Missed Period After Stopping Yaz: Causes and Concerns - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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After stopping the medication, menstruation has not returned?


Hello Doctor: I started taking Yaz in November of last year.
In January of this year, I skipped 4 white pills because I was going abroad and directly started the next pack.
However, in February, since I was still overseas and it was inconvenient to obtain Yaz, I decided to stop taking it.
After finishing the pack in February, my menstruation came normally (from February 6 to February 14, which was slightly longer than my usual cycle).
On February 24, I had sexual intercourse, but there was no ejaculation inside.
However, my period has not arrived yet.
I would like to know if the irregularity in my menstrual cycle is due to stopping the medication or the skipped pills.

J, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/10

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, the questioner: There is a possibility of pregnancy even if ejaculation has not occurred during intercourse, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm.
After discontinuing birth control pills, menstrual cycles can often become irregular for a period of time, and the contraceptive effect is no longer maintained.
Additionally, ovulation may become unpredictable, making contraception more challenging.
It is recommended to check for pregnancy if menstruation is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2019/03/10

More Info


When it comes to missed periods after stopping birth control pills like Yaz, there are several factors to consider. First, it's essential to understand how hormonal contraceptives work. Yaz, which contains a combination of estrogen and progestin, regulates your menstrual cycle by suppressing ovulation and stabilizing the uterine lining. When you stop taking the pill, your body may take some time to adjust back to its natural hormonal rhythm, which can lead to irregularities in your menstrual cycle.

In your case, you mentioned that you started taking Yaz in November and skipped four white pills in January to continue with the next pack. This kind of alteration in your pill-taking schedule can disrupt your hormonal balance, potentially leading to changes in your menstrual cycle. After stopping the pill in February, you experienced a normal period from February 6 to February 14, but since then, you have not had your expected period.

Several factors could contribute to your missed period:
1. Hormonal Adjustment: After discontinuing Yaz, your body may need time to readjust to its natural hormonal levels. This adjustment period can result in missed or delayed periods.

2. Stress and Lifestyle Changes: Traveling and changes in your routine can also affect your menstrual cycle. Stress, changes in diet, exercise, and sleep patterns can all contribute to hormonal fluctuations.

3. Pregnancy: Although you mentioned that there was no ejaculation during intercourse on February 24, it's important to note that pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, and pregnancy is still a possibility. If your period does not arrive soon, consider taking a home pregnancy test for confirmation.

4. Underlying Health Issues: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or other hormonal imbalances can also lead to missed periods. If your cycle does not normalize after a few months, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues.

5. Return to Natural Cycle: After stopping hormonal contraceptives, some women may experience a temporary disruption in their menstrual cycle as their body returns to its natural rhythm. This can include longer cycles, missed periods, or even heavier or lighter periods than usual.

If your period does not return within a few weeks, or if you experience other concerning symptoms such as severe pain, unusual discharge, or significant changes in your health, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a pregnancy test and possibly blood tests to check hormone levels, to determine the cause of your missed period and provide appropriate guidance.

In summary, missed periods after stopping Yaz can be attributed to hormonal adjustments, lifestyle factors, potential pregnancy, or underlying health issues. Monitoring your cycle and consulting with a healthcare provider if your period does not return can help ensure that any potential concerns are addressed promptly.

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