Early Period

[kit355]

I have been on Birth Control for 3 years now, and very good with taking my pills. It is a Low dose birth control. However, over the passed 4 months, I have had spotting about 5 days before my expected period. I normally do not have sex, however, last month I had protected sex 3 days before my period, and had my regular period on time. This month, I started spotting about 8 days before my expected period and then had heavier bleeding 4 days before my expected period. I did not take my last active pill on the pack because of the bleeding. The flow is similar to my normal period, and I have experienced my normal mood swings and PMS symptoms this month. Not really sure why this bleeding is occurring. Is there a possibility that I am pregnant even though I have had my period right after the sex, and the strange early bleeding? Is there a change to my birth control Rx that i should make? How do I tell if this bleeding is what they call "breakthrough bleeding" or "implantation bleeding"? I have read around and seen that some say this is a very normal occurrence for taking birth control low doses for a while.

[kit355]

I went to my Gynecologist and she gave me a higher dose of Birth Control and found no cysts, no tumors, no STIs also a negative pregnancy test! She and I were able to figure out that my birth control was too low of a dose, and i was under an immense amount of stress

[kit355]

I did make an appointment with my Gynecologist, and consulted my doctor, I did end up getting my regular period on-time. Because I have been on the same pills for a few years now and I am older, they put me on the higher dose of the birth control I am currently on. This change in my period has been gradual and I did switch my diet significantly in the past 2 months. My doctor was almost positive the problem was the lack of hormones, thus increasing them. But I am having an exam on Monday with my Gyno. Will keep posted!  

[Arti Sharma, M.D.]

Hello,
A complete medical evaluation may be necessary for appropriate diagnosis and management of your condition. Bleeding in between periods and irregular periods can be due to several causes. The commonest cause of is hormonal imbalance. The two hormones regulating a woman’s cycle are estrogen and progesterone. If they get out of balance, one may have spotting.OC pills can also cause irregular bleeding.Pregnancy,pelvic inflammatory disease, STIs, atrophic vaginitis, cervical or endometrial polyps, cervical erosions are few common causes of bleeding in between periods.. Depending on your detailed symptoms and medical history your doctor may recommend a pelvic examination and other tests .Only after a detailed clinical evaluation the cause can be determined. Hope it really helps. Do keep us posted.
Take care and regards!