Is Delaying Your Period Using Contraceptives Dangerous?

Highlights:

Menstrual suppression through hormonal contraceptives offers the convenience of controlling when periods occur
It prevents disruptions during important events and addresses discomfort
While suppressing periods can be helpful, individuals should weigh potential side effects, consult healthcare providers, and consider the impact on their overall health and well-being

Having control over one's menstrual cycle can be empowering and convenient. Many of us have experienced frustration when our periods arrive at inconvenient times. Dealing with unexpected menstruation during important events like exams or vacations can be exasperating.

While period stains shouldn't be a cause for embarrassment, most people would prefer to avoid the hassle of cleaning blood stains from their clothing. Additionally, menstrual discomforts like cramps and bloating often accompany periods, making it desirable for many to have control over when they occur.

Is the Potential Risk of Delaying or Suppressing Menstrual Cycles Justified?

Modern medicine has introduced hormonal contraceptives that allow for the suppression of menstruation. Dr. Varini N., an obstetrician, and gynecologist, explains that the menstrual cycle is driven by hormonal changes, with estrogen thickening the uterine lining in the first two weeks of the cycle and progesterone maintaining the lining for a potential pregnancy. Hormonal contraceptive pills contain synthetic progesterone, like norethisterone, which artificially maintains elevated hormone levels, delaying the onset of periods ().

Period or Menstrual Cycle Calculator
Period or Menstrual Cycle Calculator informs you of expected date of next 3 menstrual periods and helps find if you have missed your period. Use this tool to plan special occasions and track ovulation.

‘More than 90% of women surveyed expressed a desire to have more control over when their periods occur, suggesting a strong demand for menstrual suppression. #Menstruation #Periods’

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This menstrual suppression can significantly improve the quality of life, prevent missed days at school or work, and address various health conditions. An obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Sarah Prager lists reasons such as heavy bleeding causing anemia, avoiding painful conditions like endometriosis and PCOS, and reducing gender dysphoria among trans individuals.

Timing can be Everything, but Tinkering with Nature's Clock isn't Always worth the Tock

Various methods, including pills, implants, and IUDs, can suppress periods, but this approach is not without drawbacks. Individuals who have tried period suppression often report side effects such as nausea, dizziness, breast tenderness, weight gain, headaches, reduced sex drive, mood swings, and heavier bleeding when periods do occur.

Some individuals are not suitable candidates for period suppression due to medical conditions such as pregnancy, recent childbirth, breastfeeding, liver tumors, or a history of blood clots.

While society has traditionally associated womanhood with pain and suffering, suppressing periods can provide benefits without impacting fertility. It's important to seek medical advice before attempting menstrual suppression, as a healthcare provider can offer tailored guidance based on an individual's health and circumstances.

Birth Control Pills to Delay Periods
Thinking of delaying your period with birth control pills? First, you should know all the benefits and risks. Find out more about your options here.

Making informed decisions about period suppression is essential, and access to non-judgmental healthcare providers who explain the pros and cons is crucial for safe usage.

Reference:

Oral Contraceptive Pills - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/)

Source-Medindia

Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives are the second line of therapy for most patients, unless birth control is also desired. Oral contraceptives prevent menstrual pain through a different mechanism than NSAIDs.