Can taking birth control pills delay menstruation?

Sep 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, whether taking contraceptive pills will delay menstruation depends on the type of contraceptive pill. Regular use of short-acting contraceptive pills usually does not cause menstrual delay and may even regulate the menstrual cycle. However, taking emergency contraceptive pills may lead to delayed menstruation. To minimize the adverse effects of contraceptive pills on menstruation, it is recommended to choose an appropriate type of contraceptive pill based on individual circumstances.

Generally, whether taking contraceptive pills will cause menstrual delay depends on the type of contraceptive pill. Regular use of short-acting contraceptive pills usually does not lead to menstrual delay and may even make the cycle more regular. However, taking emergency contraceptive pills might cause menstrual delay. The detailed explanation is as follows:

If the contraceptive pill taken is a short-acting type and is taken regularly at the same time each day as instructed, the medication can steadily regulate hormone levels in the body, causing the endometrium to shed regularly. It generally does not cause menstrual delay. For some individuals, the menstrual cycle may even become more regular and stable due to the medication. As long as doses are not missed or discontinued arbitrarily, menstruation will mostly occur on time.

When taking emergency contraceptive pills, due to their high hormone content, these pills can rapidly disrupt the body's normal hormonal balance, disturbing the growth and shedding pattern of the endometrium, which may lead to menstrual delay. Some individuals may also experience earlier menstruation or changes in menstrual flow.

To minimize adverse effects of contraceptive pills on menstruation, it is recommended to choose an appropriate type of contraceptive pill based on individual circumstances. When taking short-acting contraceptive pills, it is essential to maintain regularity and avoid missed doses. Additionally, the frequency of using emergency contraceptive pills should be minimized, with no more than three uses recommended per year.

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My period is 5 days late, what could be the reason?

In general, if menstruation is delayed by 5 days or more, possible causes may include high levels of mental stress, irregular lifestyle, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperprolactinemia, or premature ovarian failure. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, it is important to maintain a regular routine and a balanced diet.

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Why does menstruation often get delayed, and what should be done?

In general, frequent menstrual delays may be caused by excessive mental stress, irregular作息 (作息 should be translated as "lifestyle" or "作息 habits" but seems to be used as a term here), endocrine disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine cavity adhesions, or other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatment, medication, or surgical intervention. Daily precautions should include keeping warm to avoid cold exposure, and undergoing regular follow-up examinations of hormone levels or gynecological ultrasound scans.

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What to Eat to Regulate Menstrual Delay

Under normal circumstances, menstrual delay can be improved by consuming foods such as spinach, black soybeans, longan, pumpkin, and brown sugar. Additionally, medications such as progesterone capsules, dydrogesterone tablets, motherwort granules, angelica pills, and traditional Chinese medicines like Wujibai Fengwan (black chicken and silkie egg pill) can be taken under a doctor's guidance for regulation. It is also important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and a positive mindset in daily life, avoiding late nights, excessive dieting, and reducing mental stress.

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Why is my menstrual period delayed by a month, and what should I do?

In general, the main causes of a one-month menstrual delay include excessive mental stress, extreme dieting, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, and intrauterine adhesions. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, it is important to maintain a regular作息 schedule, avoid excessive fatigue, and maintain a balanced diet.