Expert: Pat G - 10/29/2009

Question
I had a medical abortion on the 22nd of September. I bled for about 10 days after that. Everything went well. But now almost a month later I still have not got my period. I took a pregnancy test too. It was negetive. I have not had sex since the abortion. I did not take any birth control pills either. Is my delayed period normal?

Answer
Hello, Rukmini,

The medications you took are powerful and dangerous. The first is a steroid, and steroids for men have been banned in athletic competition. They don't care enough about us women to ban steroids for us. The second one is manufactured by a company that says that it should never be given to a pregnant woman. The reason is because there are several ways it can kill her, sometimes within hours. The result is that there is no such thing as "normal" after taking these medications.

If you were to ask me, "Is this common?" I'd have to say, probably. These medications disrupt a woman's hormones, so this is one possible consequence. The only thing I can tell you is that it is wise not to have sex if you don't want a baby, and you will just have to be patient. I hope things will go well for you. Let me know how you do.