A 20-year-old member asked:

Despite being on birth control, i've been bleeding and cramping for ten weeks. thyroid levels are normal, and not preg. what could be causing this?

2 doctor answers3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Traub
Fertility Medicine 21 years experience
Polyp or fibroid: When women take birth control pills, usually the bleeding is regular. There are hormonal reasons why bleeding occurs like that and sometimes the pills thin out the lining of the uterus and cause that, but first i would recommend making sure there is nothing anatomical causing the bleeding. Uterine fibroids and polyps can cause that. Depending on your age, sometimes a quick office biopsy of the uterine lining is warranted as well.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Carolyn Quist
Gynecology 37 years experience
Abnormal hormones: There are various levels and types of hormones in birth control pills and sometimes different brands need to be tried to get the right combination. Othertimes problems can be present like infections, fibroids, adenomyosis, polyps, etc and further diagnostic tests and ultrasound may need to be performed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Related questions

A 18-year-old member asked:
Had sex last night and my boyfriend ejaculated in me. The next day I started bleeding and cramping. Been off birth control for 3 days. Pregnant?
Dr. Alan Patterson
Obstetrics and Gynecology 44 years experience
From being off BC: Your cramping and bleeding is most likely from stopping the pill, obviously you should see your gyn and he or she can do an exam , blood work and an u... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
View all answers
A 17-year-old female asked about a 16-year-old female:
She is worried that since shes on lowogestrel (birth control) and minocycline, And has unprotected sex that she may be pregnant. It was a week ago and shes experiencing exsesive cramps and very light bleeding or spotting. ?
Dr. Robert Kwok
Pediatrics 35 years experience
Can do preg. test: A woman on birth control pills, taking them properly, and beyond her first pack of pills... has no fertile day and has no fertile week. She is not fe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 22-year-old female asked:
On birth control. took some pills late, so i messed up having my period on time. I am NOT pregnant. My period shouldve started Thursday or Friday. I have cramps and everything else but no bleeding. Should i still start the new pack on Sunday?
Dr. Robert Kwok
Pediatrics 35 years experience
Sounds ok: If a person is positively not pregnant, it should not matter when she starts a new pack of birth control pills as long as it is on a day that helps he... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 20-year-old female asked:
I had light bleeding about a week before my period was due, have been unusually tired, and cramping without bleeding now..Could this be from birth control pills or could i be pregnant?
Dr. Daniel Cabot
Family Medicine 24 years experience
Yes and Yes: If you have been taking your oral contraceptive daily, odds are you are not pregnant and this might be an adverse effect to the hormones. It could als... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
View all answers
A 20-year-old male asked:
I am on birth control had unprotected sex and my period came on time with no cramps, very light bleeding , and dark brown in colour am i pregnant ?
Dr. Scott Hayworth
Obstetrics and Gynecology 39 years experience
Possible: You could be pregnant, this early-please get a blood preg test which is more accurate than urine. An abnormal period could be the sign of pregnancy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Dec 20, 2012

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.