According to the National Women's Health Network, skipping a period is just as safe as having a regular menstrual cycle. In fact, people can safely skip periods for several months in a row. Still, it is best to check with a doctor before skipping a period.
So, the pill is the most effective way to safely delay your period, according to experts. But there are some other methods that may work, as well. One of those methods, according to Dr. Kelly-Jones, is the vaginal ring (aka NuvaRing or Annovera).
Missing the menstrual cycle by a day or two is normal, but there are cases of women missing their periods by 10 days or even weeks. A delayed period is not always a cause for alarm, however experts state that in some, it might be a case of chemical pregnancy.
If you do not take a contraceptive pill
They might be able to prescribe medication called norethisterone to delay your period. Your GP will advise you when to take norethisterone and for how long. You'll usually be prescribed 3 norethisterone tablets a day, starting 3 to 4 days before you expect your period to begin.
Prostaglandins are chemicals that trigger the uterus to contract and shed the endometrium (uterine lining) each month. However, Russell points out that taking ibuprofen will only delay your period for no more than a day or two.
To delay your period, you can use a medicine called Norethisterone for up to 17 days' delay. It comes in the form of tablets which you must start to take three days before your period is due.
Apart from foods, there are also some other natural methods to postpone, or temporarily delay periods. Exercise and massage are some options. Since a lot of athletes often go by missing their periods due to extreme workouts they follow, it is said that rigorous exercise may postpone periods in cases.
It is not uncommon to occasionally miss a period, or for periods to become irregular from time to time. Under some circumstances, periods can even stop altogether. Sometimes these irregularities are due to normal changes, and are not cause for concern.
It also says that habitual use of caffeine needs to be considered as a risk factor for most of the menstrual abnormalities. Well, caffeine is not only responsible for missed or irregular periods, but there are other factors too. Some of them are a high-carbohydrate diet, rapid weight loss, stress and heavy drinking.
Norethisterone should be taken 3 days before you expect your next period to begin, and should become effective immediately. It can delay your period by up to 17 days if all 20 days worth of pills are taken.
Is it safe to delay my period using Norethisterone? Norethisterone is safe for most women to use occasionally. It should not be taken regularly. Norethisterone is not safe for some women, so it's important to check with your doctor before starting.
What side effects can Norethisterone 350mcg cause? Menstrual irregularities e.g. irregular bleeding, heavy menstruation, spotting between menstrual cycles, delayed or not having a menstrual cycle. Stomach discomfort e.g. nausea, vomiting. Take the medication after food to reduce these side effects.
Taking a progesterone pill may stop a person's period for a one-off event. A person should be aware that taking a progesterone pill may not work for them, but it is an alternative to long-term birth control. Intrauterine devices (IUDs), such as the Mirena, may also reduce or prevent periods in some people.
No. Drinking a shot of lemon juice won't delay your period or make it stop. Using a hormonal birth control method is the only way to lighten or control when you get your period: When taking a hormonal birth control method, like the pill, ring, and patch, you have the ability to skip your period.
"The menstrual cycle isn't the cause of weight changes, it's just a bystander," explains Arias. The menstrual cycle does not directly impact weight loss or gain, but there may be some secondary connections.
It is totally safe to go for months or even years without having a period. Think about it—a woman who has and breastfeeds a baby may go for two years without periods.