Does progestogen-only / Mini pill cause spotting?
Reviewers that reported spotting as a side effect
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
Used for 6 - 12 mo
40 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
I took this on and off during covid 19 then had a break then went back Oct 2023. The first time around it was amazing no unwanted side effects, very effective. I took a break because I was not sexually active. When I went back on it in Oct 2023 my experience was the complete opposite. The 1st month was fine then I had constant spotting for the nextnear 2 months I could not cope with it and eventually stopped taking it. Then my period did not show up for a month but eventually came back.
Top side effects not reported
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Used for 12 - 18 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
My periods were only irregular/spotting for the first 4ish months while my body was adjusting to the hormones, after that my periods became regular again and lighter than before too. I also believe this mini pill has not effected my mood, breasts or weight.
Top side effects not reported
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Used for 3 - 6 mo
44 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 5 days ago
Was told I could no longer continue my low dose combined pill (Gedarel) at age 43 because I was deemed overweight by a GP (a nurse looked at me in disbelief at this and actually initially extended my prescription to allow me to enjoy my honeymoon. GP now still stubbornly going on my BMI) Blood pressure fluctuates at times too so didn’t want to go through the stress of not knowing at a 3 month check if I’d suddenly be forced to come off it depending who I saw. Started Cerelle in January. First 6 weeks weren’t pleasant. Really sore breasts, spotting mixed in with random heavier bleeds, dryness when not bleeding and bladder irritation. All calmed down (apart from Dryness)- by third strip stopped spotting etc. Then on fourth strip started to bleed for two weeks (light enough to be ok) but by week 3 was bleeding so heavy was leaking through a heavy tampon/pad/period pants and passing clots with no sign of easing up after a full stressful week of this. Stopped taking the pill and bleeding calmed down. It took another 6 days to stop but feel so relieved. A nurse wanted me to switch straight away onto a new mini pill or coil but honestly I feel my body needs a break. Not sure where to go now as already my body feels so much better/libido back/moods balanced. Fed up of hormones!!
Top side effects not reported
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Progestogen-only / Mini pill common side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
52% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported tender breasts
46% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported period like cramps
44% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported vaginal discharge
41% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported breast enlargement
39% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported vaginal dryness