Expert: Norman Solberg - 11/28/2008

Question
I'm on Loestrin 24fe. Since I started the pack in June of this year, I have been
religious about taking my pills (between 12:45 pm and 1 pm every day) and
have never missed a pill. Also, when sexually active, a condom has always
been used and CHECKED after intercourse to make sure it didn't break, which
has never happened.

Since taking Loestrin, every so often while still on the active pills, I get a
brownish discharge that looks like a period but is much much lighter. It is
accompanied by light cramps as well.
This started today again, so, I did some researching and I've read answers
about "old blood" discharge to pregnancy to the body still adapting to the
hormones in the pill, etc.

I'm just wondering if there is anything I should be worried about. I don't see
how pregnancy should worry me as I have taken my pills within a 15-30
minute time frame since I started taking them AND condoms have been used
correctly every time without visible failure.

Is my body still getting used to the hormones in the pills? The discharge
usually happens about 2 weeks into a new pack for about 3 days then again a
day or two before I start on the iron, or inactive pills.
I'm just looking for some answers! Thanks so much.

Answer
Hi Kate,
Assuming there is nothing else going on (subclinical infection in your pelvic area), I think the spotting (brownish discoloration) is normal.  The Loestrin 24 Fe has very low dose hormones.  This leads to thinness of the uterine lining, which happens with all birth control pills but more with very low dose pills.  When the lining is thin, your period will be light and you are more likely to spot between periods.  This may be a nuisance but is nothing to worry about.