Will taking birth control pills delay my period?

Sep 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, whether menstruation will be delayed after taking contraceptive pills depends on a comprehensive analysis of the type of contraceptive, the method of administration, and individual factors. During contraceptive use, it is essential to strictly follow the medication instructions, avoiding missed doses or arbitrary changes in dosage. If menstruation is delayed by more than seven days and pregnancy has been ruled out, timely medical evaluation is recommended. Emergency contraceptive pills should not be used frequently, and it is advised not to use them more than three times per year.

Generally speaking, whether the menstrual period will be delayed after taking contraceptive pills depends on a comprehensive analysis of the type of contraceptive pill, the method of administration, and individual circumstances. The specific analysis is as follows:

If emergency contraceptive pills are taken, or if there are missed doses or irregular administration when taking short-term contraceptive pills, and the individual is sensitive to the medication's components, menstruation may be delayed. Emergency contraceptive pills contain high doses of hormones, which can easily disrupt the normal hormonal cycle, leading to delayed shedding of the endometrium; missing doses of short-term contraceptive pills may cause hormonal fluctuations in the body. Both situations may cause menstrual delay, and in some cases, the delay may even exceed seven days.

If regular short-term contraceptive pills are taken and the instructions or medical advice are strictly followed without missing any doses, and the individual's body adapts well to the medication, there may be no significant delay in menstruation, and the cycle might even become more regular. These contraceptive pills regulate the menstrual cycle by stabilizing hormone levels in the body, and regular administration helps maintain the normal rhythm of endometrial shedding. Only a few individuals may experience slight cycle fluctuations, which usually do not exceed three days.

During contraceptive pill use, it is important to strictly follow the medication instructions to avoid missed doses or arbitrary changes in dosage; if the menstrual period is delayed for more than seven days and pregnancy has been ruled out, timely medical consultation and examination are necessary; emergency contraceptive pills should not be used frequently, and it is recommended not to use them more than three times per year.