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Why do I have delayed periods after taking pills?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My last period started 41 days ago. I used Famila 28 contraceptive pills for 18 days, starting 11 days after my last period.

It has now been about 41 days since my last period, and I still have not gotten my next period.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Ali Osman

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ali Osman is a dedicated obstetrics and gynecology specialist committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for women at every stage of life. He has experience in managing a wide range of women’s health concerns, including pregnancy care, menstrual disorders, reproductive health, and gynecological conditions. Dr. Osman focuses on patient education, preventive care, and personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes. Known for his supportive and professional approach, he strives to create a comfortable environment where patients feel heard, respected, and confident in their healthcare journey.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

If your last natural period started about 41 days ago, and you began taking Famila 28 (Ethinyl estradiol and Levonorgestrel) 11 days after your period started, then your cycle was hormonally altered mid-cycle.

Famila 28 is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing Ethinyl estradiol and Levonorgestrel. When it is started after the cycle has already begun, your natural ovulation and uterine lining pattern can shift. It is very common to have a delayed withdrawal bleed or even miss one cycle during the first month of use.

If you stopped the pills about 13 days ago (after taking them for 18 days), your body now needs time to restart its natural hormone rhythm. Sometimes, bleeding can last one to three weeks after stopping the pills.

A break of three days may not always trigger bleeding, especially if the uterine lining has become thin due to the contraceptive pills.

An important question I wanted to ask is:

  1. Did you completely stop the pills about 13 days ago, or are you still taking them?

  2. Did you have unprotected intercourse during this time?

If yes, you should take a pregnancy test now to rule that out.

If the pregnancy test is negative, the most likely reason is a temporary hormonal imbalance due to starting and stopping the pill mid-cycle. Stress can also delay periods.

If you do not get bleeding within another one to two weeks, or if the pregnancy test is positive, you should see a doctor for evaluation.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ali Osman
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 23, 2026
Reviewed At July 13, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ali Osman is a dedicated obstetrics and gynecology specialist committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for women at every stage of life. He has experience in managing a wide range of women’s health concerns, including pregnancy care, menstrual disorders, reproductive health, and gynecological conditions. Dr. Osman focuses on patient education, preventive care, and personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes. Known for his supportive and professional approach, he strives to create a comfortable environment where patients feel heard, respected, and confident in their healthcare journey.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ali Osman is a dedicated obstetrics and gynecology specialist committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for women at every stage of life. He has experience in managing a wide range of women’s health concerns, including pregnancy care, menstrual disorders, reproductive health, and gynecological conditions. Dr. Osman focuses on patient education, preventive care, and personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes. Known for his supportive and professional approach, he strives to create a comfortable environment where patients feel heard, respected, and confident in their healthcare journey.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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