How to Postpone or Bring on Menstrual periods

Many women are often faced with a situation where they would like to postpone their menstrual periods or get them before the due date.  It could be for participation in an important event, a sport, or a ritual during which they would not want to be menstruating.

Menstrual cycle is a physiological process that is under very fine hormonal control. So, the best option to postpone periods or get them earlier is taking birth control pills as they can alter the levels of naturally occurring hormones in the body.

Primolut N, Noriday, Noristerat, Utovlan are the best known pills available to modify the timing of periods. They all contain Norethisterone. A lot of women are not aware of this medicine, its dosage, course and the best time to take it.  Here’s what you need to know about norethisterone:

What is Norethisterone? 

Norethisterone is a synthetic analogue of Progesterone. Progesterone is a natural hormone produced by the human body. It helps in the healthy growth of the womb lining (endometrium) and prevents its shedding. Norethisterone mimics progesterone. It delays the shedding of the endometrium to post pone periods. Once the woman stops taking Norethisterone, it results in shedding of endometrium which manifests as periods. This action of the drug can be utilized to modify the period dates.

How to get earlier periods?

In order to get your periods before the due date, you must plan at least 15 days ahead of the next period. You need to take Norethisterone 5 mg tablets 3 times a day for 5 days and stop. Your periods will occur within 3 to 7 days of stopping the medication.

How to postpone periods? 

Norethisterone supplements can also be used to postpone periods. You can start the pill three days before you expect your periods and should continue as long as you want to delay the periods. It will effectively delay the menstrual cycle. Postponement of periods with norethisterone works better than its use to get early periods. While trying to cause early periods, there are chances of uncertainty of dates as the withdrawal bleeding can occur anywhere from 3 to 7 days after stopping the pill.
These pills are generally safe; however caution should be exercised while using them. Nausea, vomiting and bloating are commonly reported during their use. It is most beneficial if these medications are used after consulting your family doctor. Norethisterone should not be used during lactation. 

There are some natural home remedies said to modify period dates. People believe that eating carotene containing food such as papaya, pumpkins, banana etc can cause periods at an earlier date. However none of these home remedies are scientifically proven.