I ended my period 2 days ago, and started bleeding again today. i'm on the lowest dose of ortho tri cyclen (ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate) birth control pill. why am i bleeding?

Breakthrough: This may be breakthrough bleeding related to the hormones in the pill. This is most common in the first few months of pill use. Need to be sure you are not pregnant. If this continues, see your doctor to make any necessary adjustments to treatment.

Delay in bleeding: This may be old blood left over from the previous period, or new bleeding due to a delay in starting your new pack of pills. If you started the new pack 'on time' then the lower dosage may not yet have 're-set the pituitary' to block endometrial withdrawal, also known as 'breakthrough bleeding.'.

Side effect: Unscheduled bleeding is a common side effect of birth control pills. It is more likely to occur in the first 2-3 months after starting a pill, it may also occur if you miss a dose or are late in taking it. It may be necessary to adjust the dose of the pill if the problem persists. Do a home pregnancy test just to be safe.