Can taking contraceptive pills cause irregular periods?

Question

Hello doctor,

Since last month, I have had sex four times. I took the morning-after pill each time I had sex, and the majority of the time, a condom was used. I do not think pregnancy is an option here, as I have taken precautions. I think the contraceptive that I have taken four times has ruined my period pattern. The first time I took the contraceptive, I did get spotting for a week. I am really worried as I have not received my period yet, and they were due two weeks ago. Bare in mind I had taken the contraceptive three times two weeks ago. My question mainly is:

Because I have taken the contraceptive four times in the last six weeks, is it normal not to experience my period?
Do you know roughly when I will?
If I were pregnant, are there any symptoms I would experience?
The only thing I have been experiencing for the last week or so is cramps, and I have had diarrhea, strangely. Do you know why this is?

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The frequent intake of emergency contraception causes the hormonal levels to increase suddenly which leads to spotting and irregular bleeding between periods.
Due to this increase the body stops producing the hormones temporary till the level comes back to normal, hence this causes the periods to be delayed.
The diarrhea is due to the increase in progesterone levels due to the emergency pills which cause more frequent stools. Progesterone cause all the involuntary muscles present in the digestive system to contract and hence diarrhea.
The cramping also is explained by increased progesterone.
It is very difficult to predict when the periods will return, can happen immediately. But if delayed for more than 2 weeks, get a pregnancy test (only precautionary) and then medication can be given to start periods.
The symptoms of pregnancy would be nausea, vomiting, tiredness, easy fatigability, breast tenderness, increase in the size of the breasts.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.