Early Menstruation After Emergency Contraceptive Use

Emergency contraceptive pills can cause early menstruation?

I researched online and found that emergency contraceptive pills may cause menstruation to arrive earlier, but the flow might be lighter and the duration shorter.
Does this still count as a period, or is it considered abnormal bleeding? Will the next period come 28 days after this one, or will it arrive at the originally scheduled time before taking the emergency contraceptive? Additionally, if the early period has the same flow and duration as before, should I restart counting my menstrual cycle?

lala, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/09

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

It is possible to experience abnormal bleeding, and menstrual irregularities may occur when it is expected.
There is also a chance that it may happen again.
Typically, the cycle during which emergency contraception is taken may be irregular, and the next cycle is when regularity is usually restored.

Reply Date: 2015/12/09

More Info

Understanding early menstruation after using emergency contraceptives can be quite confusing, as it involves various hormonal changes that can affect your menstrual cycle. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as those containing levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. However, they can also influence your menstrual cycle in several ways.

Firstly, it is important to note that ECPs can cause changes in your menstrual cycle. After taking an emergency contraceptive, some women may experience their next period earlier than expected, while others may have a delayed period. The bleeding that occurs after taking ECPs can sometimes be lighter or shorter than a typical menstrual period, which can lead to confusion about whether it is indeed a period or abnormal bleeding.

If you experience bleeding shortly after taking an emergency contraceptive, it may be classified as withdrawal bleeding rather than a true menstrual period. Withdrawal bleeding occurs as a result of the hormonal changes induced by the ECPs and is not necessarily indicative of the start of a new menstrual cycle. This bleeding can vary in terms of flow and duration compared to your regular menstrual periods.

Regarding your question about the timing of your next period, it is generally expected that your menstrual cycle will return to its normal rhythm after the effects of the emergency contraceptive wear off. If your cycle is typically 28 days, you might expect your next period to come around that time after the withdrawal bleeding. However, it is also possible for your cycle to be disrupted, and you may find that your next period comes earlier or later than usual.

If the bleeding you experienced after taking the emergency contraceptive resembles your regular menstrual flow in terms of volume and duration, you may consider it a period. In this case, you would start counting your menstrual cycle from the first day of that bleeding. However, if the bleeding was significantly lighter or shorter than your usual periods, it might be more appropriate to consider it abnormal bleeding.

In summary, early menstruation or withdrawal bleeding after taking emergency contraceptives can be a normal response to the hormonal changes induced by these medications. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation and help clarify any uncertainties regarding your menstrual health.

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