Irregular Periods While on Birth Control: Causes & What to Do

Question
I have been on the pill (various brands) for the past 5 years. For the past 14 months, I have been getting my period 7-14 days early. EVERY MONTH. On top of that, it lasts until I start my next pack of pills. Basically, I have bleeding for anywhere between 7 to 21 days a month. I take my pill every day in the morning. I'm wondering if there is something seriously wrong. At my annual exam last April, they changed the brand I was taking, but that made no difference. I am due to go in again soon, so I am hoping to have some questions and suggestions with me. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Answer
Dear Rose,

Causes of dysfunctional uterine bleeding can be:
- Pregnancy-related
- Trauma to the cervix, vulva, or vagina may cause abnormal bleeding
- Related to other Disorders such as thrombocytopenia, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushing disease, liver disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and adrenal disorders.
- Structural disorders, such as functional ovarian cysts, cervicitis, endometritis, salpingitis, and leiomyomas
- Polycystic ovary disease, vaginal infection, uterine polyps, blood dyscrasias, excessive or rapid weight gain, significant change in diet, increased or strenuous exercise, or stress can also cause hormone imbalances and/or dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
- Intermenstrual bleeding may occur secondary to missed BCPs, varied ingestion times, and drug interactions also.

There is really no need to panic with this since metrorrhagia (irregular/dysfunctional menstrual bleeding), even when heavy, is rarely dangerous or life-threatening. It can at times lead to anemia if it continues for an extended period of time, so just make sure to eat a well-balanced diet with red meat to keep your iron up. Hopefully, the bleeding will dissipate as BCP changes regulate your cycle better.

I would suspect you likely need another BCP dosage change! This next time, make sure that if there is no change in the bleeding pattern, you let your doctor's office know that at the end of the third month of pills. You should begin to see a change by the end of the third month if one is going to occur. I'm so sorry you have endured an entire year of this! Hopefully they can adjust you in order to get those hormones straightened out.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda