Missed Period Pills: What to Know Before Taking Them

If your period is late and you’re worried about an unplanned pregnancy, you may have heard about “period pills” or “missed period pills.” These terms have gained attention recently, but what exactly are they, and what should you know before considering them?

At Pregnancy Decision Line, we believe in empowering you with complete, accurate information so you can make the healthiest decision for your unique situation. Keep reading to learn more about missed period pills.

What Are Missed Period Pills?

Healthcare professionals use certain medications to induce a period in nonpregnant girls and women who miss periods due to hormonal imbalances.

You may have heard the terms “period pills” or “missed period pills”. This is something completely different. Some groups are promoting the use of “missed period pills” in women and girls who are or think they are pregnant. If you are pregnant, these drugs are not bringing on a period, they are causing an abortion to end the pregnancy.

This is what medical professionals classify as a medication abortion.

How Do Missed Period Pills Work?

“Missed period pills” may include using both mifepristone plus misoprostol, or misoprostol alone.

Here’s how it works:

• Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to sustain the pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue, and the embryo eventually stops growing and dies.

• Misoprostol triggers uterine contractions to induce bleeding and expel the pregnancy (if the woman is pregnant).

Risks and Side Effects

It’s crucial to understand both common side effects and potential serious complications before taking period pills.

Common Side Effects

Most women who take period pills experience¹:

• Heavy bleeding and cramping that can be more intense than a typical period
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea and digestive pain
• Fever and chills
• Headache and dizziness

Serious Complications

While rare, serious complications can occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience¹²:

• Heavy bleeding that may require a surgical scraping known as a D&C to stop
• Severe infection
• Failed or Incomplete abortion
• Missed ectopic pregnancy, which can cause life-threatening complications

Why Pregnancy Tests and Ultrasounds Matter

Period pills are often prescribed to women before they have taken a pregnancy test or received an ultrasound. However, you should never skip these steps. They are safeguards designed to protect your health and help you make a fully informed decision.

Here’s why you should take a pregnancy test and receive an ultrasound before taking period pills:

Confirming a Viable Pregnancy

You should first take a pregnancy test to confirm that you are actually pregnant. However, a positive pregnancy test does not mean you have a viable, ongoing pregnancy. An ultrasound is the fastest, most accurate way to confirm whether there is a heartbeat and a growing pregnancy.

Research shows that 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage.³ If your pregnancy is not viable, your body may naturally complete the miscarriage process.

Determining Gestational Age

An ultrasound is the most accurate way to determine how far along you are (gestational age). This is important to know, because these pills are only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy. Taking them beyond that point increases the risk of complications.⁴

Identify a Pregnancy Inside the Uterus

One of the most critical reasons for an ultrasound is to determine if the pregnancy is inside the uterus, or not. In a small percentage of pregnancies, the embryo lodges outside the uterus (known as an ectopic pregnancy.) When this happens, it can cause life-threatening complications. Only an ultrasound can confirm that your pregnancy is located in the uterus, not in your fallopian tube or elsewhere.

If not diagnosed in time, an ectopic pregnancy can rupture, causing life-threatening internal bleeding. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Here’s the crucial point: Period pills (mifepristone and/or misoprostol) do not work on ectopic pregnancies.⁴ If you take period pills, you will experience all the side effects, but it will not end an ectopic pregnancy.

Understanding Your Complete Health Picture

Beyond confirming pregnancy details, you should also speak to a medical professional to evaluate your health to identify factors that might affect your safety.

You should not take “period pills” (mifepristone plus misoprostol) if you have⁴:

• You’re more than ten weeks pregnant (from the first day of your last menstrual period)
• You have an IUD (Intrauterine Device) currently in place
• You have a clotting disorder or certain other medical conditions
• You have an ectopic pregnancy or suspect you might have one
• You take long-term corticosteroid therapy or have adrenal gland problems
• You’re allergic to any of the ingredients in the medication

We’re Here to Help

You don’t have to navigate this decision alone. Pregnancy Decision Line is here to provide the information, resources, and support you need to make the best decision for your health and future.

We can connect you with a local pregnancy center that provides free, confidential services including:

• Pregnancy testing
• Ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy
• Pregnancy options education
• Referrals to community resources

Ready to take the next step? Give us a call to get started.

Please be aware that does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes and should not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.