How Soon Can You Expect Your Period After Taking Birth Control Pills?

How many days after taking the emergency contraceptive pill will menstruation occur?

Hello doctor, I have been over a month postpartum (I gave birth on January 30, 2016).
Since I am considering having a second child, I have chosen to take birth control pills.
I am currently using the YAZ oral contraceptive.
I took my last pill last night (March 29, 2016), and I haven't gotten my period this morning; is this normal? (Today's date is March 30, 2016).
I obtained the birth control pills from my obstetrician-gynecologist, who only reminded me that some bleeding can occur when starting the pills and that I should continue taking them.
I forgot to ask if I should start taking them immediately after my period ends on the fifth day or if I need to wait a few days.
Since this is my first time using them, I am unclear about the process.
Thank you for your help.
(Response requested)

Lucia, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/30

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, after taking a standard oral contraceptive for 21 days, menstruation typically occurs around 3 days later.
If it's a 28-pill pack, menstruation will usually start after taking the last few pills.
After the fifth day of your period, you should continue with the next pack of oral contraceptives.
Wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2016/03/30

More Info

After giving birth, many women have questions about their menstrual cycle, especially when starting birth control pills. It's important to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and what to expect regarding your menstrual cycle after childbirth.

When you start taking birth control pills, particularly combination pills that contain both estrogen and progestin, your body is introduced to synthetic hormones that can regulate your menstrual cycle. However, it’s essential to note that after childbirth, your body is still recovering, and hormonal levels are adjusting. This means that it may take some time for your menstrual cycle to return to its pre-pregnancy state.

In your case, since you gave birth on January 30 and started taking the birth control pill (悦己口服避孕药) after your postpartum check-up, it’s normal not to have your period immediately after starting the pills. Many women experience irregular bleeding or spotting during the first few months of taking birth control pills, especially if they are breastfeeding, as breastfeeding can suppress ovulation and affect menstrual cycles.

Typically, if you are taking the pill correctly, you should expect to have a withdrawal bleed (similar to a period) during the placebo week of your pill pack. If you are on a 28-day pill pack, you would take active pills for 21 days and then have a 7-day break or take placebo pills during which you would likely experience withdrawal bleeding. If you are on a different regimen, such as continuous dosing, you may not have a period at all during that time.

If you have just started taking the pill and have not yet had a withdrawal bleed, it is not unusual. It can take a few cycles for your body to adjust to the hormones in the pill. If you do not have a period after completing your first pack of pills, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy, especially if you have had unprotected intercourse.

In summary, it is normal not to have your period immediately after starting birth control pills postpartum. Your body is still adjusting, and it may take a few cycles for your menstrual pattern to stabilize. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or the effects of the birth control pill, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance. They can provide you with information specific to your situation and help address any concerns you may have regarding your reproductive health after childbirth.

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