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Medicines that can cause changes in menstrual bleeding

Changes in menstrual bleeding may be caused by a medicine. For example, it is not uncommon to have some midcycle spotting with low-dose estrogen birth control pills. Other medicines that can cause abnormal, lighter, heavier, less frequent or more frequent bleeding, or skipped periods include:

Anticoagulant medicines such as aspirin, Coumadin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Antipsychotics.
Seizure medicines, such as Dilantin or Depakote.
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone.
Dilantin.
Hormonal medicines, including:
- Birth control pills, Depo-Provera injections, and Implanon implants.
- Contraceptive implants, such as the levonorgestrel intrauterine device (IUD) Mirena.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection.
Medicines used to treat cancer (chemotherapy), such as Cytoxan or tamoxifen.
Radiation therapy.
Thyroid medicine, such as Synthroid or Levothroid.
Tricyclic antidepressants.

If you are having changes in menstrual bleeding that you think may be related to medicine use:

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Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to determine whether this is an expected side effect of this medicine. An appointment may not be needed.
If you are taking a medicine not prescribed by a doctor, stop taking it. Call your doctor if you feel you need to keep taking the medicine or if you need help to control your symptoms after you stop the medicine.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Specialist Medical Reviewer	William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised	July 2, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 02, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.