I have cramping and brown spotting after starting combination pills. Why?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I see that you have not been properly advised about taking the pill. Let me try to explain. Your body produces hormones cyclically with lots of ups and downs, and only then will you ovulate. These combined pills are the same hormones as what the body produces, but when you take them continuously without any ups and downs, the ovulation will not occur. This is most effective from the second cycle onwards, as it takes some time for the hormones to achieve those levels. You were due to have your periods, which means that the inner lining of the uterus was thick and almost ready to fall out. These pills are normally started only after the bleeding starts so that, there is no thick lining left inside. But, as you took the pill even before bleeding, the falling of the thick lining did not happen. So, most probably it is that thick lining trying to fall out.

Now what you can do is, just stop the pills. You should get your periods within five to 10 days. Then, start taking the same pills of 21 from the first, second or third day of bleeding. Take it cyclically for 21 days. Then stop the pills or optionally take the placebo pills for seven days. Start the next packet from the eighth day. You can check for pregnancy any day after stopping the pills. Or, if you do not get your periods even five to 10 days after stopping the pills, blood serum beta-hCG is confirmatory. But, I am sure you will get your periods. The cramps and brown blood is indicative of the impending periods.

Hope I have clarified your query. Do write back if any more queries. All the best