Missed Period pills
Missed period pills are medications people take when their period is late and they don’t want to be pregnant. People also call these “period pills,” “late period pills,” a “late period pill” or “menstrual regulation.”
What are missed period pills?
Missed period pills, also called period pills, are taken to bring back a late period. The person taking period pills does not need to take a pregnancy test first. Period pills have been around for decades and are safe and more than 95% effective when used as early as three or four days after a missed period.
Period pills are the same pills that are used for abortion (mifepristone + misoprostol, or misoprostol alone). If a person is already pregnant when they take period pills, the medications will end, or abort, the pregnancy. Some people prefer to use these medications as missed period pills because it allows them to embrace uncertainty in their potential pregnancy.
In the US, reproductive healthcare can come with legal risk. People with questions or concerns can contact the ReproLegalHelpline.
Learn more about period pills at periodpills.org.
Find a missed period pills provider
Options for missed period pills will vary by location. Click below to find options by state or territory.
Frequently asked questions
Are period pills the same as abortion pills?
The medications used as period pills are the same pills used for abortion (mifepristone and misoprostol). But they are taken before pregnancy is confirmed. If someone is already pregnant when they take period pills, it will cause an abortion.
How effective are period pills?
Period Pills are 95-98% effective when used in the first few weeks after a missed period.
Are period pills safe?
Yes. These pills have been used for decades and are safe. They cause bleeding and cramping, but these are expected effects of the medications and indicate that they are working.
What if I need medical support after taking period pills?
Period pill providers tell their patients how to contact them for follow-up support or if they have questions while taking the pills. The M+A Hotline and Reprocare are two free support hotlines that can also answer people’s questions about taking period pills.
Why haven’t I heard of period pills before?
The concept of period pills is just starting to gain popularity in the United States. But in other countries around the world, these pills have been used for decades when periods are late and folks want to get their period and be sure they are not pregnant. For example, in Bangladesh abortion is illegal but the government promotes menstrual regulation, and women may take period pills up to ten weeks after missing their periods, to ensure they are not pregnant. Using herbs or teas to bring down a period is also part of our traditions in the US. Abortion pills represent a modern version of that tradition that is both extremely safe and very effective.
Could someone get in trouble for using period pills?
It’s possible. Right now in the United States, even having a miscarriage can come with legal risk. Risk is higher for people who are already at risk of criminalization due to their race, gender identity, or immigration status. Get questions answered by the Repro Legal Helpline.
Where can I find out more about period pills?
- Read more about period pills and find a list of providers at periodpills.org.
- If you are curious about the history of period pills and how they are used in other countries, this is a great blog from I Need an A.
- You can also read this magazine article about period pills.
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