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Can excess intake of vitamin C induce periods?

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Can excess intake of vitamin C induce periods?

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At July 7, 2018
Reviewed AtJune 26, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 24 year old female. I am approximately 209 lbs weight. I am in need of emergency contraception due to failed birth control. I will be ovulating tomorrow, so I am at a high risk of unwanted pregnancy. I obtained and took a 1.5 mg dose of Levonorgestrel (Plan B pill); however I have been reading online that this method of emergency contraception is ineffective because of my weight. I cannot obtain an IUD and do not wish to wait and see. If I am pregnant, then the only option is to go for abortion. I have a friend who induced her period early by taking an excessive amount of vitamin C. I am aware of the risks of taking an excessive amount of vitamin C, but I am planning on pursuing this method. I have read that vitamin C aids in inducing a period by increasing the amount of estrogen, promoting the growth of the lining of the uterus and eventually leading to the shedding of that lining. I intend on consuming 3000 mg of vitamin C for a period of three days. Is there any way that the Levonorgestrel pill would have a negative reaction with the Vitamin C? Is there any other alternative to induce a period or prevent conception other than an IUD or this Vitamin C method? Thank you in advance for your help and concern.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Strictly speaking, vitamin C rarely can do so as evidenced in the history of medicine. These are myths and not true reality. As you are 209 lbs, there is a very rare chance of failure of emergency contraceptive pills in this weight. Otherwise, do another option. You can take low dose of any birth control pill as an example Novelon (combination of Desogestrel and Ethinyl estradiol); four tablets after sex and repeat four tablets after 12 hours. This is also very effective, but you may have to face a bit nausea or vomiting.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have done as recommended and took the birth control pills. I got them over-the-counter. The brand name is called Mercilon. I took first four pills at 5 PM, second four pills at 9 PM and the third set of pills at 2 AM. Now, after an hour, I am feeling rather lightheaded with increased heart rate. I also feel nausea, but you said to expect that. Also, I have not had any sleep since almost 36 hours, because I am so anxious. So, may be that is contributing to the discomfort. Considering the lightheadedness and increased heart rate, should I continue with the fourth dose of four pills at 6 AM?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You need not take any fourth dosage. I have told you to take four pills first and following that four pills after 12 hours. Nothing much other than this.

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

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Bhattacharyya
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Bhattacharyya

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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