Restarting Birth Control After a Break: What to Expect

Question
I had been on birth control for over 10 years and went off because I wasn't sexually active. I originally was on it due to heavy periods and cramping. My periods had gotten worse so i decided to go back on it recently. The doctor told me to start on the first sunday of my period. While i was off the pills for 4 years i would often have some spotting about 5 days before my actual period. then it would stop and then my actual period would start 2 days later.

I started to bleed and I wasnt sure if it was spotting or my period so i decided to start my pills that sunday anyway. Two weeks into the pack I am having light bleeding. Is this just breakthrough as its my first month back on the pills after 4 years? and willthe pills still be effective and protect against pregnancy if i  the sunday i started wasnt actually the sunday of my period??

Answer
I think your bleeding is breakthrough bleeding, and is common the first month of taking the pill.  As long as you've been on the pill for 7 days, you're protected from pregnancy, regardless whether there is bleeding or whether you started during a real period or not.  I would continue taking the pill, and the bleeding will usually clear up by the time you start a new pack of pills.