Seasonale side effects: Is breakthrough bleeding a concern?
I've been taking Seasonale for about six weeks and have been bleeding for the last week. Should I be concerned? How long will the bleeding last?
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Answer
Seasonale side effects may include spotting or bleeding between periods (breakthrough bleeding). Although breakthrough bleeding can occur with any birth control pill, it's more likely to occur with extended-cycle birth control pills — such as the combination drug levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol (Seasonale) — than with standard 28-day birth control pills. Although annoying, breakthrough bleeding usually doesn't indicate a serious underlying problem.
The cause of breakthrough bleeding with an oral contraceptive isn't always clear. It may simply take time for your body to adjust to the hormones in the medication. In addition, you're more likely to experience breakthrough bleeding if you:
- Miss a pill
- Start a new medication — such as certain antibiotics — that may interfere with the pill
- Become ill with vomiting or diarrhea, which may impair absorption of the medication
Unpredictable bleeding with an oral contraceptive should decrease with time. With Seasonale, this can take up to a year. In the meantime, it's essential to continue taking the medication as directed. Although unlikely, bleeding may persist until your next scheduled period — which can be a fairly long time with Seasonale. Also, don't be concerned if you don't get your next scheduled period after an episode of breakthrough bleeding.
If the breakthrough bleeding becomes heavy or bothersome, contact your doctor. He or she may suggest another method of contraception.
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