How many days will the menstrual cycle be delayed by taking contraceptive pills?
Jun 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
When taking short-acting oral contraceptives regularly, menstruation generally does not become significantly delayed. Short-acting contraceptives contain hormones that simulate the body's normal physiological cycle, and most women will experience menstruation 3–7 days after discontinuation. However, if doses are missed or taken irregularly, large fluctuations in hormone levels may lead to endocrine disorders, potentially delaying menstruation for up to approximately 7 days or even causing irregular bleeding.
The number of days the menstrual cycle is delayed after taking contraceptive pills varies from person to person. Usually, the delay may last 1 to 7 days, and in some cases may even exceed 10 days. If concerned, it is advisable to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
When taking short-acting contraceptive pills regularly, the menstrual cycle generally won't be significantly delayed. Short-acting contraceptive pills contain hormones that simulate the body's normal physiological cycle, and most women will menstruate 3 to 7 days after stopping the pills. However, if doses are missed or taken irregularly, hormone levels can fluctuate greatly, easily leading to endocrine disorders, potentially prolonging menstrual delays up to approximately 7 days, or even causing irregular bleeding.
Emergency contraceptive pills contain high doses of hormones and significantly disrupt the endocrine system. It's common for the menstrual cycle to be delayed 1 to 7 days after taking emergency contraception; for some individuals, due to significant hormonal fluctuations, the delay may exceed 10 days, and even lead to amenorrhea. Menstrual irregularities caused by emergency contraceptive pills may require 1 to 2 menstrual cycles to return to normal.
If the menstrual cycle is delayed more than 10 days after taking contraceptive pills, pregnancy should be ruled out; if pregnancy is not the cause and menstrual irregularities persist, prompt medical evaluation is advised.
