All about delaying the menstrual period

While for some women the menstrual period is just a minor inconvenience, for others it can be a terrible time causing migraines and cramps, nausea and even fainting at times. So imagine, it is your wedding day all is set but the only problem is that your period is due on the same day.

Delaying periods
During such times, some people opt to interfere with Mother Nature and delay their periods for a week or so. Recent research shows how fewer periods can help improve quality of life for women in extreme employment situations.

In 2011, the Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health published a study of menstrual suppression among military women on deployment. The researchers found that interest in continuous contraception among deployed women was high; 66 per cent wanted to try it out. But only a third of the women actually put the method into practice. Another study shows that continuous contraception has been a common alternative to periods among female astronauts for years.

Medias Kangave, says she has been using prescription medicine to delay her period and she does not have any regrets. Kangave says her doctor prescribed it for her to help her travel well.

“I went to see my doctor before I left London after my studies because I was very worried about the journey back home. I am one of those women who experience very bad period pains. For a while
I relied on heavy pain killers and rest. But since my visa was expiring on the same day I was supposed to travel, I had no option but to face the possibility of flying thousands of miles with that unbelievable pain,” Kangave recounts. She was relieved when the doctor said he could give her some tablets that could suppress her period until she got back home.

Is it safe?
“These pills are a safe and convenient way for women who want to delay their periods. Some women have very painful periods so it makes sense if they would like to take a break once in a while,” says Dr Simon Nuwagaba an obstetrician-gynecologist. Although they are safe, Nuwagaba advises against delaying one’s periods constantly. He says the drugs should not be used without being prescribed by medical personnel.

How it works
Period delaying tablets contain Norethisterone; a form of the female hormone progesterone, which prevents your uterus from getting rid of its lining when menstruation begins. It comes in the form of a tablet and the dosage strength to delay periods is five milligrams and it should be taken at least three days before your period is due and to continue taking it for the maximum of 21 days.

When you stop taking the tablets, your period is likely to start after two or three days; however, the time scale may be different for every individual.

Side effects
Dr Herman Ssewagude notes that women should know that these pills are not contraceptive and therefore do not prevent pregnancy. although very rare, the pills can have side effects including increased risk of blood clotting, stroke, acne, fluid retention, headache and nausea.

“If you are on a contraceptive pill it is very important to consult your doctor before using this pill.