Strange spotting on the pill?!
Question: After several years of Ortho Tri Cyclen, I was switched to Ortho Cyclen back in June. I've had some spotting about a week before my period, which I was told is normal. By November, things were back to normal. In December, I skipped my placebos since I didn't want to have my period on Christmas. I went back to taking the placebos last month and my period was odd - some brownish/red discharge for about a week and then about 2 days of actual bleeding and that was it. I'm due to get my next period tomorrow and since Saturday, I've had some light spotting (slightly heavier in the morning but not enough for a tampon) and cramps. It varies from light pink/red to mostly a brownish color. Is this because my body is still getting back on track from skipping a month? Last month, my doc told me that an abnormal period after skipping one is common but I'm confused about the spotting this month. Usually it's a week before, if anything. Not a couple days before. Thanks!
Answers: After several years of Ortho Tri Cyclen, I was switched to Ortho Cyclen back in June. I've had some spotting about a week before my period, which I was told is normal. By November, things were back to normal. In December, I skipped my placebos since I didn't want to have my period on Christmas. I went back to taking the placebos last month and my period was odd - some brownish/red discharge for about a week and then about 2 days of actual bleeding and that was it. I'm due to get my next period tomorrow and since Saturday, I've had some light spotting (slightly heavier in the morning but not enough for a tampon) and cramps. It varies from light pink/red to mostly a brownish color. Is this because my body is still getting back on track from skipping a month? Last month, my doc told me that an abnormal period after skipping one is common but I'm confused about the spotting this month. Usually it's a week before, if anything. Not a couple days before. Thanks!
You are one of the chosen ones... I am lucky enough to be one aswell...;) i have the same issue except i have heavy spotting or a lighter period at least 1 week and then my heavier period 2 weeks outta the month.. so a total of 3 weeks outta 4 i have my period .... My OBGYN said Its normal to have a lil bit of spotting.... you can switch pills to help regulate or bring the timespan down to 3-4 days but be grateful that you only have to put up with it 2 weeks... instead of 3
It was most likely because you skipped the placebo pills. Going continuallously will cause spotting/light bleeding at an odd time...although for some women who suffer from endometriosis, their doctors advise them on taking the pill continuously for 3 months straight. Spotting is INCREDIBLY common when you are on the pill so I wouldn't be too worried about it. Plus if you tend to take your pill within a 2 hr window, that will contribute to the breakthrough bleeding/spotting. I believe the "ideal" window of time is like 15 minutes or something.
I wouldn't be too worried if I were you...if it keeps up and doesn't stop for a couple of weeks, then I'd be a little concerned and go to the doctor.