Why am I having irregular bleeding while on the pill?
David Craig
Updated on March 08, 2026
Why am I having irregular bleeding while on the pill?
Spotting often occurs in the first 6 months of taking a new birth control pill. It may take time for the pills to regulate the menstrual cycle as the body needs to adjust to the new hormone levels. As a result, a person may still experience some irregular bleeding between periods initially.
Is it normal to bleed irregularly while on birth control?
Breakthrough bleeding is a common side effect of birth control. It’s especially common in the first 3 months of using hormonal contraceptives. It can also occur after you switch from one type of birth control to another, or from one pill to another with a different estrogen dose.
How do you stop irregular bleeding on the pill?
If you’ve taken at least three weeks of active pills, to stop breakthrough bleeding, all you have to do is come off of the medication for five days; on day six, whether or not you are still bleeding, just begin taking the active pills again. The breakthrough bleeding will stop.
Is it normal to bleed on and off on the pill?
It’s common to have breakthrough bleeding when on hormonal birth control, especially within the first three months of starting a new medication. You may also experience breakthrough bleeding if you: miss one or more doses of your birth control pills.
When should I be worried about breakthrough bleeding?
If breakthrough bleeding becomes heavy or lasts more than seven days in a row, contact your doctor. He or she will consider other possible causes of breakthrough bleeding, such as an infection. Depending on the circumstances, your doctor may recommend an alternative method of contraception.
Does breakthrough bleeding mean the pill isn’t working?
When to See a Doctor While the most likely cause of breakthrough bleeding is an issue with the birth control itself, there are some other possible causes of heavy spotting which require medical attention, such as: STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Perimenopause.
What Color Is breakthrough bleeding?
Breakthrough bleeding refers to vaginal bleeding or spotting that occurs between menstrual periods or while pregnant. The blood is usually either light red or dark reddish brown, much like the blood at the beginning or end of a period. However, depending on the cause, it may resemble regular menstrual blood.
Should I stop taking the pill if I have breakthrough bleeding?
Over time, the episodes of breakthrough bleeding should space out and eventually stop. Breakthrough bleeding isn’t a sign that your birth control isn’t working. Be sure to keep taking your birth control — even if you experience bleeding — to lower your risk of unplanned pregnancy.
What does spotting on birth control look like?
It is usually either light red or dark reddish-brown, like the blood at the beginning or end of a period. But it may also resemble regular menstrual blood, depending on the cause. This type of bleeding may be sufficient to require the use of a tampon or sanitary napkin.
Why am I getting my period every 2 weeks on birth control?
Don’t stress! This is not abnormal. Breakthrough bleeding (anything from light brown discharge up to bleeding like your regular period) is the most common side effect for women beginning birth control. Just continue using your birth control as normal and give your body time to adjust to the birth control you are using.