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I have irregular periods. How to prevent pregnancy?

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

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a female, aged 24 years, with thyroid issues, irregular periods, mostly more than 40 days, low BP, and hair thinning. I want to know the following:

  1. Can I use IPill or Unwanted 21 daily for this issue?
  2. And does it help to prevent pregnancy while having unprotected sex?

Please suggest.

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 concerns.

Irregular periods are most likely due to thyroid-related hormonal imbalance. Now, some important clarification about i-pill (Levonorgestrel) and Unwanted 21.

iPill is an emergency contraceptive, containing a single high dose of Levonorgestrel. It is not meant for daily use. It should only be taken after unprotected intercourse within 72 hours.

Unwanted 21 or other combined oral contraceptive pills are regular birth control pills. Those can be taken daily in a structured cycle.

So the answer to your question:

No, you should not take an I-pill daily. That will disturb hormones badly and worsen irregular cycles. If you want pregnancy prevention with unprotected sex, a regular combined oral contraceptive pill taken daily at the same time is effective. It also helps regulate cycles in many women.

However, because you have a thyroid disorder and irregular cycles, the first step is to ensure your thyroid levels are controlled. If the thyroid is not balanced, periods will remain irregular even with pills.

Low blood pressure and low weight also suggest your body may be hormonally sensitive. The most appropriate treatment plan for you includes:

  1. Check TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels. If controlled, you can start a regular combined oral contraceptive under a doctor's guidance.
  2. Do not use an emergency pill as routine contraception.

The most probable diagnosis of your condition is thyroid-related anovulatory cycles. If you want, I can explain which contraceptive method would suit you best based on safety and convenience.

Feel free to reach out to me with more queries.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ali Osman
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 26, 2026
Reviewed At July 14, 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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