HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Delay In Periods After Having Breakthrough Bleeding With OCP?

Hi, I ve been on OCP (combined estrogen - progesterone) for 6 years. I did not miss any pills this month, though I was a few hours late on a few. I have breakthrough bleeding now. I am supposed to get my period on my placebo in one week. Home pregnant test negative taken today. Was very stressed this month (even had hsv1 breakout.) is this breakthrough bleed normal?
Wed, 4 May 2016
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome to HCM.

The most common causes of a delayed of period are weight loss and stress. Medical conditions such as thyroid disease can also be responsible, as can other hormonal abnormalities.
A short delay of 2-3 months before having a period is not unusual.
If your periods have not returned 6 months after having stopped the Pills, then consult a gynecologist for further evaluation and to organize some blood tests to try to establish the exact cause.
The OCPs (Estrogen+Progesterone) are designed to mimic a natural menstrual cycle. A traditional 'pill pack' contains 28 pills, but only 21 are active (containing hormones to suppress your fertility). The other 7 pills are inactive. The bleeding that occurs during the week you take the inactive pills is withdrawal bleeding, which looks like a period. This is your body's response to stopping the hormones which is normal.
Hope this answers your query.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Delay In Periods After Having Breakthrough Bleeding With OCP?

Hi & Welcome to HCM. The most common causes of a delayed of period are weight loss and stress. Medical conditions such as thyroid disease can also be responsible, as can other hormonal abnormalities. A short delay of 2-3 months before having a period is not unusual. If your periods have not returned 6 months after having stopped the Pills, then consult a gynecologist for further evaluation and to organize some blood tests to try to establish the exact cause. The OCPs (Estrogen+Progesterone) are designed to mimic a natural menstrual cycle. A traditional pill pack contains 28 pills, but only 21 are active (containing hormones to suppress your fertility). The other 7 pills are inactive. The bleeding that occurs during the week you take the inactive pills is withdrawal bleeding, which looks like a period. This is your body s response to stopping the hormones which is normal. Hope this answers your query.