Can emergency contraceptive pills cause delayed periods than the expected date?

Question

Hello doctor,

My periods are four days late, and I took an emergency contraceptive pill two days before the expected date of my period. I had also taken Norethisterone tablets for three days. What should I do?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

I understand your concern.

Emergency contraceptive pills are hormone-based and can cause delayed periods in some women. Do not worry. A delay in periods of approximately two weeks is expected. When was your last intercourse, and how long after that did you take the emergency contraceptive pill? I suggest you follow up with these details for further assessment.

I hope this has helped you. Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You need not take any medicines immediately as the medicines are hormone-based and will affect your menstrual pattern.

How many hours after the intercourse did you take the emergency contraceptive pill? What is your regular period length? Do you have any history of irregular periods?

I hope this has helped you. Thank you.

Answer 3

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The emergency contraceptive pill must be taken within 48 to 72 hours for efficient contraceptive effect. As you have taken the emergency contraceptive pill within the earliest possible timeframe, it will be effective. The intercourse was not during your ovulation period (and closer to your expected period date), and you have taken the emergency contraceptive pill on time, so there is no chance of pregnancy. I suggest you follow a few instructions mentioned below:

Do not take any medications without consulting a specialist.
Avoid stress and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Follow up with details of when you took Norethisterone tablets and if you have any other symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, uterine or vaginal bleeding.

I hope this has helped you. Thank you.

Answer 4

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I suggest you to follow a few instructions mentioned below.

Do not take medications without consulting a specialist.
Do not take any other medications this month to induce periods unless prescribed by a doctor.
De-stress yourself, rest, and continue your routine life.
Focus on your daily life.
Take a well-balanced diet.

Emergency contraceptive pills and other menstrual period-related pills are hormone-based tablets that should be taken only after understanding their efficacy and side effects. Your delayed periods are due to the tablets that you took. Your menstrual period will come within the next few weeks without any medications.

I hope this has helped you. Thank you.