[ashleyscott22sc]

Here is what is going on now. My period was supposed to start the 24th of this month. It didn't. The next day the 25th of this month, experienced brown, pinkish spotting. So, then I thought okay this is due to the birth control. Today, it got a little heavier so then I thought okay I'm safe, my period is here. Today it looked like more red and brown mixed with it. Throughout the day it became the same as yesterday. Dark brown with light pink color to it and noticed that it looked like old dried blood. So, now all this is throwing me off. I'm really confused! Ok here are the details: Got started on Loestrin 24 FE. Didn't start until I was in my mid cycle. In fact I did start my first active pill on the Sunday. I was also on my cycle at the time. It was my 3rd day of my cycle when I started the pill. Ok next, had unprotected sex on the 5th of this month. Supposed to ovulate on the 9th or 10th of this month. I began feeling quite different a day after ovulation. Cramps, mood swings, sore boobs, all those stuff that comes with PMS. Here is what is throwing me off track: Stating that I missed my period on the day I was expecting it. Starting spotting the day after, now I'm spotting again. I have read a lot on implantation bleeding and breakthrough bleeding. Which I still don't understand how can you tell the difference? Because from what I read on breakthrough bleeding and implantation bleeding..its about the same as they explain it. I'm not sure if this is the withdraw bleeding from the pill or implantation bleeding. I'm not freaking out or nothing, but something I need to know in order to be on the safe side. Because I was pregnant before and my previous pregnancy ended as a early miscarriage. My previous pregnancy, I didn't experience no bleeding at all, which then I wasn't on any birth control. I did hear about implantation but didn't experience it. So, I am now off track. So, what all can you tell me? Oh and to add I taken 3 hpt's all negative. I think. with one which I did the day after I missed my period I did get a faint line...but I don't know, I am going in circles. Can anyone of you explain to me clear about how to tell if this is breakthrough bleeding or implantation bleeding and if whichever it is you may think it is, when to do a test? It would help so much

[Elspeth]

Hi Ashley,

Firstly thanks for your advice on my issue, it was really nice to hear from someone.

Okay now, I'm coming from a position of relatively little information. Only what I can remember from uni, a bit on the net and from what I've experianced.

Okay so Loestrin is a type of Norethisterone, which works the same way as Progestogens.

From the Australian Medical Handbook (there is a website on the net - AMH)
When used as contraceptives, progestogens thicken cervical mucus to impede the passage of sperm and change endometrium reducing the potential for implantation. They act on hypothalamus and suppress pituitary LH surge and may inhibit ovulation.

Now on that website they list the potential side effects of the drug:

Common: menstrual irregularity, prolonged bleeding, spotting, amenorrhoea, breast tenderness, depression, acne, weight changes

Infrequent: nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, lethargy.

These things seem to match what you are experiancing.



However, did the doctor tell you to wait untill after you had finished a week of the active pills before becoming sexually active? He should have. Because the way that the pill works is that by taking it every day you are sort of topping up your dose in you body. But it can take about a week to get to that dose when you first start. So that's why he would have said to wait a bit.



Regarding you period. When I first started my pill, my period changed and hasn't really reverted back to "normal." Usually it takes my period about 3 days to come after switching to the sugar pills (probably red on your packet).



Also I assume that the hpc's that you did were pregnancy tests. They check for the presence of hCG (type of protein) in the blood as a result of being pregnant. These protein may not appear in the blood immediately after fertilisation.


However, I strongly suggest that you go back to your doctor, who prescribed you the pill, tell him what you've experianced and tell him about being sexually active during that early time period and ask him whether you could be pregnant. If you don't feel satisfied with his answers get another doctor, there is nothing wrong with being concerned or wanting to be extra-sure!



I wish you all the best of luck and hope that everything turns out okay.



Keep me posted on the developments, Elspeth

[bebop]

it is too soon for an hpt hon. I would say give it a week or so then do another one. if it continues then see your gyn asap