
What Causes Light Menstrual Bleeding After Taking Option 72?

Question: I took an Emergency Contraceptive Pill (Option 72) after 8 hours of sex. After 12 days I had my periods but with very light bleeding, 10-20% of what i used to have in normal times. although i have read that after taking pills, one should have heavy periods. Am I pregnant?
Brief Answer:
not really
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to HCM. thanks for writing in to us with your health query. I understand your concerns completely. Emergency pills can cause heavy periods as well as light periods . basically it causes the uterus to be out of phase to prevent implantation. So it can cause light as well as heavy periods. It can also propone or postpone the periods. Since you had periods then ai am pretty sure that you are not pregnant. Regards Dr Manisha Jain
not really
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to HCM. thanks for writing in to us with your health query. I understand your concerns completely. Emergency pills can cause heavy periods as well as light periods . basically it causes the uterus to be out of phase to prevent implantation. So it can cause light as well as heavy periods. It can also propone or postpone the periods. Since you had periods then ai am pretty sure that you are not pregnant. Regards Dr Manisha Jain
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


I have also read that
Even after pregnancy, the first period occurs with very light bleeding.
Should I go for any pregnancy test strips. What is there accuracy.
Even after pregnancy, the first period occurs with very light bleeding.
Should I go for any pregnancy test strips. What is there accuracy.
Brief Answer:
Can do pregnancy test
Detailed Answer:
Yes it is better to rule out all your fears if at all you have one .
Take a urine pregnancy test and if negative nothing to worry.
It is very common to have light periods after emergency pill intake
Can do pregnancy test
Detailed Answer:
Yes it is better to rule out all your fears if at all you have one .
Take a urine pregnancy test and if negative nothing to worry.
It is very common to have light periods after emergency pill intake
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


I having restlessness in body and abnormaly fluctuating hunger and sometimes abdominal pain. Is this because of the pill ? Please tell me how long the effects of the pill will last, will my next period be normal? Is there any long term problem? Do I need to take any other medications?
Brief Answer:
Due to deranged hormones
Detailed Answer:
These are symptoms of delayed periods and minimal bleeding basically.
Effect of drug usually leaves body in 3-5 days but the deranged hormones which can cause all these symptoms can stay for 2-3 months.
In general drink a lot of water and avoid emergency pill intake as much as possible in future.
Due to deranged hormones
Detailed Answer:
These are symptoms of delayed periods and minimal bleeding basically.
Effect of drug usually leaves body in 3-5 days but the deranged hormones which can cause all these symptoms can stay for 2-3 months.
In general drink a lot of water and avoid emergency pill intake as much as possible in future.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad

Answered by

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
