About Junko Expertise I can answer most questions pertaining to teen health, thought I cannot give medical advice. I can explain medical terminology, describe medical conditions and hopefully help people understand what is going on with their bodies. If I don`t know an answer to a question, being a medical student, I can easily find out the answer since I have many resources I can refer to.
Expert: Junko Date: 3/4/2007 Subject: is this normal
Question Ok well i been on the birth control pill for 3 months now and today i noticed a black thick discharge where i feel that my period should be. I am cramping also. This had just started today is this normal.
Answer Hi Nicole,
What kind of birth control are you on? Have you been getting normal, regular periods up to this point? With combined birth control pills that contain estrogen and progestin, you should get a regular period. With progestin only pills, you may stop getting your period completely while on the pill.
It sounds to me like the black discharge you describe is probably the start of you period. If you are on the combined birth control pill and this is the usual time for you to get your period, this is most likely your period starting. If this is not the usual time for your period, you could be experiencing what's called breakthrough bleeding (bleeding while on the pill in between the times of your regular period). Breakthrough bleeding is very common during the first few months of starting birth control pills. It may also happen if you forget to take a pill. Breakthrough bleeding is usually lighter and shorter than a regular period.
If you experience continued abnormal bleeding or are concerned about any other abnormalities of your period, please go see your doctor.
