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Maternal (Expert Forum)
Birth control pills and light periods
Patient medical question and answer from The Maternal and Child Health Forum. Health topic area and articles about newborn care
Birth control pills and light periods
by Monica__0, Apr 08, 1999 12:00AM
I am on birth control pills and I don't think I missed any this month. On the day my period was due, I started spotting. It has been very light, and I don't have bad cramps like I usually do. This has happened before at least once. I am not taking any antibiotics. The only medication I was taking was phentermine, for weight loss. Could I be pregnant? Should I get a test, and if so, when?
Doctor's Answer
by hfhs.md.db, Apr 08, 1999 12:00AM
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This is a common question for women on oral contraceptive pills (OCP's). Over the course of time, OCP's gradually thin out the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). This results in generally lighter and lighter periods, and, for some women, actually missing a period. As long as there is at least some spotting, pregnancy is extremely unlikely.
These lighter or missed periods are not harmful. To increase the menstrual flow (if a patient desires), I will often prescribe a short course of estrogen (such as Premarin 1.25 to 2.5 mg per day) for the first 10 days of the next cycle to replenish the endometrium.
