She Strengthens

The Lowdown on Withdrawal Bleeding and Hormonal Birth Control

When it comes to preventing pregnancy, there are two main approaches: hormonal birth control and nonhormonal birth control. While nonhormonal methods like natural cycling, condoms, and copper IUDs work well for many women, others prefer hormonal birth control. But what exactly happens when you use hormonal birth control, and what’s the deal with withdrawal bleeding?

How Hormonal Birth Control Works

Hormonal birth control methods release synthetic hormones that stop ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and change the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy. There are five main types of hormonal birth control: pills, patches, shots, vaginal rings, and hormonal IUDs. Each type has its own unique characteristics and effects on your body.

Withdrawal Bleeding: What It Is and What It Means

Withdrawal bleeding is vaginal bleeding that occurs when you stop taking hormonal birth control for a week. It’s not a real menstrual period, but rather a response to the drop in hormone levels. This type of bleeding is usually lighter and shorter than a regular period.

The Different Types of Hormonal Birth Control and Their Effects on Bleeding

• Shots and Implants: These methods use continuous-release hormones and won’t cause withdrawal bleeding. You may still experience irregular bleeding and spotting.
• IUDs: Hormonal IUDs can cause heavier bleeding and irregular spotting for up to six months after insertion. After a year, your periods will likely be much lighter, and about one in five women will stop having periods entirely.
• Patches: Patches release an estrogen-progestin combo through your skin, and you’ll experience withdrawal bleeding during the break week.
• Birth Control Pills: There are three types of pills, and each has its own effects on bleeding. You may experience withdrawal bleeding during the break week, or you can take continuous-use pills to reduce bleeding to every two or three months.
• Rings: The ring is a 21-day estrogen-progestin combo method, and you’ll experience withdrawal bleeding during the break week.

Is Withdrawal Bleeding a Guarantee You’re Not Pregnant?

Yes, withdrawal bleeding is a good indication that you’re not pregnant. If you do get pregnant, you won’t experience withdrawal bleeding because pregnancy triggers the production of progesterone, which overrides the drop in hormones.

What Happens When You Stop Taking Hormonal Birth Control?

When you stop taking hormonal birth control, you’ll likely experience withdrawal bleeding within two to four weeks. Your regular menstrual cycle should return the next month, and it will be heavier and longer. It may take a few months for your period to regulate and become predictable.

The Bottom Line

Withdrawal bleeding is a common side effect of hormonal birth control. While some women welcome its mild nature, others may choose a method that eliminates their monthly cycle altogether. Ultimately, it’s nice to have options when it comes to birth control!