Everything You Need to Know About Period Delaying Pills

Period delaying pills provide a reliable solution for those seeking to postpone their periods for various personal or medical reasons. 

Whether planning for a special event, managing painful menstrual symptoms, or addressing heavy menstrual bleeding, understanding the mechanisms, benefits, and potential risks of these pills is essential for making informed choices. 

This article delves into the types of period delaying pills available, their working mechanisms, benefits, and considerations, backed by current research and expert insights.

What Are Period Delaying Pills?

Period delaying pills contain synthetic hormones like norethisterone or a combination of estrogen and progestogen. These hormones manipulate the menstrual cycle to delay the onset of menstruation. 

By maintaining elevated levels of these hormones, period delaying pills prevent the natural hormonal decline that triggers menstrual bleeding. One study highlights that norethisterone, often prescribed at 5 mg three times daily, effectively postpones menstruation and is well-tolerated by most women. This manipulation of the menstrual cycle allows women to delay their periods safely and predictably.

Types of Period Delaying Pills

Period delaying pills come in various forms, each with distinct mechanisms and effectiveness. Understanding the different types can help women choose the most suitable option for their needs.

Norethisterone

Norethisterone is a synthetic progestogen that is widely used for delaying menstruation. Typically prescribed at a dosage of 5 mg three times daily, norethisterone works by maintaining high levels of synthetic progesterone, which prevents the drop in natural progesterone levels that triggers menstruation. By doing so, it effectively postpones menstrual bleeding until the medication is stopped.

One study highlighted norethisterone’s efficacy, showing that it significantly reduces the incidence of breakthrough bleeding compared to combined oral contraceptives. In the study, only 8% of women on norethisterone reported spotting, compared to 43% on combined oral contraceptives. This makes norethisterone a reliable choice for short-term postponement of periods.

Norethisterone is generally well-tolerated, with most women experiencing minimal side effects. Commonly reported side effects include mild weight gain, nausea, and mood changes. These side effects are typically temporary and subside once the medication is discontinued.

Progestogen-only Pills (POPs)

Progestogen-only pills (POPs) represent another effective option for delaying menstruation. These pills contain synthetic progestogens like drospirenone, which work by maintaining high levels of synthetic progesterone to inhibit ovulation and alter the uterine lining, preventing menstrual bleeding.

New-generation POPs, such as those containing 4 mg of drospirenone, offer enhanced flexibility and reliability. Unlike older formulations, these newer POPs maintain ovulation inhibition even with delays in tablet intake. One study demonstrated that ovulation was inhibited despite four scheduled 24-hour delays in tablet intake, highlighting their robustness in maintaining menstrual control.

POPs are particularly useful for women who require a more flexible regimen. They are well-suited for women who might struggle with strict daily pill schedules. The improved tolerance and reduced side effects of newer POP formulations make them a popular choice for period delay. Common side effects of POPs include minor weight gain, breast tenderness, and mood swings. These effects are generally mild and tend to decrease with continued use.

For women who prefer a non-estrogen-based method, POPs offer an effective and safe alternative. Their ability to delay menstruation without the need for estrogen makes them suitable for women with certain health conditions or those who experience adverse reactions to estrogen.

How Period Delaying Pills Work

Period delaying pills work by manipulating the body’s natural hormonal cycle to prevent menstruation. Understanding the mechanisms behind these pills helps in appreciating their effectiveness and proper usage.

Period delaying pills, such as norethisterone and progestogen-only pills, maintain high levels of synthetic hormones, specifically progestogens. Normally, a drop in progesterone levels signals the body to begin menstruation. By maintaining elevated hormone levels, period delaying pills prevent this hormonal drop, effectively postponing menstrual bleeding.

Norethisterone works by keeping progesterone levels high, thereby preventing the shedding of the uterine lining. This inhibition of the natural menstrual cycle continues for as long as the pills are taken, delaying menstruation until the medication is stopped.

Similarly, progestogen-only pills (POPs) like those containing drospirenone, also maintain elevated progestogen levels. They inhibit ovulation and alter the uterine lining, making it unsuitable for menstruation. Studies have shown that even with delayed intake, newer POP formulations can effectively maintain hormone levels, ensuring reliable period delay.

The process is reversible and once the pills are stopped, natural hormonal fluctuations resume, leading to the onset of menstruation. This temporary suspension of the menstrual cycle provides flexibility and control over the timing of periods, which can be particularly useful for personal or medical reasons.

Benefits and Uses of Period Delaying Pills

Period delaying pills offer several benefits, making them a valuable option for women seeking control over their menstrual cycles. These benefits extend beyond mere convenience and can significantly impact quality of life.

Convenience

Period delaying pills provide a convenient solution for women who wish to postpone their periods for special occasions such as vacations, weddings, or important events. The ability to control the timing of menstruation allows women to participate in activities without the discomfort or inconvenience of their period.

Symptom Management

Period delaying pills are beneficial for managing menstrual-related symptoms. They are effective in treating conditions like dysmenorrhea (painful periods), menorrhagia (heavy periods), and menstrual migraines. One study found that 74% of women experienced stabilization of menstrual-related problems by extending the number of active oral contraceptives. By delaying menstruation, these pills can reduce the severity of symptoms and improve overall comfort during periods of high activity or stress.

Psychological and Emotional Benefits

Reducing the frequency of menstruation can alleviate stress and anxiety associated with menstrual symptoms. Many women experience significant relief from the psychological burden of managing menstrual pain and inconvenience. A survey indicated that 70% of women who would be unhappy if pregnant showed interest in using period delaying pills, highlighting their desire for greater control over their menstrual cycles.

Period delaying pills also provide emotional comfort by allowing women to plan their lives without the unpredictability of menstrual cycles. This control can lead to improved mental well-being and a better quality of life.

Considerations and Risks

While period delaying pills offer numerous benefits, it is crucial to understand their potential risks and considerations to use them safely and effectively.

Side Effects

Period delaying pills can cause side effects, although they are generally mild and temporary. Common side effects include weight gain, nausea, breast tenderness, and mood changes. One study noted that prolonged use of high-dose progestogens could lead to menstrual irregularities and amenorrhoea (absence of menstruation). Most side effects diminish once the medication is discontinued.

Long-term Safety

The safety of long-term use of period delaying pills should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Continuous use may raise concerns about potential health impacts, including hormonal imbalances and changes in menstrual patterns. Consulting a healthcare provider ensures that any underlying health conditions are considered and that the most appropriate and safe regimen is chosen.

Efficacy and Adherence

The effectiveness of period delaying pills relies heavily on proper timing and adherence to the prescribed regimen. Missing doses or delaying intake can reduce their efficacy. However, newer formulations, such as desogestrel-only pills, provide some flexibility. For instance, one study demonstrated that these pills maintain ovulation inhibition even with 12-hour delays in tablet intake. Adhering to the prescribed schedule maximises the effectiveness of period delaying pills and reduces the risk of breakthrough bleeding.

Individual Suitability

Not all women are suitable candidates for period delaying pills. Factors such as age, underlying medical conditions, and individual health profiles can influence their suitability. Women with certain health conditions, such as hormone-sensitive cancers or severe liver disease, should avoid these medications. A thorough medical evaluation by a healthcare provider can help determine if period delaying pills are a safe and appropriate option.

References

1. Korver, T., Klipping, C., Heger-Mahn, D., Duijkers, I., Van Osta, G., & Dieben, T. (2005). Maintenance of ovulation inhibition with the 75-μg desogestrel-only contraceptive pill (Cerazette®) after scheduled 12-h delays in tablet intake. Contraception, 71(1), 8–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2004.07.016
2. Sheldon, W. R., Mary, M., Harris, L., Starr, K., & Winikoff, B. (2020). Exploring potential interest in missed period pills in two US states. Contraception, 102(6), 414–420. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2020.08.014
3. Sulak, P., Cressman, B., Waldrop, E., Holleman, S., & Kuehl, T. (1997). Extending the duration of active oral contraceptive pills to manage hormone withdrawal symptoms. Obstetrics and Gynecology (New York. 1953. Online)/Obstetrics and Gynecology, 89(2), 179–183. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0029-7844(96)00488-7
4. Duijkers, I. J., Heger-Mahn, D., Drouin, D., Colli, E., & Skouby, S. (2016). Maintenance of ovulation inhibition with a new progestogen-only pill containing drospirenone after scheduled 24-h delays in pill intake. Contraception, 93(4), 303–309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2015.12.007
5. Dean, J., Kramer, K. J., Akbary, F., Wade, S., Hüttemann, M., Berman, J. M., & Recanati, M. A. (2019). Norethindrone is superior to combined oral contraceptive pills in short-term delay of menses and onset of breakthrough bleeding: a randomized trial. BMC Women’s Health, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-019-0766-6