Delaying A Period

Introduction

Some women may wish to delay their period, especially if it is due at an inconvenient time, such as during a vacation, sporting event or wedding.

  • There is no scientifically proven natural way to delay a period, but hormonal contraceptives can be used.



Women Taking the Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill

If a women is taking a fixed-dose combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill (NOT the triphasic or biphasic type), she can delay her period by simply starting the next pack without taking the usual seven-day break (i.e. skipping the placebo pills if applicable).

  • Taking two packs back-to-back in this way is safe to do occasionally.

Normally, women taking the COC active pills do not have periods.

  • The withdrawal bleed will not occur until the pill is stopped and the level of hormone in the body falls.

NOTE: If the pill is triphasic or biphasic, usually the colour of the pill will not be the same throughout the month.



Women Taking the Progestogen-only Contraceptive Pill

If a woman is taking a progestogen-only contraceptive pill, she cannot delay her period by taking packets back-to-back.



Women Not Taking the Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill

If a woman is not taking any COC pill, she can delay her period by taking

  • Norethisterone (norethindrone) 5 mg 3 times a day, starting 2-3 days before expected period and continuing for up to 14 days.
  • Bleeding will start 2-3 days after stopping the tablets.
  • Reported side effects include irregularities in the menstrual cycle, breast tenderness, nausea, headache and disturbances in mood and sex drive.

Norethisterone (a progesterone hormone) prevents the drop in progesterone in the body that triggers the period.

NOTE: Norethisterone taken in this way is not a contraceptive (i.e. you could still get pregnant).



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