Irregular bleeding on the Pill

[walkinginshadows]

I have been taking Desogestrel (mini pill) for about 3 years and in the past 6 weeks I have had a period 3 times. I happened to be at the GP about something else and mentioned it.

She said it could be early menopause (I'm 44) so I have had a blood test and have an appointment for an ultrasound scan in early September. She said it could also be a type of vaginal infection that can cause frequent periods so I had to have a swab to rule that out.

However, it was her parting comment that has completely thrown me - she casually said 'oh we're not looking at cancer just yet.' I was so startled I didn't ask for further information to why that could be a possibility. I can't seem to find any conclusive information online which would indicate a red flag for more frequent periods while on the Pill, but clearly that must be a possibility.

I'm really worried now - has anyone else had more frequent periods while on the pill which they have been taking for a long time? I know this is a symptom when you first start taking this particular pill as it was hell for the first 6-8 months, but this should not affect you after 3 years.

Irregular bleeding is very common on desogestrel and very unlikely to be anything to worry about. Have you got any written information about the progesterone only pill to read? It might reassure you.

I can’t believe the doctor didn’t say to you. I bled constantly for 9 months straight on desogestrel. It’s the reason most women give it up I was told. It’s very very common and probably nothing at all to worry about. Hope you get it sorted

Hi, I have been taking desogestrel for 5 years and like you it took months to settle down. Since then I have had perhaps a couple of light periods each year until about a month ago when I started spotting daily, lower abdomen discomfort, some back pain and occasional breast pain. I mentioned it to my doctor when I was there about something else and he thought it about time I come off it but he didn't say why. I intend to go and see another doctor and find out a bit more as I'm getting worried now. Hopefully it's to do with hormones as I'm 48.