Are you planning a vacation, wedding, or other special event and your period is due? You may be wondering how you can delay your period—and, more importantly, whether it's safe for your body. Let's take a look at a few options and their potential risks, which you should carefully consider beforehand.
Delaying menstruation naturally
The internet is full of various tips and old wives' tales on how to naturally influence the length of your cycle and bring on or delay your period, whether it's using selected herbs or specific foods. However, none of these methods have been scientifically proven to be reliable. That's why most women choose the path of hormonal help.
Delaying menstruation using hormones
If you are currently using hormonal contraception , delaying your period is a relatively simple process. Combined hormonal contraception is typically taken for 21 days, followed by a seven-day break, during which you will have a withdrawal bleed.
You can then postpone your period by simply skipping the usual one-week break and starting a new pack straight away. This will delay your bleeding for the number of days you continue taking the pill without a break. Once you take the break, your period will usually come.
How does hormonal contraception work? Read the full article about it.
A one-time delay of menstruation is possible even without regular use of contraception , using prescription drugs that are started a few days before the expected onset of menstruation. These drugs contain gestagens (e.g. Norethisterone), which mimic the function of the hormone progesterone in the body and maintain it at a high level, thereby preventing the shedding of the uterine lining. Menstruation will therefore not occur for the duration of use. After discontinuation of the drug, progesterone levels usually drop sharply and menstruation will begin within 2–3 days.
Is delaying menstruation safe?
In most cases, short-term delay of menstruation using hormones can be safe - but ideally, this should be an exceptional situation and should always be consulted with a gynecologist in advance.
It is important to remember that even short-term use of hormonal contraceptives can have side effects. These may include spotting, changes in the intensity or length of bleeding, water retention, breast pain, or mood swings . Hormonal contraception itself can in some cases cause nausea, digestive problems or irregular bleeding.
Among other things, hormonal contraception fundamentally affects the natural menstrual cycle – often completely suppressing it or artificially modifying it – which can mask important signals about a woman's health. Menstruation is one of the key indicators of hormonal balance and the overall functioning of the female body. Long-term suppression of these natural cycles can make it difficult to recognize various problems early.
If you want to better understand your cycle and natural methods of conception planning and contraception, we recommend the webinar Harmony of the Cycle. and Symptothermal method in practice .
Enjoy a vacation even with your period? It's possible!
If your period does arrive during your vacation, don't despair. You can still enjoy your trips and time in the water to the fullest. Make sure you have enough intimate necessities on hand. Whether you prefer a pad or tampon , you can find both with us!
With the Carefree Subscription, you never have to search for menstrual protection products at the last minute. Simply combine the quantity and type of products however you want and we'll automatically deliver a supply of pads and tampons made from GOTS certified cotton to your door every 3 months!
You might also be interested in:
- Can traveling affect your period?
- Implantation bleeding or menstruation?
- 7 tips for women's intimate hygiene
- Hormonal contraception through the eyes of a woman with endometriosis
- What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?
- 5 tips on how to prevent blood loss and how to best manage the situation
- My girlfriend got her period. What should I (not) do?
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