Can I Start Taking Birth Control Pills If My Period Is Late?

If your period is delayed, can you take emergency contraceptive pills directly?

Hello, doctor! Since I am currently abroad and it's inconvenient for me to see a gynecologist, I would like to ask for your advice.
My menstrual cycle has never been regular; it comes every 2 to 9 months.
I have seen a few gynecologists in the past, and they all said that my uterus and ovaries are fine.
For the past five years, I have been taking Medroxyprogesterone (Provera), and I stop taking it for a few months every 1 to 2 years, but my periods are still irregular during those months off.
I have now been off the medication for 6 weeks, and during the fourth week, I felt some abdominal bloating, but my period still hasn’t come.
I am certain I am not pregnant (there has been no sexual activity during this time).

Now, I would like to start taking Medroxyprogesterone again, as I do not want to wait for my period to arrive naturally, and I am unsure how long that will take.
So, I would like to ask if I can start taking Medroxyprogesterone directly, complete the 21-day course, and then stop to wait for my period to come? If so, will there be contraceptive effects during this time? Or can I take Medroxyprogesterone twice a day to induce my period for 3 to 5 days, then stop the medication and wait for my period to come before starting the 21-day course again? Since I am abroad, it is inconvenient for me to buy medication to induce menstruation.
Thank you for your response!

Lisa, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/11/01

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The prolonged absence of menstruation is likely due to hormonal imbalance.
It is advisable to identify the underlying cause before treatment.
Since menstruation has not yet occurred and pregnancy has been ruled out, menstrual regulation medications can be used.
You can take Medroxyprogesterone for 21 days, then stop the medication and wait for your period to arrive.
Taking the medication for more than seven days provides contraceptive effects.
Alternatively, you can take one Medroxyprogesterone pill in the morning and one in the evening for five consecutive days, then stop the medication and wait for your period to come.
Sincerely, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2014/11/01

More Info

When it comes to starting birth control pills, particularly if your period is late, it's important to consider a few key factors. Based on your description, it seems that you have a history of irregular menstrual cycles, which can complicate the decision to start hormonal contraception like birth control pills (in your case, 美適濃, which is a brand of oral contraceptive).

First and foremost, if you are certain that you are not pregnant (as you mentioned you have not had sexual intercourse during this time), you can generally start taking birth control pills even if your period is late. Birth control pills can help regulate your menstrual cycle over time, and many women find that they experience more regular periods once they start taking them consistently.
However, it is crucial to note that while you can start taking the pills, they may not provide immediate contraceptive protection. Typically, if you start taking the pill at a time other than the first day of your period, it is recommended to use an additional form of contraception (like condoms) for the first seven days of taking the pill to ensure effective pregnancy prevention. This is because it takes about seven days for the hormones in the pill to build up in your system and provide reliable contraceptive effects.

Regarding your question about taking the pills in a way to induce your period, it is not advisable to take birth control pills in a manner that is not consistent with the prescribed regimen. Taking them more frequently than directed (such as taking two pills a day) can lead to hormonal imbalances and side effects, and it is not a medically recommended method to induce menstruation. Instead, if you are looking to regulate your cycle, starting the pill as directed and allowing your body to adjust is the best approach.

If you have concerns about your irregular periods, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider when you have the opportunity. They can provide personalized advice and may suggest other options for managing your menstrual cycle, including lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, or other medications that could help regulate your periods.

In summary, you can start taking birth control pills even if your period is late, provided you are not pregnant. However, be mindful of the need for additional contraception for the first week. It’s best to follow the prescribed regimen and consult a healthcare provider for any further concerns about your menstrual cycle and overall reproductive health.

Similar Q&A

Can I Start Taking Birth Control Pills If My Period Is Late?

I previously experienced irregular menstruation and after consulting a doctor, I was recommended to take birth control pills to regulate my cycle. I took them for about 9 months and took a break last month. I was supposed to continue taking Yaz this month, but my period, which wa...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, start taking the contraceptive pill on the fifth day of your menstrual period. Wait for another week, and if your period still hasn't arrived, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Taking Birth Control Pills Late: Effects on Your Menstrual Cycle

If you start the next pack of birth control pills two days late and begin taking them on the third day, will this cause your next menstrual cycle to be irregular?

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Menstrual irregularities are common.

Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills: What to Do If Your Period is Late

Hello doctor, I would like to ask you, if I usually start taking the 28-day birth control pill on the first day of my period, what should I do if my period does not arrive on the 29th day? Should I continue taking the pills or wait for my next period to start another pack?

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Take it again when menstruation begins.

Can Delaying Menstruation Pills Help with Late Period Concerns?

Hello, I would like to ask about my menstrual cycle. My period started on October 17, with a cycle of about 33 days. I had intimate relations with my boyfriend on October 25 (we used a condom and it was during the safe period). However, my period is now 3 days late this month. Is...

Dr. Chen Zhiyu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
If the medication for delaying menstruation is prescribed by an obstetrician-gynecologist, it should be confirmed whether you are pregnant during the consultation, right? If you are purchasing the medication on your own to delay menstruation, it is advisable to first confirm whet...