bleeding 4 days after my regular cycle

i want 2 ask u that i had started bleedin again just 4 days after my menstration ended n i must tell u i was takin birth control pills.when my periods starrted the blood flow was ok for 2 days then suddenly it stopped n then its was spotting for 8 days but usually my cycle is for 7 days in which i use 2 bleed for 4 days then its spotting n at times it is heavy but it ends on 7th day so could u tell me that wat is the cause is it cause of the pills i was takin coz i never had such experience my age is 31 n i ve 2 kids

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
It is likely that the contraceptive pills caused the changes in your menstrual cycle.
If you recently started pills, or if you have been using them and missed a pill at any point, then we would describe the bleeding as break through bleeding.  If you continue to use your pills as directed, the bleeding should become regular again (as long as you don't miss any pills).  If it doesn't, you may want to change your contraceptive.  Oh and also, whenever there is unusual bleeding, I recommend a pregnancy test -- just to be safe.
Good luck!
Dr B