I've been on birth control for about 4 months, I've always gotten my period on inactive pill days. This month I got my period early while I'm still taking the dark blue active pills. Is that normal?
Can I get my period when on birth control while taking the active pills?
Question posted by uknowho8822 on 20 March 2013
Last updated on 19 January 2020
9 Answers
Official Answer
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 12, 2020.
Yes, this is called breakthrough bleeding or spotting.
Spotting or breakthrough bleeding can occur when a birth control pill is first started and is usually temporary as your body adjusts to different hormone levels. You are more likely to experience this if you are taking the mini pill or an extended cycle birth control pill.
You are also more likely to have breakthrough bleeding if you miss a pill, take certain medications that interfere with the pill (antibiotics, St. John's Wort), or have vomiting or diarrhea that may interfere with the absorption of the pill. Also, women who smoke are more likely to experience breakthrough bleeding than are women who don't smoke.
Breakthrough bleeding is nothing to be concerned about unless bleeding is particularly heavy, or does not stop, in which case you should consult your doctor.
Otherwise continue to take your birth control as directed.
Quick links to helpful articles:
Arya18
7 July 2018
Hello. I have the same question. I have been on birth control for 2 years (OCPs), always getting my period in the placebo week, but I began bleeding a day before ending the active pills. This has never happened before. I have never missed a pill; sometimes take it 30 min before or after the usual time. I also have some mild cramping. It feels like a period but definitely concerned about pregnancy or another underlying cause. Help!
Ashley1234
9 Aug 2018
Having the same issue! Did you have an answer?
Arya18
10 Aug 2018
Hello! Yes, it was a normal period. I began the next pack of pills as I normally would and just got my period on the placebo week, as I did before. Apparently it can happen in some cycles!
luna512
7 Jan 2019
Same thing just happened and now I’m worried about the cramping. Did your mild cramping last constantly for a few days before your next period? I think I’m still a week or two out and so nervous.
Totallyterrified
4 Aug 2019
That’s happening to me right now and I’m super scared... I always take my pill right and I’ve been on it for 6 months and periods have came perfectly. I’ve been kinda cramping a few days but it got more and more painful like period cramps and today I bled a bit and it scared me because I still have one more active pill
Livelaughlove22
5 July 2018
I have a similar question to the one above. I got my period the week before my placebo pills, and now I’m unsure whether to skip my placebo bills and start another pack or wait the seven days in between. Also, am I still protected against pregnancy in this situation?
nicolebradley1986
16 March 2018
I've been on the birth control since 2015 I've noticed that my period wa s around my birthday in Feb first week of Feb birthday week which was super bowl this year. Now March 14th yesterday I started my period 2nd week of the white pills. This is normal right? I barley have cramps on the pills anymore. But period pads agervate the area down there I wear liners most of the time now. But my hands feet swell up really bad. I've not missed a pill so far yet in this or the last pack. my boyfriend had a besctamie in 2011 so he can't get me pregnant.
jhonsan
17 May 2016
I did miss one, but took it as soon as I remembered which meant that I took two in one day. But okay I'm glad it's normal. Thank you!
liberty_cole
15 Feb 2016
this more of a question & i need somebody to commet AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ..
is it bad to still be taking active pills on your period? because ive never cramped so bad & so long before .. my name is Liberty, and im only 14.. i would really like some help
alnynh
4 May 2016
hi liberty, i'm new to this site and i hope everything turned out okay with your cycle! it's fine to take active pills on your period! some birth control pills actually tell you to start your new pack the day you start your period, others say a sunday start, regardless of whether or not you're still bleeding. unfortunately, the cramping just comes with the territory, and some pills (especially while your body is adjusting to the hormones) can actually increase your cramping. if it's something you're very worried about and midol, advil, or tylenol won't help it, definitely check in with your doctor or clinic. hope it's gotten better!
portiaP
3 July 2015
I've been taking birth control pills for about 3 months, every month I been having my period. I didn't have one this month is that normal?
kaismama
20 March 2013
It can happen, did you miss a pill? It can happen even without missing any but when you do its more likely to happen. It doesn't mean anything important, and you never alter your pill schedule because of bleeding or lack of it.
naturallynini
23 Sep 2015
@kaismama, I never stopped or changed the time i took my pills..even though i was still bleeding. So far im doing good.. lets pray that was a one time thing. Lol
naturallynini
23 Sep 2015
@kaismama, I never stopped or changed the time i took my pills..even though i was still bleeding. So far im doing good.. lets pray that was a one time thing. Lol
DzooBaby
20 March 2013
This is normal. It happens on occasion. You didnt miss any did you? Sometimes if you miss or are late in the last week of active pills, it can bring on your period early and sometimes it just happens for no apparent reason. At only 4 mos of use, your body is still adjusting to the hormones. Sometimes you may have breakthrough bleeding (bleeding during the active pills) or you may skip a period or just have spotting during your inactive week and this is ok too. Just keep taking your pills as they come in the pack-dont alter how you take them-keep taking the dark blue pills until they are gone then take the inactive ones as scheduled. At this point, you just take them as they come in the pack no matter what your body is doing. Since you bled early, you may not have bleeding during the week of inactives but no worries, it doesnt mean anything other than your cycle is a little off this month.
uknowho8822
20 March 2013
I did miss one, but took it as soon as I remembered which meant that I took two in one day. But okay I'm glad it's normal. Thank you!
naturallynini
29 Aug 2015
8/29/15.. On 8/24/15 I started what I then believed was spotting. On the following day, I saw that the bleeding was more and more red like a regular period. Now on day 5, I am still bleeding regularly. Now all of this started on a Tuesday.. *** I am currently on 28 day Sunday Start.. my 3rd week of active blue pills****.. So my question is, how and why did my period start during the first 2 days of my 3rd week of active pills and I have not missed any pills. I only took a pill 45min - 1 hr late on one day and another day I took a pill about 30 minutes early.. So could this possibly have anything to do with why my period came early?
User2
23 Sep 2015
@naturallynini any word on outcome? This exact thing happened to me. No sense. I did not miss any pills. And im bleeding and cramping like normal period except i have a whole week left of active pills.
naturallynini
23 Sep 2015
@User2, needless to say.. I had my period for about 10 days straight.. my 3rd week and 4th week ( white inactive pills)..
So far I am doing fine, still taking pills on time everyday..i just hope it does not happen again..its bad enough with a 5 day period..lol..
aquadez93
29 Dec 2015
This is happening to me and I've been on the pill for 2 years now. I didn't miss one and have been taking them at the same time. Does this still apply to me?
nikkipez
7 March 2016
Are you still protected during the week you take the inactive ones if this happens?
Amy3218
17 March 2016
Dzoobaby I really need some advice
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