Delayed Period on Birth Control: What to Expect & When to Worry

It is normal to not have a period while taking birth control pills. The hormones in the pills prevent ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. Without ovulation, there is no menstrual lining to be shed, so there is no period.

When you stop taking the pills, your body will start to produce hormones again and ovulation will resume. This can cause a withdrawal bleed, which is similar to a period. The withdrawal bleed usually starts 2-5 days after you stop taking the pills.

If you do not have a withdrawal bleed within 5 days of stopping the pills, you should take a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant.

Here are some other things to keep in mind about birth control pills:

* You should take the pills at the same time each day. If you miss a pill, you may be at risk of pregnancy.

* Birth control pills can cause side effects, such as nausea, headaches, and breast tenderness. These side effects usually go away after a few months.

* Birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You should use a condom to protect yourself from STIs.

If you have any questions about birth control pills, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.