Hey ladies! I've got a question concerning the "Progesterone only Birth Control Pill." I've been taking it since 6 weeks after I had my baby (I'm nursing). No problems until about three months ago. It's a 28 day package and then once you finish that, you move right into the next package ( = Supposedly, no periods). I know there can be some spotting while taking the pill and When I started I had about 2 days a month with light spotting. Three months ago, though, I started having heavy bleeding that would last about 4 days and it started happening every 2 weeks, at least! Once, I "finished" bleeding and 2 days later started again.
Is there a problem with my reproductive system? Should I be worried? Should I ask a doctor? Could this be because I'm nursing less? Should I switch birth control?
Anyone else experienced this with this pill? Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time!
Thanks to everyone for their responses!!! It was great to hear from you all so quickly.
Just some more info. in case other people can relate: I've been taking the POP for 8 1/2 months and was having a "period," once a month, very light, for about two days. The time I became concerned (about 3 months ago) was when my "period" started coming once every two weeks, is quite heavy, and lasts 4 + days.
When I wrote yesterday, I had just finished a 4 day period (quite heavy) and had one day without bleeding before I started again, heavy, clots, cramps, etc... I called my Dr. and have an appointment scheduled for Monday. I'll see about changing b/c or maybe quitting pills altogether.
Another random concern... I haven't been without birth control pills for the last 4 1/2 years. I started after I had surgery (16 years old) to have my fallopian tube removed. I never quit bleeding after surgery. I took b/c for 3 months and then quit,(per Dr. recommendation) hoping my cycle would regulate. It didn't. I just didn't have a period for 5 months, then started bleeding for 3 months straight, became anemic, and started back on b/c. I've been on it ever since (except for one month when I was going to switch to a different kind, waited for my period, and took a pregnancy test instead. :0) ). I'm wondering if my body will regulate itself after having a baby?? I guess we'll see.
Sorry this is so long. I appreciate all your help and advice!!!! <><
Write all your questions down about this and call the doctor's office that prescribed the meds, you will be put in touch with the nurse, and ask her these specific questions, they may want to see you and change you to something else.
My advice to anyone taking the pill as a form of birth control is to always be careful and to check with your doctor if you are unsure of something... Altho with any medication and supplement it takes at least three months before it adjusts to your system.
One more word of caution... I have known of two people that have had very bad issues happen and can no longer take the pill as a form of b/c. I, myself have my samples sitting in my cupboard still after this occurrence as I decided the risks just did not outweigh the rest.
Good luck, and chances are you are okay and just adjusting. Make sure too, that this is not the pill you need to have your potasium levels check with?
hi! I thought that I was the only one who went through that! when my daughter was about 10 months old and I was nursing less I started to get my periods back too! about every other week and Id only have a couple days off or so...they told me that it was called "breakthrough" bleeding and my periods didnt regulate until I stopped nursing (she weined herself at 11 months) and took regular birth control...but If you plan on nursing for a longer period of time I would just call and see if your dr has any suggestions...I waited it out...good luck :)
I would consult your doctor. I don't know from experience, but after my baby was born (5.5 months ago) my doctor and I were discussing birth controll. I asked about those kinds of pills that you only have a period every 3 months and my doctor said that those pills weren't that effective. She said that you spot or bleed when you're not supposed to and they really don't work (for regulating your period). So, I chose another method. But, I would talk to your doctor and see what they say.
Hi C., I have been on this same pill since my daughter was born in Oct. and I have not had any bleeding. I didn't with my other children either. I do know that when I was down to just a few feedings a day that I needed to change to a different pill. So you may want to call your Doctor for a new prescription before you have a little surprise. Good Luck!
I've heard that this pill can cause (or increased risk) of blood clots b/c you do not get a period. I read an email (circulated, not sure if it was true or "urban legend") that one woman died from it.
I would check with your dr.
Well, a 28-day supply does not equal no periods. They include several (it varies from brand) days of sugar pills to allow your body to produce a period. I think only 21-day or 3-month formulas allow you to skip.
I was on POPs for awhile to try and allieviate estrogen-withdrawal migraines (didn't really help) and I remember some breakthrough.
I've always been irregular (five or six months nothing, then near hemorrhage for months) and have gone through many types of BC to regulate.
What I find helpful is to take Raspberry Leaf supplements to lessen the flow. Works like a charm for me.
Seriously though, I'd go get checked out by your GYN to rule out reproductive issues. There are some things that can be done to help out with excessive flow. My sister had some miracle procedure where they took a laser and sloughed off the lining to eliminate extra tissue up there to lessen her time.
Hello!
By all means call or go to your doctor! Anytime you start bleeding like that call or go to the doctor, just to be safe. Even if it stops I would still call and let them know what happened and see what they suggest.
I hope you get this under control soon; sounds horrible!
~J.
Your experience is not unusual at all. The progesterone only pills are not as forgiving as the estrogen-containing type. They need to be taken at the same time every day. Any slight variation can lead to irregular bleeding. Even if you take them consistently, you can have irregular bleeding.
I was on them for 15 months after my last pregnancy. It seemed like the longer I was on them, the more frequent and heavier my periods became. I think what you're describing is normal, but it's always good to check with your doctor if you're concerned about a problem.
I wouldn't switch to another type of pill until you're baby is ready to wean. Any of the estrogen containing pills will dry up your milk. You can use a barrier method if you want to keep nursing but can't stand the unpredictable bleeding.
Good luck!
I'm not sure which exact pill you are taking. But I was on Yasmin for awhile (same reason.. to stop periods.. because of my endemetriosis pain...) I couldnt continue to take it because I bled practically all month.. It was horrible! Ask your doctor to try another pill.
I was also on the progesterone only pill. I had spotting and the almost constant period. Apparently that is a problem with this form of pill..nice to know before huh?! This is break through bleeding- and I guess means your pill is not working. My doctor took me off the pill until I finish nursing. He said it is very common for the progesterone only pill not to work, it is a "hard pill to use". He did not have any other suggestions, but maybe your doctor will.
Hello- I was on this pill as well, and nursing and I had full periods. My body never really excepted the idea of me breast feeding so I hardly produced milk but tried for almost 4 months...however I had periods starting about 2 months after the baby was born. Don't be a worry wart!
My OB told me that the progesterone only pills are only effective if you are nursing at least FIVE times a day. With you daughter being older (and I assume eating solids) I wonder if she isnt nursing enough to get the progesterone only pills to really work. I would strongly encourage you to talk to your doctor about this as it may be time to switch to something else!
ONLY your doctor can answer these questions. There are so many possibilities that could be the culprit, and some of those require specific testing to diagnose. It could be (and prob. is) a simple solution, but better to know that for sure!
~L.
I am a grandma with no knowledge of the new birth control pills. But having had trouble with hormone replacement when I was in menopause I would say that you should see your doctor first and foremost. It does not sound right what you are experinecing.
J. N
I tried taking birth control pills many years ago. I was prescribed several different kinds. Every kind I tried my body didn't like. I was on my period 3 weeks and off 1 week. I desided to try other things.
I would talk to your doctor. Birth Control pills are not for everyone.
C.
I have a 18 month old son and have been on the progestrone only pill since he was 2 months old. I have always had regular monthly periods on this pill which last around 4 days and are moderate in flow. I only breatfed for about two weeks on this pill (we did not have a very successful breastfeeding experience) so I don't know if that would make a difference. With that dramatic of a change I would call your doctor and see what their thoughts are.
Yes, talk to the doctor that prescribed the pills.
Hi,
I am going through this issue right now! My son is almost 8 months old and it seems I have been bleeding non-stop since I had him! I went to my gyno and he kept blowing me off. He put me on two different pills and said, it's just my body adjusting. Well, he isn't the one that has pain, cramping and exahuasted from bleeding three times per month! I went to a differnt doc, "female" and she did a pap, ultrasound and blood test and everything came back fine, so I see her next month and we will decide where to go from here. I stopped taking the b/c two weeks ago and have not had any bleeding so far, hopefully I will make it another 2 weeks! I feel for you, see your doc, and find another if he/she doesn't try to figure out the problem!
I also took the Progesterone pill but didn't have any bleeding. Definately could be about nursing less. Progesterone may not be the right bc for you if you aren't nursing full time any more. You should contact your doctor right away, you may only have to call to get your answer. I wouldn't fool around with any issues when it comes to your reproductive system, especially if you want to have more children!!
I tried that pill as well and the same thing happened to me. You can either stick with it...I think my Dr. said it could last up to a year to steady itself out or you could just keep bleeding all the time. I had stuck with it for 6-7 months but since even at a year there was no guarentee that it would stop, (just that it could) and the fact that I was surely anemic and tired all the time I stopped and went back to a regular low hormone pill.
I'd talk to your Dr. about it and see what they recommend for you. I was at one time also on the Depo shot which after a year did the same thing. While it worked it was wonderful though...no pms :)
yes you should talk to your dr. you probably need a different birht control med.
no you shouldnt worry. your reproductive system is probably fine.. but the pill is not workinf for you.
Definitely ask your doctor, but I am on a POP as well and my doctor told me it is NOT the one where you don't get a period. I spotted terribly for the first 3 months, like my doctor said I would, then it leveled out and I didn't get a period for 2 months. Now, after about 7 months on it, I'm more regular, but still get a period. Most importantly, my periods aren't as heavy and my hormones (mood!) seem to have leveled out. No more terrible PMS! Don't give up yet, stick it out a little. It's better for your body than some other birth control pills because it doesn't affect your vascular system, reducing the risk for blood clots and migraines. (That's what my doctor told me and I have few problems on it) Good luck.
