Normal withdrawal bleed?

[Hakunamatata15]

Hi, I started taking the pill two months ago. I'm on my placebo week and on the 4th day, I got what I assumed was my period. However, it was very light and it stopped after a few hours. I have previously had spotting and discharge throughout my first cycle, but I can't remember what my first period on the pill was like though I think it was fairly light and short (maybe a couple of days). I recently became sexually active with my boyfriend but we use the pill and condoms correctly and consistently. Would this count as a normal period or have I missed one?

[Eddie C]

Hello, hakunamatata. Welcome to the boards!

As I was telling another user with a question similar to yours, our bodies are not machines so they won't always react the same way. Exercise, diet and sleeping patterns can and will affect people's cycles. Two months under Birth Control is very new and bodies need more time to adjust. Is not that uncommon for people taking the pill to have variations in their withdrawal bleeding. Also, one side effect of the pill is that it can make periods lighter and sometimes shorter.

If you take your pill as it was prescribed and also used condoms successfully, you are very well protected. But in any case you are still worried about pregnancy you can always test if you think that would make you feel better.

[Hakunamatata15]

Thank you very much! That's a huge relief so technically I haven't missed a period then?

[Eddie C]

Not a "period whisperer" here, if you know what I mean.

I can't tell you if that was your period or not but what I can tell is that -- especially under birth control -- is not that uncommon for periods to be lighter, shorter or even skipped.

[Hakunamatata15]

Ok thank you I feel better knowing that it's likely normal

[Eddie C]

You're very welcome!

[Hakunamatata15]

Hi, sorry one last thing. I'm pretty confident now that this was a normal withdrawal bleed but I have a doctor's appt tomorrow morning and I'm really anxious about it. Do you have any tips on how to deal? I have a history of anxiety and my parents can't know I'm sexually active so that's probably why I'm a little freaked out

[Heather]

Let the doctor know you are an anxious patient when you go in, or, better still, let the receptionist know when you come in and ask her to leave a note about it on your chart for the healthcare providers.

Most doctors know have some training and education to work with that, and will do things that will help you feel more comfortable.

[Hakunamatata15]

Hi, I just wanted to thank you for your help I went to the doctor's this morning and all the tests came back negative so I'm all good! Hopefully I will be able to feel more relaxed about sex now that I know my methods are reliable