Period delay pills: Your safe guide to controlling your menstrual cycle

Medical articles

Period delay pills: Your safe guide to controlling your menstrual cycle

Medical articles

Reviewed by: Dr. Ibrahim Hussein Bani Irshid is a consultant in obstetrics, gynecology and urology

Did you know that you can control the timing of your menstrual cycle to suit your own plans?

What are pills to delay menstruation?

Menstrual delay pills are hormonal medications, that is, they usually contain hormones, such as norethisterone or progesterone derivatives, and are usually used to delay the date of the menstrual period for medical or personal reasons. These pills work to change the balance of hormones in the body to prevent the period from occurring temporarily.

How do period delay medications work?

The hormones in the pills are similar to natural progesterone, which causes an increase in the level of the hormone in the body, which in turn prevents rupture and shedding of the uterine lining, thus delaying menstruation.

It is usually taken a few days before the expected period, according to the doctor's instructions, and continues until you stop taking it. Once you stop, the hormone level suddenly decreases, so your period ends within two to five days.

This is why we find that it is used for personal reasons, such as delaying menstruation before special occasions, or medical reasons, such as menstrual disorders or heavy bleeding.

Types of menstrual delay pills

There are several types of period delay pills that differ in their composition and method of use, but the appropriate type is determined based on the health condition and purpose of the delay, and the main types include the following, which are mentioned in detail.

1. Pills containing Norethisterone

From trade names: Primolut-Nor, Utovlan, Noristerat.
Description: It contains norethisterone, which is a synthetic hormone similar to progesterone, and works to prevent rupture of the uterine lining to delay the period.
Dosage: Usually 5 mg taken 2 to 3 times daily, starting 3 to 4 days before your expected period, and continuing until your period is desired.
Usage: It is used when you want to delay your period for special occasions, or to treat heavy bleeding or menstrual disorders.

2. Combined Oral Contraceptives

From trade names: Yasmin, Microgynon, Marvelon.
Description: They contain a combination of estrogen and progesterone.
Dosage: Take daily without interruption between packages as directed by your doctor.
Usage: Suitable for those who are already taking birth control pills, it can also be used to delay or regulate your period. It can also be used to delay your period by skipping the pill-free week, then taking the next pack directly.

3. Progestogen-Only Pills

From trade names: Such as Cerazette or Micronor.
Description: Contains only synthetic progesterone.
Dosage: It is taken daily, and the doctor determines the method of use to delay the period.
Usage: It is often used for women who suffer from sensitivity to estrogen or certain medical conditions. It can also be used in some cases of delayed menstruation, especially for those who cannot use estrogen.

Determining the appropriate type for your health condition requires consulting a specialist doctor first, and because we care about everything related to women’s health;

Read also: Causes of delayed menstruation And what should be done

What are the side effects of using pills to delay menstruation?

Like any other medicine;

Digestive disorders such as nausea, stomach pain, or feeling bloated.
Mood changes, feeling anxious, or depressed in some cases.
Mild to moderate headache, or in rare cases migraine.
Changes in the menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods after stopping taking the pills, or light bleeding during or after use.
Allergy to the medication or pain in the breasts.
Slight weight gain due to fluid retention.
Changes in sexual desire, whether decreased or increased.
Skin effects such as the appearance or worsening of acne if it already exists, as well as skin allergies in rare cases.

There are also rare but serious risks, including:

Increased risk of blood clots, especially when using combined birth control pills that contain estrogen, which are more common in women who smoke or have a history of blood clots.
High blood pressure.
Liver problems, but they are very rare, especially with norethisterone.

Book your consultation now at مركز صحة المرأة At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

Important tips before using period delay pills

Before using menstrual delay pills, you must follow several important tips:

1. Consult a specialist doctor

It is important to consult a specialist gynecologist before starting;

2. Understand the health condition

Ensure that there are no contraindications to the use of hormones, such as a history of breast cancer or blood clots, as if you are a smoker or over the age of 35, the risk of side effects may increase with pills containing estrogen.

3. Follow the correct method

Find out through your doctor how to take healthy pills based on your needs and medical history. If you are already using birth control pills, the method of skipping the pill-free week may be sufficient.

4. Follow the dosage carefully

Adhere to the dose and timing of use specified by the doctor, such as starting 3 or 4 days before your period for the norethisterone type. Also, avoid stopping suddenly unless the doctor tells you to do so.

5. Know the side effects

It is necessary to know the possible side effects such as nausea, headache, and mood changes, and to consult a doctor immediately if serious symptoms such as severe leg pain or difficulty breathing appear.

6. Avoid frequent use

These pills should not be used frequently or for long periods without medical supervision;

7. Advance planning

Depending on the type of pill, it is necessary to plan the use of pills in advance and start a few days before the period.

8. Track body condition

When observing any abnormal changes during use such as unexpected bleeding or severe pain;

9. Healthy lifestyle

When taking period delay medications, it is necessary to maintain a balanced diet, while drinking enough water to reduce side effects such as bloating or headaches, and also avoid excessive stress because it may affect the effectiveness of the pills or the regularity of the cycle.

10- Verify availability

When prescribing pills, it is necessary to check their availability in pharmacies.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best pills to delay menstruation?

It is not possible to determine the best pill to delay menstruation, as the choice depends on your condition and the doctor’s advice. For example, norethisterone is the most common to delay menstruation for short periods, while combined birth control pills are suitable for those who already use them.

How do I make my period delay by how many days?

By taking it 3 or 4 days before your period is due and continuing until you want your period to return, but it should not exceed the recommended period without medical supervision.