What should I do if my period is delayed and I've taken contraceptive pills? What's the reason?

May 26, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Delayed menstruation after taking contraceptive pills may be due to endocrine disorders or contraceptive failure. Specifically, contraceptive pills usually work by inhibiting ovulation, thereby preventing pregnancy. However, inhibiting ovulation can disrupt normal endocrine function, potentially leading to menstrual irregularities or delayed periods. Menstrual disturbances caused by such medications typically resolve within one menstrual cycle, with periods returning to normal.

Delayed menstruation after taking contraceptive pills may be caused by endocrine disorders or contraceptive failure. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Endocrine Disorders

Contraceptive pills usually work by inhibiting ovulation, thereby preventing pregnancy. However, suppressing ovulation can disrupt normal endocrine function, potentially leading to menstrual irregularities or delayed periods. Menstrual disturbances caused by medication typically resolve within about one month, as the body requires time to restore its normal hormonal balance. It is recommended to wait for a period of time and observe whether menstruation resumes.

2. Contraceptive Failure

If the timing, frequency, or dosage of the medication does not follow prescribed guidelines, contraceptive effectiveness may be reduced. Additionally, contraceptive pills are not 100% effective, so there remains a possibility of pregnancy even after taking them. It is advisable to visit a hospital for a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test to rule out pregnancy.

It is important to note that contraceptive pills should only be taken under the guidance of a physician. Self-medication without medical supervision may cause irreversible harm to the body.