Period delay

The menstrual cycle is a monthly process around ovulation. Throughout the cycle, an egg matures, the uterus prepares for a potential pregnancy, the egg is released during the fertile period, and then the uterus sheds its lining if pregnancy does not occur. The cycle can last anywhere from 24 to 37 days. 

The four phases of the menstrual cycle are: 

1. Menstruation: This phase begins on day one when bleeding starts, typically lasting about five days. The uterus sheds its lining, accompanied by blood loss, cramping, headaches, and possibly nausea. 
2. Follicular phase: Lasting from day six to 14, this phase involves the maturation of an egg in preparation for ovulation. The uterus also gets ready for a possible pregnancy. 
3. Ovulation: Occurring around day 14, the mature egg is released from the ovary and travels through the fallopian tube, marking the fertile period. 
4. Luteal phase: The egg travels towards the uterus, where it can survive for up to 24 hours. If not fertilised, the body prepares for menstruation, and the cycle begins again. 

How do contraceptives affect your menstrual cycle?

Using hormonal contraceptives eliminates the natural menstrual cycle, preventing ovulation and the preparation of the uterus for a potential pregnancy. The bleeding experienced is not menstruation but withdrawal bleeding, which can be adjusted using your contraceptive method. 

Research shows that using hormonal contraception continuously for a year is safe and provides consistent pregnancy protection, though breakthrough bleeding may occur. It has not been studied beyond a year, but there is no evidence suggesting it is harmful. 

Although there are no pills to stop menstruation immediately, postponing your period is generally straightforward if you're already using the contraceptive pill. It’s possible to skip the stop week about three times consecutively, although the risk of breakthrough bleeding increases after that. 

• Single-phase pill: If your pack contains 21 or 22 pills, skip the stop week and continue with the next pack. If your pack has 28 pills, skip the placebo pills. To advance your period, you can start the stop week earlier, as long as you've taken at least seven pills from the pack. 
• Multi-phase pill: Continue with the last-phase pills from a new pack to delay your period, or temporarily switch to a single-phase pill. 
• Mini-pill: Taken continuously without breaks, it does not allow for adjusting the menstrual cycle. Switching to a single-phase pill temporarily is an option. 
• Vaginal ring or contraceptive patch: These methods do not allow you to change your cycle, but you can temporarily switch to the single-phase pill to delay menstruation. 
• Hormone coil: It does not allow for period timing adjustments, and removal is too inconvenient for this purpose. 

What pills can you take to delay your period if you don’t use contraception?

If you don’t use contraceptives but still wish to change your cycle, your doctor can prescribe a hormone-based pill to delay menstruation for up to two weeks. Common options include: 

• Norethisterone: Take two to three times a day for 10-14 days, starting three days before your period is due. Withdrawal bleeding occurs two to three days after stopping. 
• Lynestrenol: Start two weeks before your expected period and continue until you wish to stop. Withdrawal bleeding occurs within two to three days after discontinuation. 
• Primolut N and Utovlan: Contain Norethisterone and can delay menstruation for up to 14 days. Begin taking them three days before the expected period. 

Consult your doctor before using these options. 

Alternative medicine to delay periods

Some believe that certain herbs and foods can delay or induce periods, though there is no scientific proof. 

• Ginger and parsley: Believed to induce menstruation when consumed as strong teas. 
• Carrots, pumpkin, pomegranate, papaya, and pineapple: Said to accelerate the menstrual cycle, though results are anecdotal. 

These foods may raise body temperature and potentially affect cycle timing. 

Lifestyle changes to delay your period

Intensive exercise, whether through sports or physical work, may delay menstruation. However, the effort required makes it a less practical and less reliable option.

Managing period discomfort? Our Period pain section offers remedies to ease cramps and discomfort, while our Period page provides general menstrual health tips. 

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Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap (2016), NHG Treatment Directive for Menstrual Delay, consulted on 2 May 2019, at https://www.nhg.org/themas/publicaties/nhg-behandelrichtlijn-menstruatie-uitstel

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