Will Stopping Menstrual Regulation Medications Delay Your Next Period?

Will the next menstrual period be delayed after stopping menstrual regulation medication?

Hello, Doctor.
I have been experiencing abnormal menstrual bleeding and an ultrasound suggested the possibility of uterine fibroids.
Therefore, I started taking the menstrual regulation medication Lunar F.C.
(which contains 0.035 mg of Ethinyl Estradiol) from July 2018 until February 26 to March 18, 2019, taking 21 pills each cycle and starting a new pack on the fourth day (with a fixed menstrual cycle of 28 days).
In March 2019, due to school commitments, I switched to taking 21 pills of Diane-35 S.C.
tablets (which contain 2.0 mg of Cyproterone Acetate and 0.035 mg of Ethinyl Estradiol) at a nearby clinic.
The doctor told me that they are the same and mentioned that if I had regular cycles for the next six months, I could consider stopping the medication and just continue monitoring (as this doctor indicated that I might have a retroverted uterus, making it difficult to clearly see if there are fibroids).

After starting the new medication on March 25 to April 14, 2019 (during the third day of my menstrual cycle, which was 27 days long), my last menstrual period was from April 19 to April 25.
I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on April 27 (with protection), on May 5 (without ejaculation but no protection), and on May 11 (with protection), totaling three sexual encounters.
According to my app, my next menstrual period should have started from May 17 to 23, but it has now been delayed by 12 days (as of May 28).
Could this delay be due to stopping the menstrual regulation medication, or is there a possibility of pregnancy? Thank you, Doctor!

kola, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/28

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Due to abnormal menstrual bleeding, an ultrasound examination suggested the possibility of uterine fibroids.
Therefore, I started taking the menstrual regulation medication Lunar F.C.
(which contains 0.035 mg of Ethinyl Estradiol) from July 2018 until February 26 to March 18, 2019, taking 21 tablets each cycle and starting a new pack on the fourth day after my period (with a fixed menstrual cycle of 28 days).
In March 2019, due to academic reasons, I switched to taking 21 tablets of Diane-35 S.C.
tablets (which contain 2.0 mg of Cyproterone Acetate and 0.035 mg of Ethinyl Estradiol) at a nearby medical facility.
The doctor informed me that it was the same medication and advised that if I had regular cycles for the next six months, I could consider stopping the medication and just continue monitoring (as this doctor mentioned that I seemed to have a retroverted uterus, making it difficult to clearly identify any fibroids even with a full bladder).

After starting the new medication from March 25 to April 14, 2019 (during which I took the medication on the third day of my period, with that cycle lasting 27 days), my last menstrual cycle was from April 19 to April 25, 2019.
I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend three times: on April 27 with protection, on May 5 without ejaculation, and on May 11 with protection.
According to my app, my next expected menstrual period should be from May 17 to May 23, but it is currently delayed by 12 days (as of May 28).
Could this delay be due to stopping the menstrual regulation medication, or is there a possibility of pregnancy?
Answer: The delay is likely due to stopping the menstrual regulation medication.

Reply Date: 2019/05/28

More Info

When it comes to menstrual regulation medications, such as those containing estradiol and cyproterone acetate, stopping these medications can indeed affect your menstrual cycle. The hormonal changes induced by these medications are designed to regulate your menstrual cycle, and discontinuing them can lead to a variety of outcomes, including delayed periods.

In your case, you have been on hormonal medications for an extended period, and your recent cessation of these medications may have disrupted your regular cycle. Hormonal contraceptives and menstrual regulation medications work by maintaining a consistent level of hormones in your body, which helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. When you stop taking these medications, your body may take some time to readjust to its natural hormonal rhythms, which can result in a delay in your next period.

The delay you are experiencing—12 days beyond your expected period—could be attributed to several factors:
1. Hormonal Adjustment: After stopping hormonal medications, your body may need time to recalibrate its hormone levels. This adjustment period can lead to irregularities in your cycle, including delayed menstruation.

2. Pregnancy: Given that you have had unprotected intercourse, there is a possibility of pregnancy. While hormonal changes can cause a delay, it is essential to consider the possibility of conception, especially if your period does not arrive soon. If you suspect pregnancy, taking a home pregnancy test can provide clarity.

3. Stress and Lifestyle Factors: Stress, changes in weight, exercise habits, and other lifestyle factors can also impact your menstrual cycle. If you have experienced any significant changes in these areas, they could contribute to the delay.

4. Underlying Health Issues: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or other hormonal imbalances can also lead to irregular periods. If you have a history of such conditions, it may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

In summary, stopping menstrual regulation medications can lead to a delay in your period as your body adjusts to the absence of these hormones. However, given your recent sexual activity, it is prudent to consider the possibility of pregnancy. If your period does not arrive soon, or if you have any concerns, it would be advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They may recommend a pregnancy test and discuss any necessary follow-up regarding your menstrual health and any potential underlying issues.

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