How to Safely Delay Your Period

Sometimes, you may want to delay your period for a special event, travel, or a religious occasion. It’s possible to do this safely with the help of certain medications. However, it’s important to understand how these medicines work and consult a doctor before starting.

1. When and Why Do Women Delay Periods?

Women commonly delay periods for:

Weddings or festivals
Vacations and travel
Sports events or competitions
Exams or job interviews
Religious fasting or rituals

Delaying your period occasionally is generally safe, but it should not be done frequently without medical advice.

2. Which Tablet Is Used to Delay Periods?

The most commonly prescribed tablet is Norethisterone.

Generic Name: Norethisterone
Brand Names (India): Primolut-N, Norethindrone
How It Works: It is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. When taken regularly, it maintains the hormone balance that prevents the shedding of the uterine lining, thus delaying menstruation.

3. How to Take Norethisterone

Start the tablet 3 days before your expected period.
Dose: Usually, 5 mg taken three times a day.
Duration: Take it until you want to delay your period (usually for up to 10–14 days).
Your period will usually start 2–3 days after you stop taking the tablet.

Always follow your doctor’s dosage instructions, as individual needs may vary.

4. Is It Safe to Delay Periods with Tablets?

Yes, for most healthy women, short-term use of norethisterone is safe. However, you should not use it if you:

Have a history of blood clots or stroke
Have liver disease
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have hormone-sensitive cancers (like breast cancer)

5. Possible Side Effects

Nausea or breast tenderness
Mood changes
Headache
Slight spotting or irregular bleeding
Bloating

These are usually mild and temporary. If you experience chest pain, leg swelling, or vision changes, stop the medicine and seek immediate medical attention.

6. Important Tips

Do not use this tablet as a regular birth control method.
Inform your doctor about any other medications or health conditions.
Do not take the medicine without a valid reason or for extended periods.

Summary:

You can safely delay your period using norethisterone, started a few days before your expected date. It’s safe for occasional use under medical supervision. Always consult your doctor before starting.

Dr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam, MD, FRCP (London), FACP (USA)

Internal Medicine Specialist

Kify Hospital

Danavaipeta

Rajahmundry

Phone : 85000 23456