What are Antibiotics? How do they affect your period?
Antibiotics are a type of medication prescribed by doctors to treat a variety of conditions. While antibiotics are often very effective in treating infections, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of before taking them.
One possible side effect that many people are curious about is whether or not antibiotics can affect your period.
In this blog post, we will answer ‘Can Antibiotics Affect Your Period’ and provide you with all the information you need to know about antibiotics and your period!
Can Antibiotics Affect Your Period?
Antibiotics, or drugs that treat bacterial infections, are commonly used to help treat various illnesses and health conditions, but can antibiotics affect your period?
While antibiotics are often helpful in combatting pathogenic bacteria, they can sometimes also affect other aspects of our health – including our menstrual cycle. Many people believe that taking antibiotics can cause late, early, or absent periods or even result in heavy and prolonged menstruation. However, research has shown that there is no connection between antibiotics and changes in menstrual cycles. [1]
So while antibiotics may temporarily alter some hormonal levels or lead to other mild side effects, they do not typically affect your period significantly. The only antibiotic that has been shown to have a noticeable effect on your period is rifampin. [2]
Whether you’re taking antibiotics for a bacterial infection or experiencing irregular periods for some other reason, it’s important to remember that there is usually nothing to worry about – as long as your overall health and well-being are not being impacted.
After all, our bodies are designed to regulate themselves naturally – with or without the help of medication!
Can Antibiotics Delay Your Period?
Many factors can affect your menstrual cycle, including stress, illness, and certain medications. While antibiotics don’t cause a delay in your period, being sick or under a lot of stress can. If you’re concerned about your cycle it’s best to track it and talk to your doctor.
There are different menstrual cycles, and what is considered “normal” varies from person to person. However, changes to your normal menstrual cycle include:
- Early periods
- Heavy bleeding
- Light bleeding
- Shorter periods
Antibiotics don’t cause these changes – instead, they’re usually a result of other factors like stress or illness. If you’re concerned about a change in your cycle, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. They will be able to help you determine the cause and recommend the best course of treatment.
Will Taking Antibiotics Make Contraception Less Effective?
If you’re taking antibiotics while using any form of contraception, it’s essential to be aware that they could potentially make the contraceptive less effective.
For many years, it was thought that antibiotics might make contraception less effective. However, NHS UK says that this is not the case for most types of antibiotics. The only exception appears to be rifampicin-like antibiotics, which can interact with hormonal contraception and reduce its effectiveness. [3]
If you are taking a rifampicin-like antibiotic, you should use an additional form of contraception such as condoms to ensure that you do not become pregnant.
If you have any concerns about how your medication might affect your contraception, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Are There Any Other Medications That Will Delay My Period?
Can antibiotics affect your period as well as other medications? Yes, it is possible to delay your period using medications. One such medication that is commonly prescribed for this purpose is Norethisterone. [4] This oral tablet acts as a progestogen and works by thickening the lining of your uterus, which in turn delays your period. Also, Check Out 3 Ways You Can Delay Your Period!
Other potential benefits of taking Norethisterone during menstruation include:
- Reducing heavy bleeding
- Irregular periods
- Lessening cramps and pain
- Endometriosis
Before taking Norethisterone, consult with your doctor or gynaecologist to ensure that the medication is safe for you.
It should not be used if you are trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant.
Buy Norethisterone online from E-Surgery to delay your period and manage various menstrual conditions.
What Should You Do If You Are Worried About A Delayed Period?
There is no need to worry if your period is a few days late. However, if it is more than two weeks late, you may want to visit your doctor. This will help you to determine whether there is any underlying reason for the delay and whether or not you need treatment.
If you are on hormonal birth control and have missed two consecutive periods while on the same pill, switching to a different medication or form of contraception may be worth it.
If you are not on hormonal birth control and your period is more than two weeks late, you may want to take a pregnancy test, as a delayed period can be one of the first signs of pregnancy.
However, there are a few other reasons for the delayed period:
- Stress
- Being overweight or underweight
- Illness
- Hormonal changes due to age, menopause and pregnancy
- Thyroid condition
- Hormonal birth control pills
Also, If you are experiencing any other changes in your body, such as:
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Changes in mood or energy levels
- Unusual discharge, such as bleeding between periods or spotting after sex
It’s a good idea to speak with your doctor. They can help you determine the cause and recommend the best course of treatment.
Contraceptive Pills Available with e-Surgery
At e-Surgery, we provide a variety of contraceptive pills, including:
All of the pills we offer at e-Surgery are FDA approved and completely safe for women to use. However, It’s recommended to speak with your GP before starting any new medication.
Conclusion
So, can antibiotics affect your period? Taking antibiotics will not usually affect your period. However, there is a slight chance that it could make contraception less effective. If you are taking a Rifampicin antibiotic, you should use additional contraception to avoid pregnancy.
If you are worried about a delayed period, there are a few other reasons that could be the cause. However, it is always best to speak with your doctor if you are concerned and wondering can antibiotics affect your period.
Sources
- Oral contraceptive efficacy and antibiotic interaction | NCBI
- Antibiotics and delayed periods | Healthline
- Will antibiotics stop my contraception working? | NHS UK
- How can I delay my period? | NHS UK
Further Reading
- 22 Top Questions About Your Menstrual Cycle Answered | Flo
- Can antibiotics affect your period? If You Take Antibiotics, Can They Delay Your Period? | Healthline
- Can antibiotics delay or make your period late? | Drugs.com
