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On Triphasic Pill To Delay Periods And Took Placebo. Experiencing Tender Breast. Should I Be Concerned?
Question: I am on a triphasic pill, and after the week 3 of pills, I delayed my period by a week by adding another week three. After that, I went through my placebos, with bleeding already during the 2nd 3rd week, and now I am on week 2 of my new month pack. I am experiencing tender breasts and wondering if this is a cause for concern (i.e. early signs of pregnancy).
Hello, I would be happy to help you with your question. Thank you for being patient.
First of all, it was totally appropriate to do what you did. Women commonly use the pill in a more continuous fashion to delay their period. The way you described things is slightly confusing, but to summarize what you are saying:
1. You took active pills for 4 weeks
2. You took one week of placebo pills
3. You restarted a new pill pack
4. You have been bleeding into the next pill pack
Second, I do not think that you are pregnant, but you should check a pregnancy test now and again in 1 and 2 weeks to be certain. If these remain negative, then you are not pregnant related to prior sexual activity.
Assuming the test is negative, then certainly this bleeding may be related to the variation in how you took the hormones. There may have been more buildup of lining that took longer to shed. Or it may be related to your body "cycling" despite being on the pill (where you have bleeding related to the stoppage of the pill AND breakthrough bleeding related to having ovulated and not gotten pregnant). The final possiblity would be some anatomic change, such as a polyp within the uterus, but this is the least likely possibility.
With a patient like yourself, I would recommend continuing the current pill pack, take a break during your regular placebo week (expect a slight increase in your bleeding) and restart the next pack when you usually would. At the same time, given the potential for ovulation, use backup protection, such as condoms.
I hope this answers your question. If you have more questions, please ask. If you are satisfied, please take a moment to leave feedback! Good luck!
First of all, it was totally appropriate to do what you did. Women commonly use the pill in a more continuous fashion to delay their period. The way you described things is slightly confusing, but to summarize what you are saying:
1. You took active pills for 4 weeks
2. You took one week of placebo pills
3. You restarted a new pill pack
4. You have been bleeding into the next pill pack
Second, I do not think that you are pregnant, but you should check a pregnancy test now and again in 1 and 2 weeks to be certain. If these remain negative, then you are not pregnant related to prior sexual activity.
Assuming the test is negative, then certainly this bleeding may be related to the variation in how you took the hormones. There may have been more buildup of lining that took longer to shed. Or it may be related to your body "cycling" despite being on the pill (where you have bleeding related to the stoppage of the pill AND breakthrough bleeding related to having ovulated and not gotten pregnant). The final possiblity would be some anatomic change, such as a polyp within the uterus, but this is the least likely possibility.
With a patient like yourself, I would recommend continuing the current pill pack, take a break during your regular placebo week (expect a slight increase in your bleeding) and restart the next pack when you usually would. At the same time, given the potential for ovulation, use backup protection, such as condoms.
I hope this answers your question. If you have more questions, please ask. If you are satisfied, please take a moment to leave feedback! Good luck!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your timely response.
I apologize for the confusion. I actually need to clarify quickly:
1. I took active pills for 4 weeks
2. I took one week of placebo pills
3. I restarted a new pill pack
4. Breasts are tender 2 weeks after starting new pill pack
As of right now, I am just wondering if the soreness is associated with extending that extra week of pills from the last month. Is soreness a regular and atypical symptom after adding an extra of pills on?
I apologize for the confusion. I actually need to clarify quickly:
1. I took active pills for 4 weeks
2. I took one week of placebo pills
3. I restarted a new pill pack
4. Breasts are tender 2 weeks after starting new pill pack
As of right now, I am just wondering if the soreness is associated with extending that extra week of pills from the last month. Is soreness a regular and atypical symptom after adding an extra of pills on?
I am sorry that I did not specifically answer that part of you question. Given that I do not believe you are pregnant, I am guessing that the breast tenderness could very likely be related to the extra pills, but more likely related in some way to your cycle.
Birth control pills do not always prevent ovulation. They do provide birth control in other ways (e.g. by thickening the cervical mucus). If you had ovulated, then the breast tenderness might be related to the second half of your "cycle".
My guess is that once you are back on track with the pill, these symptoms will go away. I would recommend that if you want to take the pills more continuously, talk with your doctor about a monophasic pill instead of the triphasic pill. This might work better to prevent this breakthrough bleeding!
Good luck - please provide feedback!
Birth control pills do not always prevent ovulation. They do provide birth control in other ways (e.g. by thickening the cervical mucus). If you had ovulated, then the breast tenderness might be related to the second half of your "cycle".
My guess is that once you are back on track with the pill, these symptoms will go away. I would recommend that if you want to take the pills more continuously, talk with your doctor about a monophasic pill instead of the triphasic pill. This might work better to prevent this breakthrough bleeding!
Good luck - please provide feedback!
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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