Why isn't my menstruation coming after taking birth control pills?

Jun 23, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, the absence of menstruation after taking contraceptive pills may be caused by pregnancy, hormonal changes, psychological factors, premature ovarian insufficiency, endocrine disorders, or other reasons. The specific cause of absent menstruation after taking contraceptive pills needs to be diagnosed and treated based on individual circumstances. At the same time, it is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and a positive mindset in daily life to help prevent menstrual irregularities.

Generally, the absence of menstruation after taking contraceptive pills may be caused by pregnancy, hormonal changes, psychological factors, premature ovarian insufficiency, endocrine disorders, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Pregnancy

Although contraceptive pills are an effective method of contraception, they cannot guarantee 100% effectiveness. Therefore, if menstruation does not occur after taking contraceptive pills, the first consideration should be whether pregnancy has occurred. If pregnancy is suspected, timely blood hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) testing or abdominal ultrasound at a hospital should be performed to confirm pregnancy. If pregnancy is confirmed, decisions regarding continuation or termination of the pregnancy should be made based on personal preference, following medical advice for appropriate prenatal care or abortion procedures.

2. Hormonal Changes

Contraceptive pills contain large amounts of estrogen and progestin. Long-term or excessive use may lead to hormonal imbalances in the body, thus affecting the menstrual cycle. It is recommended to follow medical guidance to adjust the type or dosage of contraceptive pills in order to achieve a hormonal balance suitable for individual body conditions.

3. Psychological Factors

Excessive mental stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional factors may affect the endocrine system, leading to menstrual irregularities. Maintaining a pleasant mood and regulating emotions through listening to music, exercise, etc., is advised. If necessary, seeking help from a psychological counselor for emotional support and treatment may be beneficial.

4. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

Chromosomal abnormalities, radiation therapy, and other factors may lead to premature ovarian insufficiency, causing the ovaries to lose normal function prematurely. Timely medical examination is necessary to determine if premature ovarian insufficiency is present. Under medical guidance, treatments such as progesterone capsules, estradiol valerate tablets, and estradiol tablets may be used to improve ovarian function. Surgical treatment or other assisted reproductive technologies may be considered when necessary.

5. Endocrine Disorders

In addition to the effects of contraceptive pills, other factors such as stress, poor eating habits, and irregular lifestyle patterns can also cause endocrine disorders, thereby affecting the menstrual cycle. Maintaining regular lifestyle habits and dietary patterns, avoiding excessive fatigue and prolonged mental stress, is important. Under medical guidance, menstruation-regulating medications such as Motherwort granules and Xiaoyao Pills may be used for treatment.

If menstrual abnormalities or other discomforts occur after taking contraceptive pills, timely medical consultation is recommended to obtain proper medical advice and intervention. Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and a positive mindset in daily life is essential to prevent menstrual disorders.

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Which contraceptive pill is best?

Generally speaking, there is no absolute answer to the question of "which contraceptive pill is better." Contraceptive pills should be selected according to individual health conditions and needs. Common options include drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, compound ethinyl estradiol ether tablets, levonorgestrel tablets, medroxyprogesterone tablets, and etonogestrel implants. Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets are a type of combined short-acting oral contraceptive containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol.

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What are the side effects of emergency contraceptive pills?

In general, emergency contraceptive pills are used as a post-coital contraceptive measure. Possible side effects after taking them include menstrual disorders, gastrointestinal discomfort, breast tenderness, dizziness, headaches, and irregular vaginal bleeding. Emergency contraceptive pills should not be used frequently. It is recommended to use them no more than three times a year and no more than once per month. Regular contraceptive methods should be prioritized for daily use.

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What are the potential risks of taking emergency contraceptive pills frequently?

In general, taking emergency contraceptive pills in excess may lead to potential risks including menstrual disorders, reduced contraceptive effectiveness, hormonal imbalances, increased risk of gynecological diseases, and physical discomfort. It is recommended to avoid using emergency contraceptive pills as a regular contraceptive method. Instead, safer and more effective options such as condoms or short-acting oral contraceptives can be considered.

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What are the side effects of emergency contraceptive pills?

In general, emergency contraceptive pills are used as a post-coital contraceptive measure, and their side effects mainly include menstrual disorders, gastrointestinal discomfort, breast tenderness, dizziness, fatigue, and irregular vaginal bleeding. When using emergency contraceptive pills, it is important to note that they are only suitable for occasional emergency use and should not be used frequently as a regular contraceptive method. It is recommended that the number of uses per year should not exceed three.