You have planned a beautiful destination for your summer holidays, packed your favourite clothes, all set to have the best time, and you suddenly realize that your vacation might coincide with your period dates. Isn’t it a familiar situation? In such circumstances, every woman ponders over one question, ‘is there a way to delay my period?’. Postponing the period for a few dates sounds like a great idea, right? However, most women are concerned about safety and assurance while trying to delay periods and are flooded with a plethora of questions.
Well, you don’t need to be anxious to manage your menstrual cycle as we have experts answering the most common questions. They have provided useful information to delay your periods for a few days while ensuring safety. Have a read:
Delaying Your Period- How Safe Is It?
Are you wondering how safe is it to take period delaying tablets? Well, several gynos, studies, and surveys have assured that postponing or skipping your period through hormonal birth control without breaks is relatively safe. Moreover, a study compared continuous and cyclic use of hormonal contraceptives and concluded that they are equally safe.
Another research in 2014 showed the same results. Two studies on the continuous use of hormonal contraceptives without breaks (for 91 and 168 days) concluded that these period delay medications are efficient and safe for extended use. However, one may experience breakthrough bleeding, mood fluctuations, or nausea.
Safe Ways to Delay Your Period
You can take tablets to delay your period and enjoy your summer break without any discomfort or inconvenience. A type of synthetic progestogen hormone known as Norethisterone can temporarily put your menstruation cycle on hold. You can also take combined contraceptive pills but their effects are variable.
Here is everything you need to know about different tablets to hold off your period:
- Utovlan or Norethisterone
Norethisterone is a generic name for period delay tablets sold under the brand name Utovlan. These prescription pills can delay your period by up to 17 days by artificially keeping your progestogen levels up. The tablets stop the lining of your womb from shedding, hence, delaying your period. You can request the pills from an online pharmacy or clinic.
Make sure to take Norethisterone three days before your period is due, three pills a day of 5mg each, and continue it for up to 20 days. After you stop taking the tablet, you will get your period within 2-3 days.
Norethisterone is not safe for all women, especially those with a history of liver problems, thrombosis, breast cancer, or unexplained vaginal bleeding. So, it’s better to consult your doctor before starting the medication.
- Combined Contraceptive Pill
Women can take two packs back-to-back of the combined oral contraceptive pill without the recommended seven-day break. You will miss your period that week. This will keep oestrogen and progestogen levels high, preventing the womb lining from shedding. As you finish the second pack, your hormone levels will fall and you will experience withdrawal bleeding.
Taking two packs back-to-back is considered safe. Some women even take three packs for a four or seven-day break. Moreover, some take combined pills without a break but this can lead to breakthrough bleeding or spotting.
- Natural Methods to Delay Your Period
You can find a plethora of articles on the internet about home remedies and natural methods to delay your period. Unfortunately, experts say that these ways are not proven scientifically to regulate your period. On the contrary, trying these ineffective methods excessively can affect your throat, teeth, gums, mouth, and gastrointestinal tract.
Remedies, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, also known as Aleve, can alleviate period cramps and reduce blood flow but can’t prevent or delay your period.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, you can temporarily pause your period safely and effectively. However, if you are unsure about a tablet or have any concerns, it’s better to seek the right guidance and support from your doctor. Ask for the best way to control your cycle based on your medical history and current health conditions. This will help you enjoy the most carefree and comfortable vacation.
Author Bio
Krishma Patel Co-founder and the Superintendent Pharmacist at MedsNow, an online pharmacy in the UK that provides health and wellness products and treatments along with free online consultations. She is passionate about showcasing the integral function community pharmacies can play in supporting the healthcare system and the NHS by providing patients with high quality, safe and discreet access to healthcare at their convenience. Along with being the co-founder of MedsNow, Krishma is also the Director and the Superintendent Pharmacist of Enimed Ltd., an independent pharmacy group comprising 32 branches.
