Your menstrual cycle is a normal and natural part of your life, but no matter how body positive you are, there are times in every woman’s life when you’d just like to put off the inconvenience.
Period delay tablets can do that, and if you’re considering this, you might be wondering how they work and whether they are safe to use. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the period delay pill?
The period delay pill is a prescription medication that contains norethisterone, under the brand name Primolut N.
Typically, you will be prescribed one tablet to take two to three times daily, for up to 14 days, starting three or four days before menstruation is due. If you take it closer to your expected period than that, it may not work, as the medication will not have had time to balance your hormone levels. When you stop taking the drug, bleeding will begin two to three days later.
There are as many reasons for wanting to postpone menstruation as there are women. When to take period delay tablets is entirely up to you. Perhaps you’re preparing for your wedding or a special event, or going on holiday and want to avoid the hassle of menstruation while you are away. Some women delay their period now and then to prevent pain and debilitating symptoms, or to feel better able to concentrate during exams or important career moments.
Whatever your reason, you have the right to manage your menstrual cycle as you see fit. However, it is crucial to note that the period delay tablet is not a contraceptive. If you suppress menstruation, you must continue to use any form of contraception you would normally use.
How do period delay tablets work?
Norethisterone is an artificial form of progesterone — the hormone that prepares your body for pregnancy by thickening the lining of the uterus, making it receptive to a fertilised egg. If you do not become pregnant, progesterone levels drop, and this, combined with plummeting oestrogen levels, triggers your period.
When you take norethisterone, the body is fooled into thinking that progesterone levels are still high and that the uterus lining needs to be maintained. Therefore, menstruation is delayed.
Is it safe to take period delay tablets?
Norethisterone is generally considered safe to use for most women for occasional use to postpone menstrual bleeding. However, you should not take it if you have high blood pressure or a history of blood clots – and do not take it if you are or might be pregnant. You should also avoid this drug if you have or have had liver tumours, breast cancer or vascular disease.
Can period delay pills be taken with the contraceptive pill?
Whether or not you can combine period delay and contraceptive pills depends on the type you are taking.
If you are taking the combined contraceptive pill, you can skip your next period without needing to take a delay pill. Simply skip the sugar pills in your medication pack and start a new one straight away. Do not take norethisterone, because it may interfere with the pill you are already taking, potentially causing hormonal imbalances or increasing the risk that your contraception will fail.
If you are taking the progesterone-only contraceptive pill, also known as the mini pill, you can take norethisterone to suppress your period. However, you should consult your doctor before doing so.
Are there any side effects?
There are some side effects associated with taking the period delay pill, but these are generally minor. You may experience:
- Spotting
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Acne
- Stomach upset
- Libido changes.
If you are concerned about any side effects you experience, stop taking the medication and consult your doctor.
If you experience sudden and severe chest pain, shortness of breath or painful tenderness and swelling in a calf, seek urgent medical attention.
Will delaying a period impact future fertility?
Using a hormonal pill like norethisterone will not affect your ability to conceive in the future. Hormonal contraceptives do not cause infertility, and period delay medications are similar. It is safe to take these tablets without worrying about any impact on your fertility.
Alternatives to period delay tablets
If you cannot take norethisterone, or choose not to, there are some alternatives for postponing the onset of menstruation. If you are on the combined contraceptive pill, you can just take your pills back-to-back without a break. Similarly, if you are using a contraceptive patch or ring, you can start a new one immediately after the last, without taking a break.
Another alternative is to try to make menstruation start earlier to get it over with before your special event or holiday. Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain foods can bring on your period, although there is a lack of scientific evidence for this.
Do you need a prescription for norethisterone in Australia?
Yes, you do need a prescription. Your doctor will ensure that the drug is safe for you to use and will explain how to safely use it.
It’s part of the PBS scheme, so you will only need to make a co-payment toward the cost of your prescription. When to take period delay tablets depends on how many days remain until the onset of your next cycle, so visit your doctor in good time to plan ahead.
Taking control of your menstrual cycle with period delay pills
Delaying your period with norethisterone can be a safe and effective option for many women, provided you watch out for side effects and continue to use contraception.
Period delay pills can be an empowering choice to help you stay in control of your menstrual cycle in a way that suits your lifestyle and needs. Of course, always consult with your doctor first to see if the period delay pill will be suitable for you.
