Do Period Delay Pills Work?

Period delay pills, when used correctly, are generally effective for most women. However, their efficacy can vary depending on individual factors and proper usage. Here's what you need to know about how well these medications work:

1. Success rate: When taken as prescribed, norethisterone (the most common period delay medication) is successful in delaying menstruation for about 70-80% of women.
2. Timing is crucial: For maximum effectiveness, you must start taking the medication 3 days before your period is due to begin. Starting too late may result in the treatment being ineffective.
3. Duration of delay: These pills can typically delay your period for up to 17 days, though some doctors may prescribe them for shorter durations.
4. Breakthrough bleeding: Even if the pills successfully delay your main flow, some women may experience light spotting or breakthrough bleeding.
5. Individual response: The effectiveness can vary from person to person. Some women may find the pills work perfectly, while others might experience their period starting despite taking the medication.
6. Consistency matters: Taking the pills at the same time each day can help improve their effectiveness.
7. Not foolproof: It's important to note that while these pills are often effective, they don't guarantee that your period won't start.
8. Subsequent cycles: After stopping the medication, your next period should arrive within a few days. However, it may take a cycle or two for your menstruation to return to its regular pattern.

What Is the Best Pill for Delayed Periods?

There are various pills that can delay one’s period:

Norethisterone

• Most commonly prescribed
• Synthetic form of progesterone
• Taken 3 days before expected period
• Can delay menstruation for up to 17 days

Combined Oral Contraceptives

• Regular birth control pills
• Can be used to skip periods by continuing active pills
• Requires prior use and familiarity with the pill

Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera)

• In both Injectable and oral form
• When taken orally, can effectively regulate menstrual cycles and delay periods by stabilizing the uterine lining.

Ulipristal Acetate (Ella)

• Emergency contraceptive that may delay ovulation
• Not primarily used for period delay

Best Pill for Delayed Periods: Norethisterone is generally considered the best option specifically for delaying periods. It's:

• Designed for this purpose
• Doesn't require long-term use
• Has predictable effects
• Widely prescribed by healthcare providers

However, "best" can vary based on individual health factors, menstrual patterns, and contraceptive needs. Some women may find combined oral contraceptives more suitable if they're already using them for birth control.

Is Taking Period Delay Tablets Safe?

Taking period delay tablets is generally safe for most women when used as prescribed, but there are important considerations:

• Short-term use: These tablets are designed for occasional, short-term use. Long-term or frequent use is not recommended.
• Side effects: Common side effects may include:
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Breast tenderness
  • Mood changes
  • Breakthrough bleeding
• Contraindications: Not suitable for women with certain conditions, such as:
  • History of blood clots
  • Liver problems
  • Certain types of cancer
  • Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Drug interactions: May interact with other medications, including some antibiotics and anti-epilepsy drugs.
• Pregnancy risk: These tablets are not contraceptives. If taken while unknowingly pregnant, there's a slight risk of masculinization of a female fetus.
• Cardiovascular risk: Slight increase in risk of blood clots, especially in smokers over 35.
• Medical supervision: Should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider who can assess your individual risk factors.
• Follow-up: It's important to have a check-up if you experience any unusual symptoms after taking the medication.

What Are the Side Effects of Norethisterone?

While norethisterone is generally well-tolerated, it can cause various side effects. It's important to be aware of these potential effects:

Common side effects:

1. Nausea
2. Headaches
3. Breast tenderness or pain
4. Mood changes, including depression or anxiety
5. Irregular bleeding or spotting
6. Fluid retention
7. Bloating
8. Changes in libido

Less common side effects:

1. Skin reactions (acne, rash)
2. Hair loss or increased hair growth
3. Dizziness
4. Fatigue
5. Insomnia
6. Gastrointestinal disturbances

Rare but serious side effects:

1. Blood clots (thrombosis)
2. Jaundice
3. Severe allergic reactions

Long-term considerations:

• Prolonged use may affect bone density
• Can potentially mask menopause symptoms in older women

It's crucial to:

• Inform your doctor of any pre-existing conditions
• Report any unusual or severe side effects promptly
• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of a blood clot (e.g., severe leg pain, chest pain, sudden shortness of breath)

Remember, not everyone experiences side effects, and many women tolerate norethisterone well. However, being informed about potential side effects allows for better decision-making and prompt action if issues arise.

How much does it cost?

The cost of delaying your period depends on which medication you choose and for how long. Norethisterone costs about $1.50 per pill and you need to take it three times a day. On the other hand, medroxyprogesterone is cheaper at $0.25 per pill and you only need to take it twice a day. So, medroxyprogesterone ends up being considerably less expensive.

• Norethisterone: $4.50 per day
• Medroxyprogesterone: $0.50 per day

So a 10 day trip would be $45 using norethisterone vs. $5.00 with medroxyprogesterone.

Where to get norethisterone?

While period delay tablets are safe for many women, they're not risk-free. The decision to use them should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your medical history and current health status. They can provide personalized advice on whether these tablets are a safe option for you and discuss any potential risks or alternatives. After a short consultation with a TeleTest doctor to ensure it is safe for you, you can pick up your prescription at a nearby pharmacy of your choice. Same-day appointments are available for those who need immediate access to their medication.

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.