Lately, it seems like everyone’s talking about the “missed period pill,” and we’ve definitely noticed it popping up more and more, too. So let’s talk about what it actually is.
While it’s often advertised as a menstrual regulation medication (something to take to restart your cycle if you’ve missed a period), the term missed period pill typically refers to two medications – Mifepristone and Misoprostol – which are the combo most commonly referred to as the abortion pill.
Why Did I Miss a Period?
Before treating the “symptom” (a missed period), you might first find yourself asking, “Why did I miss a period?” There are a lot of reasons a woman could miss a period or have a late period, and one of those reasons is pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, there are some important medical steps to take to protect your health whether you intend to carry the pregnancy to term or not. STI Testing and Ultrasound are two very important steps after confirming a pregnancy. (At PLL, we offer pregnancy testing, STI testing and treatment, and limited ultrasounds at no charge. You can schedule an appointment on our website.)
The Missed Period Pill(s)
Some sources are encouraging women to have this medication on hand even if they don’t need it so they can “easily” restart their period if they’re late, but at PLL, we will always advocate for you to have all the information you need so you can make the best choice for your situation. And we believe you deserve to know that the Missed Period Pill is actually the Abortion Pill(s).
Let’s break down what these medications do:
Mifepristone
According to Cleveland Clinic, “Mifepristone is used to end an early pregnancy.” [1] While it may be prescribed for other reasons, mifepristone decreases the levels of progesterone (a hormone) in a woman’s body, and progesterone is necessary for a pregnancy to progress. Therefore, if there is a pregnancy, Mifepristone will end it.
Misoprostol
Mayo Clinic lists various, non-abortion-related uses for the medication Misoprostol, but they have a very clear warning listed that reads: “Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medicine can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or birth defects if taken during pregnancy.” [2]
Side Effects
Each of the websites above lists numerous possible side effects as well as warnings regarding who should and should not take these medications. These possible complications and side effects highlight the importance of receiving medical care in person and having a thorough visit with a healthcare professional before taking something like the “missed period pill.”
You Deserve the Facts
The decision to have an abortion is a big, personal decision. It goes far beyond “just a missed period.” And you deserve the facts. Whether you’re contemplating abortion or not, you deserve to have all of the facts before making a decision like this. Your health and future are worth it.
If you’d like more information, schedule an appointment, or give us a call. At PLL we are all about the facts – no judgment.
Disclaimer: This website and blog do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided here is only for general understanding. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Sources
- Mifepristone Tablets (Termination of Pregnancy). Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/23726-mifepristone-tablets-termination-of-pregnancy?utm_source=chatgpt.com#:~:text=MIFEPRISTONE%20(mi%20FE%20pri%20stone)%20is%20used%20to%20end%20an%20early%20pregnancy.
- Misoprostol (oral route). Mayo Clinic. (2025, Apr. 1) https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/misoprostol-oral-route/description/drg-20064805#:~:text=Do%20not%20use%20this%20medicine%20if%20you%20are%20pregnant%20or%20planning%20to%20become%20pregnant.%20This%20medicine%20can%20cause%20miscarriage%2C%20premature%20birth%2C%20or%20birth%20defects%20if%20taken%20during%20pregnancy.