Can menstruation-inducing drugs cause miscarriage?

In general, whether menstrual-inducing drugs can cause miscarriage depends on whether the woman is pregnant and the type of drug used; therefore, it cannot be generalized. If a woman is not pregnant, using menstrual-regulating medication as directed will not lead to miscarriage. However, if she is already pregnant, certain types of such medications may trigger miscarriage. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Clinically, most commonly used menstrual-inducing drugs are progestin-based medications. These work by supplementing the body's progesterone levels, prompting the shedding of the endometrium to induce menstruation. They are typically prescribed for delayed menstruation caused by insufficient progesterone. In women who are not pregnant, taking these medications followed by discontinuation usually results in withdrawal bleeding within a few days, simulating a normal menstrual cycle, without causing any miscarriage-related effects.

However, if a woman is already pregnant, her body naturally maintains a certain level of progesterone to support embryonic development. In such cases, mistakenly taking progestin-based menstrual drugs may not significantly affect the embryo if taken in small doses for a short duration. However, high doses or prolonged use could disrupt the body's hormonal balance. Moreover, if the medication has blood-activating properties (promoting blood circulation), it might stimulate uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage.

Therefore, when experiencing delayed menstruation, it is essential first to undergo medical evaluation to confirm whether pregnancy is present, and then use menstrual-inducing drugs only under a doctor’s guidance. Self-medicating without professional advice should be strictly avoided. If symptoms such as abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding occur after taking the medication, immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent delays in appropriate care.