Suggest Pills To Postpone Periods

Posted on Mon, 11 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 11 Aug 2014 Answered on

Tue, 2 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I am 30 years old. My period is due on the 16th/17th (5 - 6 days from today) and I'd like to postpone it by a couple of days. My cycle is very regular - 24/26days, no other issues with my period apart from the regular menstrual cramps and slight bloating. I do not have any other health issues either. What would be a safe pill to take so I can postpone my period to the 19th/20th of Aug. What could be the possible side effects?

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You may use a progestogen.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for posting your query.

For postponement at this stage, high doses of hormone are needed. One of the progestogens is used. Regestrone is used in such situations and has been shown to be effective and so is Primolut-N.

The medication should be continued for at least 4-5 days to be effective. Withdrawal bleeding usually occurs within a week after completion of the treatment.

The possible side effects are nausea, vomiting, bloating, dizziness, rashes and breakthrough bleeds.

Hope I have answered your query. Please feel free to contact for further clarifications. I will be happy to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shanti Vennam (7 minutes later)

So doc, are you suggesting I take Primolut-N?
1) Is it completely effective?
2) Since I am due on the 16th/17th and considering that I start the pill on the 12th, I just have 4 days, will it work?
3) If I take the medication, when will I start my period?
4) What exactly is withdrawal bleeding?
5) Will my next cycle be regular?

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
High dose is effective.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

Here are your answers--

---Primolut-N is as effective as Regestrone.
---Since you are close to your period, you will need a dose higher than the usual once a day regime, to be effective.
---you may start the period within 3-5 days after completion of the treatment.
---withdrawal bleeding is the bleeding experienced when hormone therapy is suspended. This is so called because it is not due to a normal cycle and is an induced bleeding.
---your next cycle may have altered dates as the cycle will have to start all over again from the day of onset of the withdrawal bleeding. It is most often regular.

Hope your queries have been answered. Please get back if you need further information. I will be ready to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar