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Does Taking Birth Control Pills Affect The Menstruation Cycle?

Posted on Tue, 17 Jan 2017

Question: My periods are always regular every 28 days. I am going to use birth control for 3 months. If I stop taking the pill will my next real period arrive 28 days after last active bc pill ? For example if I take my last BC Pill March 21st will my period return approximately April 19th ? Or will it reset back to the date I was supposed to have my period if I wasn't on BC pills which would be April 11.
I am currently on the 21 active 7 inactive pills. The 21 active pills have the same amount of hormones.

Answered by Dr. Ramadevi Wani (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You will start your period after 28 days.

Detailed Answer:

Hi
Welcome to healthcare magic. I am Dr Ramadevi Wani. I will be answering your concerns today.

Once you stop the pills, you will start your next period cycle around 28 th day ( as per the duration of your period cycle while not on pills).
Therefore if you take your last BC pill on 21 March, you will start your next period around 19 th April.
I hope this is helpful.

Best wishes
Dr Rama

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ramadevi Wani (2 hours later)

Even if for the 1st month I took 5 active pills to delay my period by 5 days? For example I started BC pills today December 30th but my last period started Dec 20. The 21 pill day is January 19 but I plan to take active pills until January 24. Placebo Pills January 25-January 31 and then Start Active pills again February 1st and this time I wont take an extra 5 pills just the normal 21 day active pills and 7 day placebo pills. Which would make my withdrawal period Feb 22ish. Sorry for being so technical I just want to make sure I get my point across.

Answered by Dr. Ramadevi Wani (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back.
Thanks for the clear notes.

The menstrual cycle length depends on cyclic hormone changes. So it will occur around 28 th day only ( as mentioned before).

I hope I have made it clear for you.

Best wishes,
Dr Rama

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng