Side Effects of Period Delay Tablets: Myths vs Facts

Women may sometimes choose to postpone their menstrual cycles for planned events. This is generally done by using certain oral medications. Even though the idea seems to be simple, numerous myths surround this practice. One such myth in particular is that periods delay tablets are harmful. This blog has come to debunk such misconceptions about using hormonal medications to postpone periods.

What are Period Delay Tablets?

Period delay tablets are primarily oral medications. They contain a type of synthetic progestogen hormone known as norethisterone, which artificially works as a progesterone hormone in the woman’s system. The purpose of period postpone tablet is only to delay or postpone the period. These medications are usually considered safe when taken under the doctor’s guidance.

What are the Common Period Delay Tablets?

The most commonly prescribed period delay medications by the healthcare provider are:

Norethisterone

It is a primary ingredient in most menstrual delay tablets. These prescription medication tablets are available in different brand names. They may include Primolut-N, Utovlan, and Regestrone.

Note: These medications, including regestrone tablet uses to delay periods are largely helpful to treat various menstrual and gynaecological disorders.

How it works

Norethisterone pills work by artificially elevating the progesterone levels during the luteal phase (second half of the menstrual cycle). By maintaining its elevation, the natural drop in progesterone is prevented, which usually triggers the shredding of the uterine lining (menstrual bleeding) before the expected due date.

Usage

You can take one 5 mg tablet twice or thrice a day. It should typically be taken at least three days before the expected period. The duration of pills may generally be prescribed by your healthcare provider. The period may also begin 2 to 3 days after you stop taking the medication.

Remember that these medications are strictly for occasional use only. They are not contraceptives, meaning they cannot prevent pregnancy. Rather, they work only to postpone the period date.

Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA)

MPA is another synthetic progestin just like norethisterone. They come in different brand periods delay medicine name, such as Provera and Deviry. It is also a prescription medication that can prevent menstruation.

How it works

MPAs can delay your period until you stop taking the medication. They work by mimicking the progesterone effects in the luteal phase of the woman’s body. This keeps the uterine lining from shredding, thereby preventing menstrual bleeding.

Usage

Similar to norethisterone, MPAs should be taken thrice a day, and at least three days before the expected due date. It requires a doctor's prescription to use. The period may usually begin 2 to 3 days after you stop taking the medication.

Combined Contraceptive Pill

While dedicated menstruation delay pills are the most common approach, hormonal contraceptives may sometimes be prescribed to delay or skip cycles, particularly if a woman is already taking them.

Hormonal contraceptives generally contain active and inactive (placebo) pills. Active pills are taken to prevent pregnancy and delay periods. Whereas inactive pills are taken to resume the menstrual period. When it comes to delaying periods, continuous usage of active pills is prescribed without taking the inactive pills.

The widely available combined oral contraceptives come in different brand names. They may include Unwanted 21 Days, Yaz, and Yasmin. These can also be considered as period delay tablets name.

How it works

Combined contraceptive pills work by three mechanisms using synthetic estrogen and progestin hormones. They may include preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus (fertilisation), and thinning the uterine lining (block implantation and menstruation). All of which suppress the natural cycle and mimic the actual bleeding with withdrawal bleeding, along with effectively preventing pregnancy.

Usage

The approach is recommended for women who are already on these hormonal contraceptives. In general, you may be prescribed to take one active (hormone) pill every day, at the same time to prevent pregnancy and delay periods throughout the month. To postpone your period, you may skip inactive (without hormone) pills and continue with the active pill.

Potential Side Effects of Period Delay Tablets

Although period-delaying medications are safe, they do exhibit certain side effects in some women. The potential side effects of period delay tablets may include:

• Menstrual cycle changes, such as sudden spotting.
• Headache
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Dizziness
• Breast tenderness/pain
• Stomach pain
• Mood swings
• Skin changes like acne
• Reduced sex drive
• Increased urination/thirst
• Trouble sleeping
• Hair loss

Individuals should seek medical help immediately if they experience the following severe period delay tablets side effects.

• Vision/speech problems
• Sudden weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Redness/swelling in a limb
• Dark urine
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Loss of appetite
• Severe stomach pain
• Allergies, such as swollen lips or tongue
• Severe difficulty breathing

Common Myths and Facts of Period Delay Tablets

Here are some of the common debunked myths about menstruation postponing tablets.

• Myth: Postponing the period using medication is a harmful option.
  Fact: It is generally considered safe for occasional use under medical guidance. Though it can be harmful for individuals with a history of liver issues and blood clots. People with such conditions are exempt from using period delay tablets.
• Myth: Period delay pills can act as contraceptives and prevent STIs.
  Fact: They do not prevent pregnancy and STIs. If you are sexually active, you need to use other birth control options like condoms to prevent pregnancy. If you fail to do so, you can still become pregnant even by postponing your periods with pills.
• Myth: Natural remedies like orgasms and warm baths are effective than period delay tablets.
  Fact: Delaying the periods through natural remedies isn’t scientifically proven yet. While period delay tablets are specifically designed for this purpose. These medications are the proven options to delay periods when used correctly.
• Myth: They affect female fertility.
  Fact: Occasional use under medical guidance does not impact your fertility. The normal cycle can typically be returned once you stop the medication.
• Myth: Women may gain significant weight when on period-delaying pills.
  Fact: These pills do not cause any significant changes in the woman’s body weight. However, some may experience loss of appetite and the feeling of bloating as common side effects of the period-delaying pills.

Who Should Avoid Period Delay Tablets?

The following is the list of certain individuals who should avoid taking period delay tablets. They may include:

• Breastfeeding mothers
• Pregnant women
• A history of blood clots (DVT), stroke, pulmonary embolism (PE), or heart attack.
• Liver problems
• Severe migraines
• Breast cancer
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• High blood pressure

It is always recommended to discuss with a healthcare provider before taking these medications, especially if you are going through any of the above conditions.

Summary

When it comes to delaying periods, a period delay tablet works effectively. They contain synthetic progesterone, which acts as an acting agent for natural hormones to prevent menstruation until the tablets are stopped. However, the use of these medications requires certain considerations to ensure safety and reduce risks.

At Aval Clinics, our experts assess your complete health and make appropriate suggestions to delay your periods, along with maintaining reproductive health.

If you still have any concerns, having a consultation with experts at Aval Clinics is recommended. They can guide you.

Contact us today for expert advice and personalized care:

• 📞 Call us at 80047 80048
• 📅 Book an appointment here