Is It Normal for Menstrual Cycle to Be Delayed After Taking Delay Pills?

If the menstrual period is delayed after taking medication to induce menstruation, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation?

Hello doctor, I was expecting my period to start on August 6, but since I have water activities scheduled from August 9 to August 11, I started taking menstrual delay medication on August 4 as advised by my doctor, taking one pill in the morning and one in the evening until August 11.
My period finally arrived on August 14.
However, this month (September), my period was supposed to start on the 17th, but it is now 8 days late and still hasn’t come.
Is it normal for my cycle to be irregular like this after taking menstrual delay medication? I'm feeling very anxious… 😭

Jiao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/09/25

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the factors affecting the menstrual cycle are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraception, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine or cervical lesions, infections, ovulation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, among others.
It is advisable to consult a gynecologist if symptoms persist or worsen to check for hormonal imbalances or other underlying causes.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2023/09/25

More Info

It is not uncommon for menstrual cycles to be delayed after taking delay pills, also known as menstrual postponement pills. These medications, which often contain hormones such as progestin, are designed to alter the natural hormonal balance in your body to delay menstruation. While they can be effective for postponing your period, they can also lead to changes in your menstrual cycle in the following months.

When you take delay pills, they work by preventing the normal hormonal signals that trigger menstruation. After stopping the medication, your body may take some time to readjust to its natural hormonal rhythm. This adjustment period can lead to irregularities in your menstrual cycle, including delays, lighter or heavier bleeding, or even skipped periods altogether.
In your case, you took the delay pills from August 4 to August 11, and your period arrived on August 14, which is a few days later than expected. This is a common outcome when using such medications. However, the subsequent delay of your period in September, which is now 8 days late, can be attributed to the hormonal changes induced by the delay pills.
It's important to note that various factors can influence your menstrual cycle, including stress, changes in weight, exercise levels, and underlying health conditions. If you are experiencing significant anxiety about your delayed period, it may be helpful to take a pregnancy test if there is a possibility of pregnancy, as hormonal contraceptives can sometimes fail.
If your period does not arrive soon, or if you have other concerning symptoms such as severe pain or unusual discharge, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider. They can help determine whether the delay is a result of the medication or if there are other underlying issues that need to be addressed.
In summary, while it is normal for your menstrual cycle to be affected after taking delay pills, if you have concerns about your cycle or if it remains irregular, seeking medical advice is a good step. Your health and peace of mind are important, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation.

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