Is it safe to delay your periods? Know how to do it right

We all know that feeling. The apprehension of an upcoming family wedding or a beach vacation getting ruined because of our menstrual cycle. A monthly period follows many other issues such as bloating, diarrhea, cramping, low energy, and fatigue, to name a few. However, with advancements in the medical industry, it is now easy to delay your periods so you can attend to your special occasions seamlessly. Even though this may sound convenient, many still question whether it is safe to delay periods.

Is it Safe to Delay Your Periods?

According to Dr. Asha Dalal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Well Woman Center, Sir H N Reliance Hospital, it is safe and normal to delay your periods. However, it is important to consult your doctor before starting anything.

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While normal periods are healthy, Dr. Dalal explains the reasons behind women wanting to delay their periods: “Mostly people want to delay their periods when they are going on a vacation or for some special religious function. It can also be for a special event like a wedding or a honeymoon where you do not want the inconvenience of bleeding, cramps, or pain.”

Safe and Effective Ways to Delay Your Periods

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There are many safe ways to delay your periods, and here are some of them:

1. Pop the Right Pill

One option is to take progesterone pills or combined oral contraceptives. In either case, it is recommended to start at least 3 to 7 days in advance, and you will get your periods mostly 2 to 5 days after stopping it.

While most people do not experience any side effects, some may complain of issues such as headaches, acne, breast tenderness, or bloating. It is worth noting that occasional use of period-delaying pills does not cause changes to your menstrual cycle. However, if taken too often, it may lead to irregular periods or spotting.

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2. Try Some Natural Ways

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Apart from medications, there are some natural ways to delay periods. Excessive exercise or breast massage are some of them. For those who doubt the efficiency of hormone-regulating pills and fear their side effects, these natural methods can be considered as effective alternatives.

3. Foods that Can Help

According to Dr. Dalal, foods that are believed to delay periods include lime juice, apple cider vinegar, gram cereal, gelatin, and mustard seeds. However, if you are delaying your periods for medical reasons and want to delay them in the long term, it is important to consult your gynecologist. As for foods that can induce periods, it may be more myth than fact!

Benefits of Delaying Your Periods

Delaying your periods can have various benefits. Not only is it an ideal option when you have an event to attend, but it can also help manage other health conditions. For women dealing with physical or mental health conditions that make periods problematic, delaying them can offer relief. Birth control pills can also ease conditions like severe anemia or endometriosis, which are generally aggravated by menstruation. Additionally, for women experiencing chronic pre-menstrual symptoms, taking hormonal pills can help curb the symptoms and efficiently manage life.

So, if you have an important event coming up, don’t let your periods get in the way. Consult with your doctor and explore the safe options available to delay your periods and enjoy your special occasions without any inconvenience.

Sources: https://ncvc.org
Category: Health