Your body alone cannot always deal with infections; it may need some additional support to cure itself. This is how antibiotics came to play their role. However, some may doubt that antibiotics may interfere with their periods. Several things, such as stress and health issues, might cause your period to be delayed. Your periods can be influenced by changes in lifestyle, drastic weight loss or gain, heavy exercise, or a sudden illness.
Antibiotics do not cause delayed periods, no matter what rumours you have come across. Antibiotics are not the reason for a late period, whether you are taking them or soon after. In this article, we will uncover the real reasons for period delays and explore how long can antibiotics delay your period according to common misconceptions.
Can Antibiotics Delay Your Period?
No. It’s common for your period to arrive later than expected following taking antibiotics. Research indicates that antibiotics do not impact your menstrual cycle, despite the common belief that they are the reason. Antibiotics won’t cause your period to be delayed; other things are probably to blame.
For instance, your body may experience stress if you are ill enough to require antibiotics, which could cause your period to be delayed. Stress from missing work, cancelling plans, or feeling ill might also be a factor.
Can Antibiotics Delay or Change Your Period Symptoms?
Even in the absence of obvious stress, illness can disrupt your cycle for a few days. Therefore, although the delay is true, the antibiotics are not to blame. Due to the illness and over-the-counter medicines you have taken, you may see some changes in your normal menstrual cycle as follows:
- Early periods
- Heavy bleeding
- Light bleeding
- Shorter periods
In general, pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin may change the blood flow of your body, thus resulting in different patterns of menstrual bleeding.
Can Antibiotics Delay Your Period While on Birth Control?
As the menstrual process is natural, the antibiotics, which you are taking to cure your illness, may not have the option to delay your usual menstrual cycle. They also don’t interfere with the process of birth control.
However, scientists and researchers have proven that the only antibiotic to interfere with the birth control process is rifampin (used to treat and cure tuberculosis in different parts of the body). It does not directly affect the production of estrogen hormones. However, it produces more enzymes that cause your body to slow down estrogen production. This results in reducing the effect of the birth control process.
It is efficient to use other backup techniques as discussed here to prevent pregnancy if you are already having your rifampin medications.
- Combined pill
- Progesterone-only pill (minipill)
- Implant
- Patch
- Vaginal ring
If you need rifampin for more than 2 months, consider switching to birth control that’s not affected by it, like an IUD or a progestogen-only injection.
Other Medications That Are Involved in Delaying Your Period
Knowing that antibiotics do not cause menstrual delays makes it easier to understand how other drugs may impact your cycle. Here are a few instances:
Birth control:
This may result in shorter and lighter periods. Long, painful, or heavy periods are also treated with it.
Coumadin:
A blood thinner is used to avoid clots, which could result in heavier or longer bleeding.
The Use of Progesterone and Estrogen Medications:
Menopausal symptoms can be reduced by using progesterone and estrogen medications but may cause heavier, more frequent, or erratic periods.
Thyroid Medications:
Menstrual hormones can be regulated by the support of the thyroid, but the medications you are taking for the thyroid may interfere with your period and cause irregular periods.
Ibuprofen and Aspirin:
The general pain relievers that are taken for curing illnesses, like ibuprofen, aspirin, etc., may reduce clotting and relieve pain, which may result in heavier or longer periods.
Medication for Epilepsy:
This may result in changes like irregular or absent menstruation.
Antidepressants:
Particularly during the first few months, antidepressants may cause discomfort, increased bleeding, missed periods, or delayed periods.
Chemotherapy:
Hormone disruption during chemotherapy may result in irregular or halted periods, which usually return to normal after treatment.
Consult your doctor if you have changes in your menstrual cycle after beginning a new medication. If side effects have an impact on your health, they may modify your treatment. Before beginning or quitting any medicine, always get your doctor’s approval.
Why is your Period Delayed?
Your period may be late for a variety of causes, most of which are not significant. Your cycle may occasionally be irregular for a month, then return to normal the next month. But it’s wise to attention notice because a late period may be a sign of something more serious. These are typical reasons:
Pregnancy:
Missed or delayed periods may indicate pregnancy. If you suspect this, conduct a test at home.
Birth control:
Modifications to birth control, particularly when beginning or switching, may result in missing or delayed periods.
Stress:
Another factor contributing to delays is stress, which can alter your weight and interfere with the part of your brain that regulates your cycle.
Weight fluctuations:
Both underweight and overweight might result in missed or delayed periods or even cause them to stop completely.
Excessive exercise:
Exercising hard suddenly without having prior experience, such as for a marathon or any event, can cause your period to be delayed.
Hormonal imbalances:
Late or absent periods can result from conditions like PCOS or thyroid issues that impact your cycle.
Chronic conditions:
Conditions like diabetes or coeliac disease can cause irregular periods.
Menopause or early menopause:
As you get closer to menopause, your periods may start to fluctuate. It can be a sign of early perimenopause if you’re under 40.
It’s wise to see a doctor if your period is regularly irregular or late.
How Can You Deal With Late Periods?
The cause determines the remedy. The following advice will help you control your cycle:
- Reduced levels of stress
- Make sure your workouts are balanced.
- Keep your weight in check.
While these may not be the solution, these can add some value to your lifestyle changes that support your medication to recover quickly from any other period issues.
Conclusion
Even though antibiotics don’t directly cause a delay in your period, your illness may lead to stress that could result in a delay in your period.
It’s better to see a healthcare provider if your period is irregular, late, or missed. They can help determine the possible cause for the delay and provide treatment to make you more comfortable and healthy.
