Why do you bleed when you take the morning after pill?

Emergency contraception pills contain a hormone called levonorgestrel. It's the same hormone used in oral contraceptives but at a much higher dose. Taking the morning after pill causes a change in your hormone levels, which can affect your cycle.

As a result, you may experience some irregular spotting or bleeding between the time you take the pill and before your next period. If this spotting or bleeding lasts longer than a week, we would advise that you see your GP.

The morning after pill can also affect the timing of your next period. Although most people still have their period on time, you may have it a few days earlier or later than usual. And it may be lighter or heavier than normal.

If your period is over 1 week late we would recommend that you take a pregnancy test.


Last updated at: 02 February 2024
Published on: 12 August 2022