Understanding Light Bleeding After Stopping Birth Control

Question
Hello Dr. Rappaport,

My name is Angela.  I am 30 years old with no children.  My last period in May started on the 19th.  I stopped taking the pill on May 12th, and was due for my period on May 21st.  I'm assuming it started earlier because i stopped taking my pill.

In June I started spotting the day my period would have started.  I spotted for a week, then I started what I think is my period on June 23rd.  However, it is over already and I'm back to spotting.  I've never had spotting before a period, nor have I had a period last only 2 days.

My question is, if it is possible for me to be pregnant?  I've taken 3 home pregnancy tests, all negative.  Earlier this week I had scheduled an appointment for a blood test with my gynecologist, but I cancelled it when my "period" came on the 23rd.

Should I be worried about anything.  I've been cramping for weeks, and spotting.  My breasts haven't been sore, but I've been urinating frequently and been slighty dizzy on occasion.  Should I just wait until my next period is supposed to come, or should I schedule an appointment with my doctor?

Thank you for your time :)

Angela

Answer
You probably started bleeding on May 19 due to stoppage of the pill. HOwever, that had to be considred to have been your period. If your last period, then, started on May 19, you would have ovulated on June 1. If you bcame pregnant around June 1, a pregnancy test would not have shown a positive result until 14-21 days later (June 15-22). If you got your period on June 23, you probably are not pregnant. Often, you will have irregular cycles for the first few months after stopping the pills.  Even if a period lasts only 2 days, it can still be normal. HOwever, the bleeding can also be seen in early pregnancy. I would suggest that you get TWO blood pregnancy tests (Beta HCG) taken 48 hours apart. If you are pregnant, there will be a doubling of the results in 48 hours.  If you are not pregnant the value will be less than 5. In either case, you will than know for sure. You can also merely wait to see if you have another period on July 20.