Q&A: What exactly is break-through bleeding and how do you tell it apart from menses?

by Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

I started my period and I usually have a 26-day cycle with no abnormal bleeding. But my cycle isn't acting normal this time around, and I've been experiencing spotting on and off for the last 13 days. What causes this? Can I conceive if I'm having such an abnormal cycle? Also, what exactly is break-through bleeding and how do you tell it apart from menses?

Break-through bleeding (BTB) occurs when there's not enough hormonal support for the lining of your womb, so it disintegrates and sloughs away. This can happen if you're on a birth control pill that isn't strong enough or during occasional cycles where there's a variation in your regular hormone levels.

Be sure to report any irregular bleeding to your doctor.

Sign Up for Our Newsletters
Follow Us
from beyond babyzone:
Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, profile photo and other personal information you make public on Facebook (e.g., school, work, current city, age) will appear with your comment. Comments, together with personal information accompanying them, may be used on BabyZone.com and other Disney media platforms. Learn More.
BabyZone Community
Look Who's Talking New
in BabyZone Community
X

more in BabyZone

10 Excitingly Exotic Baby Names
10 Excitingly Exotic Baby Names
read more >