Why Delay a Period?
Reasons vary, but common ones include:
- Religious commitments: the Hajj pilgrimage, for example, requires you to be free from menstrual bleeding.
- Special events: weddings, honeymoons, or vacations.
- Recreation: camping trips, water parks, or beach holidays where you'd rather not deal with a period.
- Convenience: especially if you have heavy or painful periods and want a break.
Pill Options for Delaying Your Period
NETA (Norethisterone Acetate)
NETA is a strong synthetic progesterone. Your body makes progesterone naturally, but a higher dose in pill form tricks the body into thinking it's pregnant, which stops the uterine lining from shedding. It's used to treat menstrual disorders and endometriosis, and to delay periods.
MPA (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate)
Another synthetic progesterone, MPA works much like NETA. It comes as an injectable contraceptive and as an oral tablet. Taken orally, it regulates cycles and delays periods by stabilizing the uterine lining.
Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs)
Better known as birth control pills, COCs combine estrogen and progestin. If you take them continuously and skip the seven-day break or placebo pills, you can delay your period. There's no long-term harm, but the longer you go without a period the more likely you are to get spotting or breakthrough bleeding.
Speak with our physicians to see which option is right for you.
Common Concerns
Impact on Fertility
None of these methods affect long-term fertility. Once you stop the medication, your fertility returns to baseline.
Off-Label Use
Using NETA or MPA to suppress menstruation is considered off-label, meaning Health Canada hasn't formally approved them for this purpose. Off-label doesn't mean unsafe. It just means the use isn't on the official label. Talk to your prescriber about what to expect.
Long-Term Use
NETA and MPA aren't meant for indefinite use. Side effects pile up over time, which is why birth control pills are a better fit if you need ongoing cycle control.
Side Effects
Every medication has them. For NETA and MPA, expect possible mood swings, bloating, increased appetite, breast tenderness, and occasional acne. You may also see mild spotting or bleeding. Knowing this up front makes it easier to manage.
Choosing the Right Option
Why Pick COCs Over NETA or MPA?
Birth control pills can be used for much longer stretches, they double as contraception, and they tend to have milder side effects than progesterone-only pills.
Risks and Contraindications
These medications aren't safe for everyone. Certain medical conditions or histories rule them out. Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting.
Spotting
Breakthrough bleeding can happen, especially when you first start NETA or MPA. They usually prevent it, but it's not a guarantee.
Can Plan B delay your period?
Plan B (levonorgestrel) can shift your period by 2 to 7 days, but it can also bring it on earlier than expected. Not a reliable way to delay menstruation.
NETA vs. MPA: which to pick?
Some of the hormones in NETA convert to estrogen in the body, which carries its own risks. MPA is usually the default choice unless you have a specific reason to avoid it.
See our FAQ for additional information on suppressing your menstrual cycle.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on the medication and how long you're using it. NETA runs about $1.50 per pill, three times a day. MPA is cheaper at $0.25 per pill, twice a day. The math:
- NETA: $4.50 per day
- MPA: $0.50 per day
A 10-day trip costs you $45 on NETA vs. $5 on MPA.
Bottom Line
Delaying your period is safe and straightforward with the right medication. Like any prescription decision, it pays to talk it through with a healthcare provider so you pick the option that fits your situation.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal health concerns.