Delayed periods after stopping the Pill

The Pill does not cause any alteration in a woman's natural menstrual cycle, but as taking the Pill provides a woman with regular ...



I stopped taking the contraceptive pill on two months ago and had a period five days later.

Since that time I have not had another period.

Approximately two weeks ago I did a home pregnancy test, which was negative, but I have still not had a period.

I have other symptoms, including tiredness and loss of appetite.

Please can you explain some of the causes of delayed periods?


The episode of bleeding that you had after stopping the Pill was what is known as a 'withdrawal bleed'.


After stopping the Pill there is no way to predict when a woman will have her first period.

The Pill does not cause any alteration in a woman's natural menstrual cycle, but as taking the Pill provides a woman with regular withdrawal bleeds, it can mask the fact that she is not having periods.

If you have had a negative pregnancy test, this is likely to be accurate unless you have conceived in the two weeks prior to doing the test.


A short delay of two to three months before having a period is not unusual.

If your periods have not returned six months after having stopped the Pill, then your GP will want to organise some blood tests to try to establish why this is.

The most common causes of a lack of periods are weight loss and stress. Medical conditions such as thyroid disease can also be responsible, as can other hormonal abnormalities.

It is likely that your periods will return in the next month or so.

If this is not the case, or your symptoms of tiredness and loss of appetite do not improve, I would suggest that you arrange to see your GP for further assessment and advice.

Yours sincerely

The NetDoctor Medical Team

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