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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Menstruation While On Active Contraceptive Pills?

I ve been taking Junel 1/20 for 10 months religiously, but last month I went on vacation, skipped the inactive week and started a new pack. I wound up getting my period during the active pills, but continued the pack. Now, during the inactive week I just have brown discharge. Will my schedule get back to normal?
Tue, 20 Jun 2023
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

It's not uncommon to experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting while taking contraceptive pills, especially when you alter the usual pill-taking routine. Skipping the inactive week and starting a new pack without taking the placebo pills can disrupt the hormonal balance in your body, leading to irregular bleeding. In your case, it's possible that the skipped inactive week and continued pill use caused the bleeding during the active pills. The brown discharge during the inactive week is also a common occurrence.

To help get your menstrual cycle back on track, it's generally recommended to finish the current pack as scheduled and then start a new pack after the usual inactive week. This will help restore the normal hormonal pattern and may reduce the chances of breakthrough bleeding in the future.

If the irregular bleeding continues or becomes bothersome, it's a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider. They may also consider adjusting your contraceptive method or providing additional guidance to help regulate your menstrual cycle.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. If you require a personalized response, kindly use the Ask A Doctor service and post a follow-up query.

Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Menstruation While On Active Contraceptive Pills?

Hi, It s not uncommon to experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting while taking contraceptive pills, especially when you alter the usual pill-taking routine. Skipping the inactive week and starting a new pack without taking the placebo pills can disrupt the hormonal balance in your body, leading to irregular bleeding. In your case, it s possible that the skipped inactive week and continued pill use caused the bleeding during the active pills. The brown discharge during the inactive week is also a common occurrence. To help get your menstrual cycle back on track, it s generally recommended to finish the current pack as scheduled and then start a new pack after the usual inactive week. This will help restore the normal hormonal pattern and may reduce the chances of breakthrough bleeding in the future. If the irregular bleeding continues or becomes bothersome, it s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider. They may also consider adjusting your contraceptive method or providing additional guidance to help regulate your menstrual cycle. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. If you require a personalized response, kindly use the Ask A Doctor service and post a follow-up query. Regards, Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician