Now I realize I could just be getting sick or something else, but was wondering if it could take that long for my body to react to the hormones in the pill. I also have had some very light spotting, which I read can be normal but was wondering exactly why that would happen. I normally have very long cycles and so it should be nowhere near the point that my body would be trying to have a period. I did take one of my pills a little later in the day this week, could that effect it enough to have a slight drop in hormones to cause bleeding and should I be using a backup method for a few days? Thanks.

Miriam, mom to Elise (9), Will (5), Seth (3), Emma (in heaven), and little one due 06/17/13

Family Photo

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sat, 03-25-2006 - 12:35pm

Hi mimimommy2005, welcome!

Nausea and irregular bleeding are very common side effects when starting or switching hormonal contraceptives so I think that is probably what's going on. It usually takes about 3 cycles for your body to adjust to the hormones in a pill. Side effects can occur at any time but are more common in the early days of the adjustment rather than later. A late pill could trigger spotting especially, I think, while you are adjusting to the hormones.

Your cycle should now be under control of the hormones in your pills and should be 28 days in length if you count the 21 active pills plus the 7 placebos. This board recommends using back-up for the entire first cycle on a pill while you are learning to take your pills correctly so that if you miss or are late with a pill it's not a major mistake.

Since you’re new to hormonal contraceptives you might want to read the posts in our FAQs about common pill side effects, irregular bleeding and taking your pill corerectly.

Thanks for posting. Please ask if you have more questions. I hope you're feeling better soon. Let us know how you're doing, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-15-2002
Sat, 03-25-2006 - 1:37pm
Thanks for the advice. I did read the other posts and this is actually the second time I've been on these pills though it's been several years between. Anyway, I am feeling better today, but still have some very light spotting. I will wait and see how the rest of the cycle goes.

Miriam, mom to Elise (9), Will (5), Seth (3), Emma (in heaven), and little one due 06/17/13

Family Photo