Missed Period Pills: A Guide to Menstrual Induction Pills
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Missed period pills, also known as menstrual induction pills, are becoming increasingly widespread in the United States as advocates promote them as an ideal solution for women who want to control their menstrual cycle. However, like all medications, the missed period pill has its pros and cons, and women who are considering this type of medication will want to understand what it is and how it works to avoid potential complications.
What Are Missed Period Pills & Menstrual Induction Pills?
Missed period pills are another name for Mifepristone and Misoprostol. These two medications are used in conjunction with each other. Mifepristone is used first, followed by Misoprostol.[1]
How Do Menstrual Induction Pills Work?
Mifepristone stops the body's production of progesterone, a hormone that helps to regulate menstrual cycles and support the growth and development of a fetus. Misoprostol contracts the uterus, causing menstruation.
Potential Side Effects & Risks to Consider
Taking a menstrual induction pill will cause a miscarriage if a woman is pregnant. Since these pills can be used without taking a pregnancy test, a woman could assume her period was late and not have to find out if she's pregnant or not. However, missed period pills contain powerful components that can cause serious health problems when not used properly. Common side effects of Mifepristone include confusion, dizziness, fast heartbeat, chills, cold sweats, nausea, seizures, swelling, and fatigue.[2] Misoprostol can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, cramps, heavy bleeding, and painful menstruation.[3]
Furthermore, menstrual induction pills can interact with other medications. That's why women who want a medical abortion need to speak with a knowledgeable doctor before proceeding, as only a medical professional can determine if the woman needs to adjust the dosage of other medications, take alternative medicines, or seek an alternative to a medical abortion. Taking a missed period pill without talking to a doctor about your health history beforehand can cause health issues.
Mifepristone and Misoprostol can also cause mental health issues. Progesterone isn't just a pregnancy-supporting hormone; it also improves thyroid function and overall mood. Low progesterone has been linked with depression, trouble sleeping, and hot flashes.[4]. Furthermore, many women who take abortion pills feel relief at first, but later experience feelings of regret and guilt. These feelings can be experienced even when a pregnancy test has not been taken prior to using missed period pills, leaving uncertainty about whether a pregnancy is actually present. Significant grief, heartache, and anxiety may be caused, often unnecessarily, since pregnancy is not the only reason a period may be missed. For some individuals, the experience of taking these medications can be traumatic, particularly when undertaken without certainty or support. In certain cases, emotional distress related to the event may contribute to symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if the decision is made under pressure or in isolation. Emergency contraception, for instance, can delay a period by up to a week. Other reasons for a late period may include cycle dysfunction, ovarian cysts, and stress.[5]
Are Menstrual Induction Pills the Same as Abortion Pills?
Mifepristone and Misoprostol are the same pills doctors prescribe to women who want a medical abortion. They are abortion pills, even though not all women who take them are pregnant.
What Are the Alternatives to Missed Period Pills?
There are several alternatives to taking a menstrual induction pill. If you have ongoing problems with irregular periods, you may want to consider your diet and health habits. Avoid low-carb and high-fiber diets, as these can cause hormonal imbalances that may lead to an irregular menstrual cycle. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep at night can have a positive impact on your menstrual cycle. Dietary supplements can also help, although you'll want to talk to your doctor about any supplements you're considering before you start taking them.[6]
Hormonal birth control pills and emergency contraceptive pills can help you avoid an unplanned pregnancy. These should be used as directed by your doctor while bearing in mind they aren't 100% foolproof. Birth control pills, which prevent the body from producing the hormones necessary for pregnancy, are considered about 99% effective when taken consistently and correctly every day. Pregnancy is primarily prevented by stopping ovulation, though changes to cervical mucus and the uterine lining may also contribute. While fertilization is only prevented in about 50% of cases, implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus may also be inhibited.
If you're sexually active, you need to take them at the same time every day to avoid an unplanned pregnancy.[7] Plan B medication, also known as the morning-after pill, is considered effective between 75% and 89% of the time. The release of an egg from the ovaries may be prevented, fertilization of the egg may be avoided, and implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus may be inhibited. The medication is taken as soon as possible after a sexual encounter that could result in pregnancy, as its effectiveness decreases the longer it is delayed.
If you've missed a period and are experiencing other
symptoms of pregnancy such as fatigue, cravings, mood swings, and sore breasts, it's wise to get a urine test to confirm if you're indeed pregnant. An unplanned pregnancy can certainly be daunting, especially if you lack the emotional and financial support you need; however, it's better to face the possibility of pregnancy head-on and learn about your options than it is to take medication that can cause serious side effects and hope for the best.
Pregnancy Care Clinic: Support When You Need It
Pregnancy Care Clinic offers free medical care and emotional support to women of all ages and walks of life. We provide free urine pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy, ensure you don't have an ectopic pregnancy, and determine the age and viability of the embryo. We provide free STI testing and treatment or referral if you test positive. We offer education on all your options, including parenthood, abortion, and adoption, and provide natural family planning information to women who are thinking about having a family in the future.
Missing a period can be concerning, especially if you don't feel prepared to become a parent. Thankfully, you don't have to deal with things on your own. Pregnancy Care Clinic offers free and confidential healthcare to help you find out what's going on, learn about your options, and make informed medical decisions. Contact us to find out more or pay us a visit to get the healthcare you need and deserve.
Sources
1. Alptraum, L. (2023, December 30). What Are ‘Missed Period Pills,’ and How Do They Work?,
Wired. www.wired.com/story/missed-period-pills-menstrual-regulation-how-it-works/
2. Mifepristone (oral route). Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123
3. Misoprostol (oral route). Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/misoprostol-oral-route/description/drg-20064805
4. (2025, March 19). Progesterone. Cleveland Clinic.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24562-progesterone
5. (2024, May 20). What are Missed Period Pills? Natural Womanhood.
https://naturalwomanhood.org/what-are-missed-period-pills-2021/
6. Marcin, A. (2019, May 8). How to Regulate Your Periods: 20 Tips and Tricks. Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-regulate-periods#diet-changes
7. (2025, March 19). Birth Control Pills. Cleveland Clinic.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/3977-birth-control-the-pill
