New to Birth Control - Question PLEASE Help

I recently got on Kariva, which is a generic of Mircette. It's a 28 day pill cycle. I have to be honest, I don't really know anything about birth control pills except that I'm on them. I'm almost finished with my first pack. About halfway through I would have a little bit of bleeding. I'm not sure if it's breakthrough bleeding or an early period. I don't know what your period is supposed to be like on the pill, so I'm not really sure. I guess I'm supposed to start my period this week (on the last week of the pack)? But there really hasn't been hardly anything yet. Is this abnormal? How can I tell the difference between breakthrough bleeding and a light period? I take the pill at the same time every day, give or take 30 minutes. I just wanted to find out what was normal for the pill. I'm not sure if the dose is too light or what. Any help would be much appreciated!!! :)

It is almost certainly "breakthrough bleeding" your first few months. I had some breakthrough bleeding for the first 3 months I was on the pill, and my periods were heavier and longer too (but I have heard other people had lighter ones). Now they are lighter and usually only last 3-4 days, with no breakthrough bleeding.

I have heard a lot of variations with being on the pill. Some people start their period the first day they take the sugar pills (the 7 that are probably a different color), others don't start until the 3rd or 4th. I have also heard some people don't even have a period sometimes, and they aren't pregnant... everyone has at least a little different experience!

I think the recommendation is something like don't worry about it unless it happens 2 months or more... but there are tons of stories and information there if you are ever worried but don't want to rush to the doctor or drugstore.

Thanks, that put me at ease a bit. :)

Yeah, your body is probably just adjusting to it. If it happens for 2-3 months, talk to your dr. and they may be be able to change your dosage or give you a different brand. It's usually no biggie except it's a pain in the butt.

mine starts 3 days after i start taking the placebos.

ive been on BC for about 4 yrs and break through bleeding can happen. Usually your period will start between the tuesday-thurday after you start the placebos. The length and heavyness differs between each person and what pill their on. Im on Ortho-lo so Its light-medium flow w/ cramps included though and it still lasts its normal 7 days.