A missed period can bring a lot of questions and uncertainty. In your search for answers, you may have come across the term “period pills” or "missed period pills”. While the name sounds simple, it is important to understand exactly what these medications are and how they affect your body. At My Life Health Clinic, we want to help you navigate your options with clear, research-based education.
What Are Period Pills or Missed Period Pills?
The term "missed period pills" is often used to describe a specific use of the same medications found in the abortion pill. Sometimes these are marketed as a way to "get your period back” if it is late.
The primary difference between these and a standard medication abortion (also known as the abortion pill) is the timing. In a traditional medication abortion, a person confirms they are pregnant before taking the medication. With missed period pills, the drugs are often taken before a pregnancy is officially confirmed.
The Connection to the Abortion Pill
It is important to know that these pills consist of mifepristone and misoprostol. These are the same two drugs used in the abortion pill or in a medication abortion.
Even if they are marketed under a different name, they function by blocking the hormone needed to maintain a pregnancy and causes the uterus to contract. Because these drugs are the same as the abortion pill, they should be treated with the same level of caution and medical awareness.
Why Confirmation Matters Before Taking Medication
Taking any medication without a confirmed diagnosis can lead to unnecessary risks. Before considering the abortion pill or missed period pills, there are several factors that a simple missed period cannot tell you.
1. Is the Pregnancy Viable?
Statistics show that up to one in four early pregnancies may end naturally in a miscarriage. If a pregnancy is already ending on its own, taking medication is unnecessary. An ultrasound can confirm if a pregnancy is viable, which helps you avoid procedures or medications that your body does not need.
2. Where is the Pregnancy Located?
This is a critical safety point. The abortion pill is only effective for pregnancies located inside the uterus. If a pregnancy is located in the fallopian tubes, it is called an ectopic pregnancy. Missed period pills will not end an ectopic pregnancy, and if left untreated, this condition can become a life-threatening medical emergency. An ultrasound is the only way to confirm the pregnancy is in the correct location.
3. How Far Along is the Pregnancy?
The effectiveness and safety of medication abortion change depending on the gestational age. Taking these pills too late in a pregnancy can lead to an incomplete procedure and increased complications. An ultrasound can help determine how far along you are.
The Importance of Personal Health Education
Before making a decision, it is also wise to consider your overall reproductive health. This includes being aware of potential infections. While My Life Health Clinic provides limited STI testing for specific concerns, we emphasize that untreated infections can increase your health risks.
Our goal is to ensure you have a complete picture of your health before you move forward.
Your Next Steps
If you have missed a period, your first step should be an accurate pregnancy assessment. My Life Health Clinic offers a safe, confidential environment where you can receive a medical grade pregnancy test, an ultrasound and limited STI screening at no cost to you.
We are here to provide the education you need without pressure or judgment. Our facility does not provide or refer for abortions, which allows us to focus entirely on giving you the information and support you need to make your own informed decision. .
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or diagnosis. All of the services at My Life Health Clinic are free of charge, including the pregnancy test, limited STI screenings and the limited ultrasound. My Life Health Clinic does not diagnose any complications of pregnancy. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate care at the nearest hospital. My Life Health Clinic does not perform or refer for abortions.