Irregular Periods and Menstrual Induction Medications

Irregular menstruation and menstrual induction?

Recently, my menstrual cycle has been irregular, with periods occurring twice in one month or once every two months.
As of now, I have not had my period for July.
The last two times I had sexual intercourse, I did not use a condom, but there was no ejaculation inside.
The last sexual encounter was on July 17, and I visited a gynecologist on July 25 for a pregnancy test, which came back negative.
During the ultrasound, the doctor observed menstrual blood formation in my left ovary and prescribed a three-day course of medication to induce menstruation, advising me to take it if my period had not started by August 8.
However, I took the medication on August 4, and I still have not gotten my period.
I also took a home pregnancy test yesterday morning, which was negative.
Should I wait a few more days? If my period does come, can I take over-the-counter birth control pills to regulate my cycle? Thank you.

H, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/08/10

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Recently, my menstrual cycle has been irregular, with periods occurring twice in one month or once every two months.
As of now, my period for July has not yet arrived.
The last two times I had sexual intercourse, I did not use a condom, but there was no ejaculation inside.
The last sexual encounter was on July 17, and I visited a gynecologist on July 25 for a pregnancy test, which came back negative.
During the ultrasound, the doctor observed menstrual blood formation in my left ovary and prescribed a three-day course of medication to induce menstruation, advising that if my period had not started by August 8, I should take the medication.
However, I took it on August 4, and I still have not gotten my period.
I also took a home pregnancy test yesterday morning, which was negative.
Should I wait a few more days? Can I take over-the-counter birth control pills to regulate my cycle? Yes, you can take over-the-counter birth control pills to help regulate your cycle.

Reply Date: 2017/08/10

More Info

Understanding irregular menstrual cycles can be quite challenging, especially when combined with the use of medications intended to induce menstruation. Based on your situation, it seems you have been experiencing irregular periods, with instances of menstruation occurring more frequently than usual, and you have also undergone a pregnancy test that returned negative results. You mentioned that your doctor prescribed you medication to induce menstruation, and you are now wondering about the next steps.

Firstly, it is important to understand that irregular menstrual cycles can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, changes in weight, and underlying medical conditions. In your case, the doctor has identified that there is some menstrual blood formation in your left ovary, which suggests that your body is attempting to prepare for menstruation, but it may not be doing so effectively.

The medication prescribed to you is likely a form of hormonal therapy designed to help regulate your menstrual cycle. These medications can help stimulate the lining of the uterus to shed, thus inducing a period. It is common for doctors to prescribe such medications when a patient presents with irregular cycles or amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation).
You mentioned that you took the medication to induce menstruation on August 4th, and as of now, you have not yet experienced your period. It is essential to give the medication some time to take effect, as it may take a few days for the body to respond. If your period does not arrive by the date indicated by your doctor (August 8th), it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Regarding your question about taking over-the-counter contraceptive pills to regulate your cycle, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication, especially if you are already on medication to induce menstruation. Contraceptive pills contain hormones that can also affect your menstrual cycle, and combining them with other hormonal treatments may lead to unpredictable effects. Your doctor can provide guidance on whether it is safe and appropriate for you to use these pills in conjunction with your current treatment.

In summary, here are a few key points to consider:
1. Wait for the Medication to Work: After taking the medication to induce menstruation, it may take a few days for your period to start. Monitor your symptoms and give it some time.

2. Consult Your Doctor: If your period does not arrive by the expected date, or if you have any concerns about your symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider for further advice.

3. Avoid Self-Medicating: Before taking any additional medications, such as over-the-counter contraceptive pills, consult with your doctor to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your situation.

4. Track Your Cycle: Keeping a record of your menstrual cycle, including any irregularities, can be helpful for your healthcare provider in diagnosing and treating any underlying issues.

5. Consider Lifestyle Factors: Factors such as stress, diet, and exercise can also impact your menstrual cycle. Consider discussing these aspects with your healthcare provider as well.

By staying in communication with your healthcare provider and following their recommendations, you can better manage your menstrual health and address any irregularities effectively.

Similar Q&A

Understanding the Effects of Menstrual Induction Medications: A Patient's Guide

Hello, Dr. Chang. My menstrual cycle has been quite irregular; sometimes it comes once a month, and other times it can be two months apart. My last menstrual period started on December 20. I had sexual intercourse in mid-January, and I used contraception. At the end of January, I...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended to follow the physician's prescription. Thank you! Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Chang.

Understanding Hormonal Medications and Irregular Menstrual Cycles

I would like to ask the doctor: I recently visited a gynecologist who informed me that I have anovulatory menstrual cycles. Later, I was prescribed hormone medication. After taking the medication, my period came on time in March, but in April, my period lasted for seven days, and...

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Abnormal bleeding and irregular menstrual cycles can have various underlying causes. It is recommended to consult a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology for evaluation.

Understanding Irregular Periods: When to Use Hormonal Treatments Safely

After examination, there are no significant issues; however, for the past two years, menstruation has only occurred with the use of menstrual induction medication (progesterone). My questions are: How often should menstrual induction be done? Is it okay to leave it untreated? Is ...

Dr. Xu Junzheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Menstruation needs to be induced once every three months, thank you!

Is Medication the Only Solution for Irregular Periods?

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing irregular menstrual cycles since I started menstruating in sixth grade. Sometimes my period comes every twenty days, other times it takes over forty days, and during college, I even went two to three months without a period. I had several ch...

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Ms. Ting: Based on the laboratory data, your condition appears to be polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as your LH levels are significantly higher than your FSH levels (more than twice). Additionally, your testosterone levels are also elevated. You meet more than two criteri...