Starting spotting 8 days after period was due...what does it mean???

[jase2007]

For the past few months, my periods have not been regular. Feb 2-6, March 10-15, April 7-13 (Had spotting April 25-26) and then May, my period was supposed to have started May 4 or 5 and it didn't come. On May 11-14, I had some spotting. It was enough to wear a panti-liner but it wasn't really bright red, just brownish with a bit of pink. About three months ago, I switched my birth control pills. I don't know if the May 11-14 was my actual period but very light or what? I took a home pregnancy test on May 17 & it came back Neg. I am very confused...Can anyone help????

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
I can imagine that it would be a bit soon to consider another baby!
I doubt that you are pregnant.  The spotting is most likely due to your birth control.
If you forgot a pill, or even took one late ( eg afternoon instead of morning) that can trigger bleeding.  Alternatively ( because it sounds to me like you may be perfect with your pills ) it could be that because you have been on pills for awhile, your uterine lining is very thin.  Sometimes when the lining is very thin, bleeding occurs.  One option for management of that is to increase the dose of your pills for 1-3 months or simply take estrogen in addition to your pills.  This will thicken the lining and regenerate your period.

Good luck!
Dr B

[jase2007]

Just to provide an update...I started today, which is June 9. I am very happy and I feel that I can now take a good breath. Thank You.

[jase2007]

Just to add a bit more detail to my post above...Back in Feb, I was on Yaz & then in March, I switched over to Junel Fe and I have been on that since. My husband and I have been very careful to use a condom each time and I have been on BC, since the birth of our son back in 2007. I have been under a little bit of stress due to work, family, etc. Right now, I just don't want to have another child, if ever. (That spotting on April 25-26 was actually just like one day because it started mid-late day on the 25 and by lunch on the 26, it was done) HELP????