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Non stop period
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An_247698 posted:
I'm 16 and started taking a new birth control this month. I haven't taken any birth control for about a year because my doctor said the problem was fixed. I am only prescribed birth control to get a regular period, no sexual history, present, and no need to prevent pregnancies. So I started this birth control, Sprintec, i believe. And usually my period lasts 7 or 8 days and it's been 11 days and has not stopped. Should i be worried or what should i do? I don't have time/access to get to a doctor/specialist for the next 2 weeks. The first couple of days(this cycle) were heavier than my heaviest cycle since I've had my period. I have had my period for about 4 years now, being irregular but i've heard it's normal for the first couple of years. I really just need a knowledge of what's going on or some assurance that this is normal.
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Non stop periodI'm 16 and started taking a new birth control this month. I haven't taken any birth control for about a year because my doctor said the problem was fixed. I am only prescribed birth control to get a regular period, no sexual history, present, and no need to prevent pregnancies. So I started this birth control, Sprintec, i believe. And usually my period lasts 7 or 8 days and it's been 11 days and has not stopped. Should i be worried or what should i do? I don't have time/access to get to a doctor/specialist for the next 2 weeks. The first couple of days(this cycle) were heavier than my heaviest cycle since I've had my period. I have had my period for about 4 years now, being irregular but i've heard it's normal for the first couple of years. I really just need a knowledge of what's going on or some assurance that this is normal.
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Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:
Dear An: Thank you for a thorough history. You mentioned that you were restarted on birth control pills because of a history of irregular menstrual cycles. It also sounds like you started this initial pack of Sprintec on the first day of your flow---hope I am tracking you correctly.

Given your history (not sexually active) one can rule out an undetected pregnancy, and chlamydia as possible causes. My best GUESS would be that this is related to "normal" breakthrough bleeding (BTB) often present when starting hormonal birth control.

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 latter is more common in the initial three packs of pills. In your specific case, you may have had a thicker lining built up inside the uterus if you were not having regular flows.

Bottom line, BTB on hormonal methods of birth control is a nuisance side effect. If your bleeding continues you should let your GYN know.. Often a change in the brand, or formula, of birth control pill will fix the problem.

Yours,
Jane
Report This| Share this:Non stop periodDear An: Thank you for a thorough history. You mentioned that you were restarted on birth control pills because of a history of irregular menstrual cycles. It also sounds like you started this initial pack of Sprintec on the first day of your flow---hope I am tracking you correctly.<br /><br />Given your history (not sexually active) one can rule out an undetected pregnancy, and chlamydia as possible causes. My best GUESS would be that this is related to "normal" breakthrough bleeding (BTB) often present when starting hormonal birth control. <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. This latter is more common in the initial three packs of pills. In your specific case, you may have had a thicker lining built up inside the uterus if you were not having regular flows.<br /><br />Bottom line, BTB on hormonal methods of birth control is a nuisance side effect. If your bleeding continues you should let your GYN know.. Often a change in the brand, or formula, of birth control pill will fix the problem.<br /><br />Yours,<br />Jane
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