Fertility drugs / contraceptive pills
Hello Doctor: My last three menstrual periods were on November 17, December 20, and January 19.
However, in February, my period was delayed (I am not pregnant).
On February 28 and March 1, I took a menstrual induction medication from the pharmacy called Lymecycline, which contains Norethindrone 10mg and Ethinyl Estradiol 20ug.
Four days later (on the morning of March 5), my period started, but the flow was not as heavy as before.
I have never taken menstrual induction medication or oral contraceptives before; this is my first time.
I originally planned to start taking the oral contraceptive Lutera a few days after my period began, but I am concerned about whether this could have adverse effects on my body.
Since my period last month did not come normally, would starting oral contraceptives to suppress ovarian function be harmful? Would you recommend that I wait for the next menstrual cycle to return to normal before starting the oral contraceptive, or can I start using it now?
Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/08
Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the oral contraceptive pill not only effectively prevents pregnancy but also helps regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce menstrual flow, and shorten the duration of menstrual bleeding.
All of these benefits contribute positively to women's health.
Therefore, you may start taking it.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang
Reply Date: 2022/03/08
More Info
When it comes to understanding the effects of menstrual induction and birth control pills, it's essential to consider how these medications interact with your body, especially if you are new to using them.
Firstly, the medication you took to induce your period, which contains Norethindrone and Ethinyl Estradiol, is a combination of a progestin and an estrogen. This combination can effectively regulate your menstrual cycle, but it may also cause some changes in your body that you should be aware of. After taking this medication, it is not uncommon for the menstrual flow to be lighter than usual, especially if it was induced rather than occurring naturally. This could be due to the hormonal changes that the medication has triggered.
Now, regarding your question about starting birth control pills (Lutera) after taking the menstrual induction medication, it is generally safe to start taking birth control pills after your period has begun. However, since you have experienced irregularities in your menstrual cycle recently, it might be wise to wait until you have a more regular cycle before starting the birth control pills. This will help you better understand how your body is responding to the hormonal changes and ensure that the birth control is effective.
Starting birth control pills during an irregular cycle can sometimes lead to confusion about whether the pills are working effectively or if your body is still adjusting to the hormonal changes. It is also important to note that birth control pills can have side effects, including nausea, headaches, mood changes, and changes in menstrual flow. If you start the pills while your cycle is still irregular, it may be difficult to determine if these side effects are due to the pills or the irregular cycle itself.
If you decide to wait until your next menstrual cycle to start the birth control pills, it may provide you with a clearer baseline to assess how your body is responding to the medication. This approach can also help you monitor your menstrual cycle more effectively and ensure that you are using the birth control pills correctly.
In conclusion, while it is generally safe to start birth control pills after inducing your period, considering your recent irregularities, it may be beneficial to wait until your cycle stabilizes. If you have any concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can provide you with the most accurate information based on your medical history and current health status.
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