--- title: Is the Missed Period Pill a Good Option For Me? description: Considering the Missed Period Pill? Learn what to know first & get free pregnancy testing, ultrasound and abortion information in Las Cruces. image: https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Woman%20Contemplating%20Pregnancy%20Test%20in%20Messy%20Bedroom.png --- [Skip to Content](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/blog/missed-period-pill#main-content) - [![Call Icon](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/hubfs/top%20header%20-%20call.svg) Call | **(575) 522-8378**](tel:+15755228378) - [![Text Icon](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/hubfs/top%20header%20-%20text.svg) Text | **(575) 619-7050**](sms:15756197050) [![Main Logo - Mixed Dark](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/hubfs/Main%20Logo%20-%20Mixed%20Dark.svg)](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org) - [Home](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org) - Show submenu for FAQs FAQs - [First Appointment Expectations](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/what-to-expect) - [About Abortion](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/abortion-faqs) - [About Pregnancy](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/pregnancy-faqs) - [About STDs](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/about-stds) - [About The Abortion Pill](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/abortion-pill-faqs) - Show submenu for Services Services - [Text Our Nurses](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/text-our-nurses) - [Considering Abortion?](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/abortion) - [Pregnancy Tests](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/free-pregnancy-test) - [Ultrasounds](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/free-ultrasounds) - [STD Testing](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/std-testing) - [Parenting Support](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/parenting-classes-resources) - [Helpful Advice](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/blog) - [Support Us](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/support) [Make Appointment](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/make-appointment) [Home](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org) Show submenu for FAQs FAQs [First Appointment Expectations](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/what-to-expect) [About Abortion](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/abortion-faqs) [About Pregnancy](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/pregnancy-faqs) [About STDs](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/about-stds) [About The Abortion Pill](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/abortion-pill-faqs) Show submenu for Services Services [Text Our Nurses](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/text-our-nurses) [Considering Abortion?](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/abortion) [Pregnancy Tests](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/free-pregnancy-test) [Ultrasounds](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/free-ultrasounds) [STD Testing](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/std-testing) [Parenting Support](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/parenting-classes-resources) [Helpful Advice](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/blog) [Support Us](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/support) [Make Appointment](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/make-appointment) # Is the Missed Period Pill a Good Option For Me? ![Is the Missed Period Pill a Good Option For Me?](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Woman%20Contemplating%20Pregnancy%20Test%20in%20Messy%20Bedroom.png) The name makes it sound pretty simple: **Take a pill. Get your period. Move on.** But the Missed Period Pill isn't actually a medication designed to restart a late period. **It's a term sometimes used to describe the abortion pill.** If you're considering the Missed Period Pill because it feels like a quick solution, there's something worth knowing first: **A few simple steps can help you understand what's actually happening in your body before you move forward.**   > Have questions about the abortion pill or your pregnancy? [**Text our nurses 24/7 at (575) 619-7050**](sms:+15756197050).   ## What Is the Missed Period Pill? The Missed Period Pill is a term sometimes used for **medication abortion**, which typically involves mifepristone and misoprostol. Despite the name, it isn't designed simply to start a late period. **It's intended to end an existing pregnancy.** That means before taking the Missed Period Pill, it can help to know: - **Whether you're actually pregnant** - **How far along you are** - **Where the pregnancy is developing** Those details can help you understand what may apply to **your specific pregnancy.**   ## Is It the Abortion Pill? **Yes.** Missed Period Pill is a term used for the abortion pill or medication abortion. Medication abortion typically involves two medications: **mifepristone** and **misoprostol.** Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for a pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and empty.   ## Do I Need a Pregnancy Test? **Yes. A missed period doesn't always mean you're pregnant.** Stress, illness, hormonal changes, travel, and changes in exercise or weight can all affect your cycle. If you're considering the Missed Period Pill, confirming pregnancy is a simple first step.   > High Desert Women's Center offers [**free pregnancy testing in Las Cruces**](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/free-pregnancy-test), so you can get an answer without relying on symptoms alone.     ## Is a Positive Test Enough? A positive pregnancy test tells you that the pregnancy hormone has been detected. **It doesn't tell you everything about the pregnancy itself.** For example, it can't tell you: - **How far along you are** - **Where the pregnancy is developing** - **Whether additional medical evaluation may be needed** That's where an ultrasound can provide information a pregnancy test can't.   > High Desert Women's Center offers the option of a [**limited first-trimester ultrasound**](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/free-ultrasounds) at no cost to help provide more information about your pregnancy.   ## Does the Missed Period Pill Work? Medication abortion is effective during early pregnancy, but **it isn't 100% effective.** In some cases, the pregnancy may continue, pregnancy tissue may remain in the uterus, or additional medical care may be needed. The abortion pill also **does not treat an ectopic pregnancy**, which develops outside the uterus and can become a medical emergency. **This is one reason learning more about your pregnancy beforehand can be valuable.** An ultrasound can help estimate gestational age and provide information about where the pregnancy is developing.   ## Is the Missed Period Pill Safe? Like any medication, the abortion pill can come with side effects and risks. **Cramping and bleeding are expected parts of the process.** Other side effects can include: - Nausea or vomiting - Diarrhea - Headache - Fever or chills - Weakness - Dizziness Complications can include heavy bleeding, infection, or an incomplete abortion requiring additional medical care. **Timing matters too.** The FDA-approved mifepristone regimen is approved through 10 weeks of pregnancy, so knowing how far along you are can help you understand what information applies to your pregnancy.   ## What If I'm Not Pregnant? If your pregnancy test is negative, **taking abortion medication won't explain why your period is late.** If your period remains late or you're concerned about your symptoms, a healthcare provider can help determine whether additional evaluation is needed.   ## What If I Am Pregnant? **It's okay. You have time to get answers.** You don't need to know exactly what you want before making an appointment. And if you're already considering the Missed Period Pill or abortion, you can still come to High Desert first. Your appointment can help you better understand: - **Your pregnancy** & how far along you may be - **Abortion** & what information may apply to your pregnancy - **What to expect** if you're considering the abortion pill - **Your questions & available resources** **You don't have to figure everything out today. You can start by getting answers.**   ## Get Personalized Answers Before Abortion You can find a lot of general information about the Missed Period Pill and abortion pill online. **What the internet can't tell you is what applies to *your* pregnancy.**   > **[Make a Free Appointment](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/make-appointment)** or [**text our nurses 24/7 at (575) 619-7050**](sms:+15756197050).   ###### **Sources** 1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. *Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation.* 2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. *Ectopic Pregnancy.* 3. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. *Mifepristone Information.* ![FlowerSeal3](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/hubfs/FlowerSeal3.svg)   **Get In Touch** - [Contact Us](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/contact) - [Support Us](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/support) - [(575) 619-7050](tel:+15756197050) **Visit Us** 3201 S. Main St. Suite C Las Cruces, NM 88005 [Get Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Turning+Point+of+Las+Cruces/@32.2767021,-106.766967,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x86de17e316f68b57:0x50326f865a5e365f!8m2!3d32.2767021!4d-106.766967!16s%2Fg%2F1tgdjfkw?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIwMy4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3M0gBUAM%3D)   **Hours** Monday - Friday: 9am-3pm **Here For You** High Desert Women's Center does not offer or refer for pregnancy terminations. What we do offer is the services required up front before making a pregnancy decision at no cost.   [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/make-appointment)   \*Image Disclaimer: Some images feature models or have been digitally enhanced. They're simply here to help tell our story and don't represent anyone's personal or medical experience. © 2026 High Desert Women's Center. 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