Delaying Your Period: What You Need to Know

It often feels like your period arrives just in time to disrupt important plans. Fortunately, some hormonal medications can help you delay your period. Here’s a simplified guide on how these medications work and what you need to consider.

How Hormones Control Your Period

- Estrogen and Progesterone: Estrogen builds up the lining of the uterus in the first half of your cycle. After ovulation, progesterone maintains this lining. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, progesterone levels drop, leading to your period.

Medications to Delay Your Period

1. Progesterone-only pills: These keep progesterone levels high, delaying your period. Start taking them 3-5 days before your period is due and continue for up to 21 days. Your period will start within a week after stopping the medication.
2. Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COC): If you're on the pill, skip the pill-free week and start a new pack immediately.
3. Contraceptive Patch: Use a new patch without a break, similar to the COC pill.

Important Considerations

• Not for Contraception: These medications delay your period but do not prevent pregnancy. Use other contraception if needed.
• Individual Responses: Effectiveness can vary.
• Side Effects: Possible side effects include acne, spotting, nausea, mood changes, breast tenderness, and lighter flow.
• Who Should Avoid: Pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with liver disorders, breast cancer, or a high risk of blood clots should avoid these medications.

Safety Tips

• Hydration and Movement: Stay hydrated and move around frequently, especially on long flights.
• When to Seek Help: Seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms like chest pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe headaches, or breathing difficulties.

Natural Methods

There is no strong evidence that natural methods, like apple cider vinegar, can delay your period. Using a menstrual cup can help manage bleeding without delaying your period.

Always consult a doctor before using period delay medications to ensure they are safe for you.