When Should You Expect Your Period After Taking Yaz?

When will menstruation occur after taking the YAZ pill?

Last month, on February 27th, I took the third white pill of my contraceptive (24+4 pill pack) when my period started.
On March 9th, I caught a cold, and the doctor prescribed an antibiotic.
On March 12th, I had sexual intercourse with ejaculation inside.
Now today (March 26th), I have taken the third white pill again, but my period has not arrived.
Could the antibiotic have affected this? Additionally, generally speaking, on which pill should I expect my period to arrive? Thank you, doctor.

21, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/26

Dr. Tian Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Antibiotics typically do not significantly affect the timing of menstruation, which can vary from person to person (most commonly occurring around the 2nd to 4th white pill).
Even for the same individual, the menstrual cycle may not occur on the same day each month, with a variation of 2 to 3 days being considered within the normal range.

Reply Date: 2016/03/26

More Info

When taking Yaz, a combination oral contraceptive pill, it is important to understand how the medication works and what to expect regarding your menstrual cycle. Yaz contains 24 active pills (which are hormone-containing) and 4 placebo pills (which do not contain hormones). Typically, you would expect your period to start during the placebo week, which is when you take the 4 non-hormonal pills.
In your case, you mentioned that your last period started on February 27th, coinciding with the intake of the third white (active) pill. If your cycle is regular and you have been taking Yaz as prescribed, you would generally expect your period to begin during the placebo week after completing the 24 active pills. This means that your period should ideally start within a few days after taking the last active pill, which would be around March 26th in your case.

However, there are several factors that can influence the timing of your period while on Yaz:
1. Antibiotics: You mentioned taking an antibiotic after experiencing a cold. While some antibiotics can potentially interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, most common antibiotics do not affect the efficacy of Yaz. However, if the antibiotic you were prescribed is one that is known to interact with hormonal contraceptives (like rifampin), it could potentially reduce the effectiveness of Yaz, leading to a risk of unintended pregnancy. If you are concerned about this, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider.

2. Stress and Lifestyle Factors: Stress, changes in weight, and other lifestyle factors can also affect your menstrual cycle. If you have experienced significant stress or changes in your routine, this could delay your period.

3. Hormonal Fluctuations: Starting a new contraceptive can sometimes cause irregularities in your menstrual cycle as your body adjusts to the hormones. It is not uncommon for periods to be delayed or altered in the first few months of starting a new birth control method.

4. Pregnancy: If you had unprotected intercourse and are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it may be wise to take a home pregnancy test. If your period does not arrive within a week after the expected date, a pregnancy test can help clarify your situation.

In summary, while you would typically expect your period to start during the placebo week after taking the last active pill, various factors can influence this timing. If your period does not arrive as expected, consider the factors mentioned above, and if you have concerns about potential pregnancy or the effects of the antibiotic, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.

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