Many women would appreciate being able to control their period cycle, especially if it occurs at an inconvenient time. Although menstruation is a biological phenomenon and its occurrence or absence should not govern a person’s activities or lifestyle, situations like holidays, religious events, prolonged menses, and minor surgery are a few events where the need to delay one’s menses might be important.
Different Ways Menstruators Resort To For Delaying Periods
Most women want to delay their periods because they can be irksome in some cases, as mentioned above. Another reason for a person to delay or alter their period cycle may be because they suffer from increased cramps during that time, and they do not want it to affect some important work that needs their concentration.
As a result, several medicines are available in the market for those who desire to alter their cycle.
What types of medications are available in the market for delaying menstruation?
There is a myriad of pills available to delay one’s periods. A gynecologist may prescribe hormonal contraceptives like oral contraceptive pills containing estrogen or progesterone and other drug-releasing intrauterine devices (IUD).
One of the most common medicines for the period delay is Norethisterone, which is available in India under various other names. Although it is trusted by various doctors, a more elaborate scientific study shows that the pills can cause serious behavioral changes and nausea, amongst other things.
Home Remedies To Delay Period Have No Proven Results To Back Them
A more natural way to delay one’s periods maybe by using apple cider vinegar, gram lentils, or lemon juice. The internet is full of home remedies for this issue, but there have been no proven results to date. Using home remedies without adequate precaution can also lead to certain setbacks in a person’s health. Thus, it is not advisable to use them.
In addition, women who have or are suffering from liver tumors, breast cancer, a history of jaundice during pregnancy, and severe vascular disease should be taking such medicines only after being advised by a doctor.
Several over the counter available painkillers for period pains are also one of the fast-selling medicines for women. Medicines like aspirin and acetaminophen are prominently used in India for this issue. However, the intake of such medicines should be carefully monitored because when painkillers are used for a long period of time, the body slows down the production of these natural chemicals and makes the body less effective in relieving pain naturally.
What Are The Repercussions Of These Medications?
Altering one’s natural body functions would be bound to have some consequences.
Most women, after taking such pills, experience increased bleeding during their next menses. There have also been cases of extreme nausea and behaviour disturbances caused by such pills.
According to the National Cancer Institute and The American Cancer Society (ACS), there is evidence that suggests that taking either of the pills for a long duration of time can increase one’s risk of breast and cervical cancer.
In some rare instances, medicines like norethisterone can result in a fatal allergic reaction. Difficulty in breathing, swelling of the tongue or face, stomach bloating, diarrhea is some other side effects of such pills.
Medicines Should Compulsorily Be Taken With A Doctor’s Prescription
Some positive changes can be observed while using hormonal pills as well. Research suggests that the use of oral contraceptives used to delay periods can help fertility by reducing and delaying cases of endometriosis.
Oral contraceptives may also be an effective acne treatment. However, these are short term, and in longevity, they are prone to cause serious health damages if used regularly.
Can women finally have more comprehensive control over their cycles?
It is quite known that using contraceptive pills makes your period shorter and lighter. In fact, consumption of painkillers available in local chemist stores can also reduce swelling of the uterine walls, which will, in turn, reduce bleeding and the pain that comes with it. But the fact remains that there are no absolutely safe options to delay the periods.
Everybody is different, and the reaction of such pills to their health can vary.
Side effects are more likely to occur when such pills are taken for longer periods of time. Thus, it becomes imperative that the medicine dose is taken in accordance with a doctor’s recommendation, and appropriate safety measures should be taken before the consumption of such medicines.