How to Delay Your Menstrual Cycle: Tips and Considerations

How to postpone your menstrual period?

Hello Doctor: My last menstrual period started on the 28th of last month, and my cycle is approximately 26 days.
However, I am concerned that my period will start again on the 28th of this month when I am traveling abroad.
Could you please advise if there are any medications or injections available to delay my period? When should I start using them? If I use them, will my next menstrual cycle be affected or disrupted? What other impacts might there be? I apologize for asking again, but every time my period comes, I experience cramping during bowel movements, and after my period, I notice an unusual odor when urinating, similar to after a bowel movement.
Is there an underlying issue? I have previously consulted a gynecologist for menstrual pain and had an ultrasound, but the doctor said it was due to uterine contractions, and there were no other significant issues.
Can you confirm if what that doctor said is accurate and that there are no major problems? Thank you.

win, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/03/17

Dr. Chen Changfu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

If necessary, you can request your obstetrician to prescribe oral progesterone or an injection about a week before the expected onset of menstruation to delay your period.
This will not affect the number of days in your future menstrual cycles.
Please trust the physician's examination and advice; during menstruation, the uterus will contract (similar to cramping) to reduce the amount of uterine bleeding.
There may also be a fishy (ammonia-like) odor due to bacterial decomposition of blood proteins.

Reply Date: 2009/03/17

More Info

Delaying your menstrual cycle can be a concern for many women, especially when important events are approaching. There are several methods to postpone your period, but it’s essential to approach this with caution and under medical supervision.

Methods to Delay Your Menstrual Cycle
1. Hormonal Birth Control Pills: One of the most common methods to delay menstruation is by using hormonal contraceptive pills. If you are already on a birth control regimen, you can skip the placebo pills and start a new pack immediately. This method can effectively delay your period for as long as you continue taking the active pills. If you are not on birth control, consult your healthcare provider about starting a regimen that allows you to skip your period.

2. Norethisterone: This is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. It can be prescribed to delay your period. Typically, you would start taking it a few days before your expected period and continue for as long as you wish to delay it. However, it’s crucial to consult your doctor about the appropriate dosage and timing.

3. Injectable Contraceptives: If you are using an injectable contraceptive, such as Depo-Provera, it can also delay your period. However, this method requires prior administration and is not suitable for immediate use.

Timing and Effects
- When to Start: If you are considering using hormonal pills or norethisterone, it’s best to start them a few days before your expected period. For norethisterone, starting it 3 days before your period is generally recommended.

- Impact on Future Cycles: Using these methods can sometimes lead to irregularities in your menstrual cycle. After stopping the medication, your cycle may take some time to return to its regular pattern. It’s essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider, as they can provide guidance tailored to your health history and needs.

Other Considerations
- Consultation with a Healthcare Provider: Before starting any medication to delay your period, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider. They can assess your overall health, discuss potential side effects, and ensure that the method you choose is safe for you.

- Potential Side Effects: Hormonal medications can have side effects, including nausea, headaches, mood changes, and breast tenderness. It’s essential to weigh these potential side effects against the benefits of delaying your period.

Addressing Menstrual Pain and Other Symptoms
Regarding your concerns about menstrual pain and unusual symptoms during your period, such as cramping during bowel movements and changes in urine odor, it’s essential to monitor these symptoms closely. While some discomfort during menstruation is common due to uterine contractions, persistent or severe pain should be evaluated further.

- Menstrual Cramps: Dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen. If the pain is severe, your doctor may recommend other treatments, including hormonal therapies.

- Changes in Urine Odor: An unusual odor during menstruation can be related to various factors, including hormonal changes, diet, or even infections. If this symptom persists or is accompanied by other signs, such as itching or unusual discharge, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Conclusion
In summary, delaying your menstrual cycle can be achieved through hormonal contraceptives or medications like norethisterone, but it’s essential to do so under medical supervision. Additionally, if you experience significant menstrual pain or other concerning symptoms, further evaluation by a healthcare provider is warranted. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking professional advice tailored to your specific situation.

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