Can birth control make you skip a period?

[blueberrie7]

Hi, I recently started using birth control pills, Reclipsen. I decided to start them about 2 days before my period was due and I am now 6 days late (my period is usually no more than 3-4 days late.) I have not had unprotected sex, but I have OCD and this makes me anxious. I have also been experiencing period-like precramps and back pains this past week, as I usually do before my period, but it never arrived. Can birth control delay your period if you take it before it's supposed to start? Thanks for your help!

[Johanna]

Welcome to Scarleteen, blueberrie. One of the most common side effects of starting hormonal birth control is irregular bleeding or missed periods. While starting the pill on the first day of a period may mean that your body will get used to it more quickly, it's not a guarantee. Some irregular bleeding is pretty much going to be something you need to expect to happen when you start hormonal birth control. Generally, you can expect for your body to take about three months to get used to the hormones, and then your periods should be regular again.

[blueberrie7]

Thanks so much for your help & fast reply, Johanna! : )