Why did I not get my period after taking unwanted 72?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had my period two months ago. Eight days after that, I took an unwanted 72. I had withdrawal bleeding 12 days later. The issue is that I have not had my period since that time. I took a pregnancy test last week, and it came back negative. Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I completely understand your concern.

Your situation is most likely due to hormonal disturbance from Unwanted-72 (Levonorgestrel), not pregnancy.

This happens because emergency contraception contains high-dose hormones. It commonly causes withdrawal bleeding. After that, periods can be delayed four to eight weeks or even longer. A negative pregnancy test last week (more than six weeks after taking the tablet) is reliable.

This means pregnancy is very unlikely. Your body is still resetting its hormone cycle, missing periods after Unwanted-72 is common.

I would suggest you wait up to two more weeks. If periods still do not come by the beginning of next month, see a gynecologist. She may give medication to induce periods if needed.

See a doctor sooner if you have lower abdominal pain, breast tenderness with nausea, spotting, or abnormal bleeding. If you want, I can tell you when to repeat the test or what medication doctors usually prescribe to restart periods.

I hope my answer is clear to you, and if you need any details at any time, I am here and at your service.

Thank you.