Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
Last Reply:
Includes Expert Content
BTB on Pill
avatar
Duke82 posted:
I gave birth in August of 2011. My doctor started me on Beyaz in November. I was steady on the pill until April, when we had an insurance change. I was forced to stop taking my pill for a few weeks until my new insurance went into effect due to the high cost of the pill without insurance. I have been back on the same pill now for three weeks and I have had BTB for about a week or so now during the normal pill cycle, NOT during my estimated period week. The bleeding is light pink to red. Its there everytime I wipe. Is this a result of being off the pill for those few weeks and then getting back on the pill or could I be pregnant? My doctor warned me back in November that my period could come during my normal pill cycle but that was when I had just started it after giving birth. Does that apply anytime you are off the pill then restart the pill? I am just a little nervous and not sure if I should be concerned.
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:BTB on PillI gave birth in August of 2011. My doctor started me on Beyaz in November. I was steady on the pill until April, when we had an insurance change. I was forced to stop taking my pill for a few weeks until my new insurance went into effect due to the high cost of the pill without insurance. I have been back on the same pill now for three weeks and I have had BTB for about a week or so now during the normal pill cycle, NOT during my estimated period week. The bleeding is light pink to red. Its there everytime I wipe. Is this a result of being off the pill for those few weeks and then getting back on the pill or could I be pregnant? My doctor warned me back in November that my period could come during my normal pill cycle but that was when I had just started it after giving birth. Does that apply anytime you are off the pill then restart the pill? I am just a little nervous and not sure if I should be concerned.
Reply
 
avatar
Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:
Dear Duke: As always one should rule out pregnancy--just for the peace of mind. If the test is negative (which I would hope it would be) then it is breakthrough bleeding (BTB). BTB can be a common side effect of most types of hormonal birth control (eg pills/patch/ring/shot/Mirena IUD). Among birth control pill users BTB frequently occurs after a missed or late pill. In your case it was like you missed a few weeks of pills. Then, unless you restarted after a natural period (not a hormone withdrawal bleed) you started in the middle of "who knows where" in your own hormones. That can elicit BTB.

When a woman uses hormonal birth control it can make the lining of the uterus more unstable--so it is easier to have some of it begin to shed. Sometimes the lining is less stable because the hormones make the lining much thinner (actually this is good as a thin lining is a healthy lining). Sometimes the lining is unstable because the hormones can make parts of the lining out of synch. In your case BTB could be triggered by either or both.

Bottom line, BTB on hormonal methods of birth control is a nuisance side effect. The protection from pregnancy is still in effect. If your poor cycle control persists you should return to your GYN or clinic. Often a change in the brand, or formula, of birth control pill will fix the problem. I would hope that your current BTB will resolve after this initial re-start pack.

Yours,
Jane
Report This| Share this:BTB on PillDear Duke: As always one should rule out pregnancy--just for the peace of mind. If the test is negative (which I would hope it would be) then it is breakthrough bleeding (BTB). BTB can be a common side effect of most types of hormonal birth control (eg pills/patch/ring/shot/Mirena IUD). Among birth control pill users BTB frequently occurs after a missed or late pill. In your case it was like you missed a few weeks of pills. Then, unless you restarted after a natural period (not a hormone withdrawal bleed) you started in the middle of "who knows where" in your own hormones. That can elicit BTB.<br /><br />When a woman uses hormonal birth control it can make the lining of the uterus more unstable--so it is easier to have some of it begin to shed. Sometimes the lining is less stable because the hormones make the lining much thinner (actually this is good as a thin lining is a healthy lining). Sometimes the lining is unstable because the hormones can make parts of the lining out of synch. In your case BTB could be triggered by either or both.<br /><br />Bottom line, BTB on hormonal methods of birth control is a nuisance side effect. The protection from pregnancy is still in effect. If your poor cycle control persists you should return to your GYN or clinic. Often a change in the brand, or formula, of birth control pill will fix the problem. I would hope that your current BTB will resolve after this initial re-start pack.<br /><br />Yours,<br />Jane
Reply


Back to Top
Back to Top

See Related Women's Health Communities

See All Communities

Featuring Experts

Profile
Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP Expert
Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, RNP, is a nurse practitioner and has been a practicing women's health care specialist for 15 years. She was on the facul...More

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

extended period
I have had a period for almost three weeks. The first week was normal with a lot of cramping. The second week was like when you are almost ... More
Was this Helpful?
Yes No
46 of 96 found this helpful
Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Post a Resource | See All

Expert Blog

Below the Belt: Women's Health - Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, RNP

From HPV to irregular periods to PMS to fibroids, Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, is here to share her knowledge and insight...Read More

Related News

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

FDAYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.