Period Delaying Pills : How These Work And What Are Their Side Effects?
Period-delaying pills are a type of hormonal contraception that can be used to delay your period for up to 17 days. They are often used by women who need to delay their period for a special event, such as a vacation or a wedding.
Period-delaying pills work by increasing the levels of the hormone progesterone in your body. Progesterone is responsible for preventing ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. When you take period-delaying pills, your body continues to produce progesterone, which prevents ovulation and delays your period.
To delay your period, you will need to start taking period-delaying pills three to four days before your period is expected to start. You will need to continue taking the pills every day until you want your period to start. Once you stop taking the pills, your period will usually start within two to three days.
Period-delaying pills are generally safe for most women to use. However, there are some potential side effects, such as:
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Spotting
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Mood changes
It is important to note that period-delaying pills are not a method of contraception. They do not protect you from getting pregnant. If you are sexually active, you will need to use another form of contraception, such as condoms, while you are taking period-delaying pills.
Who should not take period-delaying pills?
Period-delaying pills are not suitable for everyone. You should not take period-delaying pills if you have any of the following conditions:
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Breast cancer
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
If you are considering taking period-delaying pills, it is important to talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can help you decide if period-delaying pills are right for you and can discuss the potential risks and benefits.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about period-delaying pills:
- Do not take period-delaying pills more than once per cycle.
- If you miss a dose of period-delaying pills, take it as soon as you remember.
- However, if you are more than 12 hours late in taking a dose, you may not be able to delay your period.
- If you experience any severe side effects from period-delaying pills, stop taking them and contact your doctor.
Overall, period-delaying pills are a safe and effective way to delay your period for a short period of time. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking period-delaying pills, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
