Ive been on the combined pill for just under a year now and take the packs back to back so i dont experience any withdrawal bleeds, i havent often had breakthrough bleeding however this week there has been some light bleeding and also some cramping, is this normal even though i’ve been on the pill for a while? Nothing in my routine has changed that should affect the absorption of the pill so just wondering if this is normal or my protection could be affected

Yes you can experience side effects of the pill at any time while on the pill, often for no apparent reason

Yeah this is common especially after using continuous for so long. Almost as if your body tries to force a period after not bleeding for so long.

I’ve seen that sometimes taking a break can help with breakthrough bleeding if it’s getting a lot- lets it all come out I guess?

Taking a break might help it stop.