How Long Does Junel Birth Control Pills Take To Stop Irregular Bleeding?

Posted on Mon, 3 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 3 Mar 2014 Answered on

Thu, 20 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have just started taking Junel birth control prescribed by my doctor because the Provera wasn't stopping the irregular bleeding caused by a hormone imbalance. I started taking the Junel about a week ago, and the bleeding hasn't stopped. It's even been heavier and longer. When can I expect it to finally stop?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer: need some more detail Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for writing to us with your health concern. Can you tell me what workup you have undergone so far for the irregular bleeding ? You need to have a pelvic ultrasound scan done transvaginally. Also , hormonal tests - FSH, LH, TSH, Prolactin, OGTT, DHEAS, free testosterone, Lipid Profile. Primarily, an internal examination ( per vaginum and per speculum evaluation ) needs to be done. That would reveal the diagnosis. If Junel is not stopping the bleeding due to hormonal imbalance, you might require higher dosage of hormones. A higher dose of Provera would be in order, or double the dose of Junel daily. It depends on the workup done so far. Kindly do write back with more details. All the best Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (23 minutes later)

I have done the pelvic exam and Pap test, and both were ok. I do have blood work scheduled within the next week. I was on Provera but it made it worse, and I was switched to Junel to stop it, but it hasn't done anything. I called my doctor and she said the bleeding was normal, (which was about 4 days ago), but how long is "normal" supposed to be? Not getting any signs of it stopping, so getting really worried.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: pelvic ultrasound scan Detailed Answer: Hi, Since how long are you bleeding, and is it heavy, otherwise why would your doctor call it ' normal ' ? You should have a pelvic ultrasound scan immediately according to me, to assess the status of the endometrium ( lining of the uterus ). regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (24 minutes later)

I had been spotting off and on and my periods were two weeks apart. The birth control was given to me to help regulate the cycles. She said the bleeding from the birth control pills was normal, ( maybe trying to regulate?) but I thought it would have slowed down by now or stopped.I've been on them for about a week.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: AS BELOW Detailed Answer: If it is not heavy bleeding, they your doctor is right in the sense, that some spotting could follow after starting birth control. Please wait for it to wear off , give it a few days, if it is not heavy. If heavy, then consult your doctor , to give you a higher dosage of birth control or Provera Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E