I have PCOS and I know that period irregularity comes along with that, but I haven't been on my birth control (patch) in a little over a month and I got my period this month but it only lasted two days. I was extremely emotional prior to and during those two days. I'm just wondering if this is something I should be concerned about (especially when trying to get pregnant down the line from now). Thank you!
By contrast, a hormonal form of birth control is designed to stop ovulations while you are using it. While it overrides the ovaries' natural patterns it should create a very regular cycle of bleeds.
Unfortunately, breakthrough bleeding (BTB) can also be a common side effect of most types of hormonal birth control (eg pills/patch/ring/shot/Mirena IUD). More remotely, BTB in a patch user can arise if she has gotten a chlamydia infection. Yet, I would really doubt this in the first two weeks of use.
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. This later reason is more likely during the initial three months of use--as in your situation.
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 will fix the problem. If you do have a new sexual partner you might expect to be tested for a chlamydia infection as well.
Hope this levels out after the first month of use!
Yours,
Jane
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