Many women want to delay or stop their period for an important event like a wedding, graduation, or special vacation. While there is no guaranteed way to immediately stop your period, there are some methods that may work to delay or lighten bleeding for a night or short time. It’s important to talk to your doctor before trying to alter your menstrual cycle. But here are some tips that may help postpone or reduce period flow temporarily.
Take birth control pills
One option is to take birth control pills. The pill prevents ovulation and stabilizes hormones so that the uterine lining doesn’t thicken as much. This leads to lighter periods. Here’s how it works to delay your period:
- Start taking the pill 3 weeks before the date you want to skip your period. The pills override your normal hormonal cycle.
- Take the pill as directed for 3 weeks straight. Don’t take the inactive placebo pills during this time.
- After the 3 weeks, stop taking the pill for 4 days. This will allow a withdrawal bleed to occur.
- Restart the active pills to skip additional periods.
So by extending the active pill phase, you can delay when your withdrawal bleeding occurs. It takes some planning, but this method can work to skip a period for a specific event. Talk to your doctor to get the appropriate birth control pills for this use.
Use birth control rings or patches
Birth control rings like NuvaRing provide the same hormones as birth control pills. Rings are inserted vaginally and release estrogen and progestin over 3 weeks. Here is how to postpone your period with a ring:
- Insert a new ring 1 week before the date you want to skip bleeding.
- Keep the ring in for 4 total weeks in a row instead of removing it each month.
- Remove the ring for 4 days to allow a withdrawal bleed.
- Insert a new ring to skip more periods.
Similarly, birth control patches like Xulane contain hormones that are absorbed through your skin. To delay your period with patches:
- Apply a fresh patch 1 week before you want to skip bleeding.
- Change patches weekly for a total of 4 weeks straight.
- Take a 4 day break after the 4 weeks to allow a withdrawal bleed.
- Apply a new patch to skip additional periods.
So by using rings and patches continuously for 4 weeks, you can push back when bleeding occurs. Discuss extended use with your healthcare provider.
Take progesterone supplements
Progesterone is the hormone that stabilizes the uterine lining after ovulation. Taking supplemental progesterone can sometimes delay your period by preventing the lining from shedding early. Here’s how to try this method:
- Start taking progesterone pills or using a progesterone cream 5-7 days before your next expected period.
- Continue using progesterone for 6-14 days or until you want bleeding to occur.
- When you stop the progesterone, you’ll likely get your period within 2-3 days.
The dosage depends on the progesterone formulation. Your doctor can provide guidance on the right product and dosage to temporarily postpone menstruation.
Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Some over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help reduce menstrual flow for a night or event. NSAIDs work by blocking prostaglandins which control uterine cramping and bleeding. Options include:
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
- Aspirin
Take the maximum recommended dosage about an hour before your event. However, NSAIDs may only reduce flow slightly and won’t stop bleeding altogether. Discuss pain reliever options with your physician.
Consider natural supplements
Some herbal supplements may help slow or reduce menstrual bleeding for a short time. Here are some options:
- Vitamin C – Take up to 2000 mg per day. Start 1-2 days before your expected period.
- Vitamin E – Take 400-800 IU per day. Begin taking it several days before your period.
- Turmeric – Take 500-600 mg capsules 3 times a day. May inhibit prostaglandins.
- Ginger – Take 250-500 mg capsules 3-4 times daily. Helps relax the uterus.
- Dong quai – Take 500-1500 mg per day. Has hormone-regulating properties.
Research on the efficacy of these supplements is limited. Vitamin C and E have the most evidence for temporarily reducing menstrual flow. Always check with your doctor before taking herbal supplements.
Use a menstrual cup or disc
Menstrual cups and discs catch rather than absorb menstrual blood. Made of silicone or rubber, they are inserted into the vagina to collect flow. Unlike tampons, there is no drying effect. Here’s how cups and discs can help:
- Insert the cup/disc before your event to collect any bleeding.
- Try a larger capacity option to hold more blood.
- Empty it less often so you can wear it longer.
- Use overnight if you have a heavy nighttime flow.
Menstrual cups and discs hold about 3 times more than pads or tampons. While they won’t stop your flow, they allow you to avoid dealing with it as frequently.
Consider prescription tranexamic acid
Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic medication that helps stabilize blood clots and reduce menstrual bleeding. It can lower flow by about 50% when taken during your period. To postpone bleeding, start taking it about 4 days before your next cycle. Use it for only a couple of days to delay the start of menstruation. Do not take tranexamic acid if you have certain conditions like blood clots. This medication requires a prescription.
Get a progestin intrauterine device
A progestin IUD provides continuous low doses of the hormone progesterone into the uterus. It thins the uterine lining so periods become lighter or stop altogether. Here’s how it may help:
- Make an appointment to get an IUD like Mirena or Skyla inserted by your doctor.
- It may take 3-6 months to fully suppress menstrual bleeding.
- Periods stop for about 20% of women after 1 year of use.
- IUDs provide long-acting but reversible birth control for 3-7 years.
An IUD won’t help immediately stop your period for tonight. But it can make periods lighter or stop them over time. Consider it if you want to reduce bleeding for more than just a special event.
Ask your doctor about tranexamic acid pills
Tranexamic acid pills help stabilize blood clots so less bleeding occurs during your period. Start taking the pills 3-4 days before your next expected period to postpone when bleeding starts. Other options include:
- Take the pills only for 1-2 days to briefly delay menstruation.
- Continue taking them during your period to reduce flow.
- They can lower bleeding by about 50% when used during menses.
- Talk to your doctor about safety and dosing instructions.
While it won’t eliminate bleeding altogether, tranexamic acid provides a short-term option to temporarily delay and lighten your period.
Consider prescription birth control pills
Birth control pills prevent ovulation and thin the uterine lining. With your doctor’s guidance, certain formulations and dosing schedules can suppress periods for a temporary time. Options include:
- Take active combination pills continuously without placebo breaks.
- Use extended cycle pills that have more active days.
- Try injections like Depo-Provera that prevent periods for 3 months.
- Discuss which method may work best for your needs.
It takes advance planning to schedule pills and injections. But these prescription methods allow you to safely skip periods for certain events or avoid having frequent periods.
Ask about prescription NSAIDs
Prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are stronger than over-the-counter options for stopping your period temporarily. They reduce prostaglandins and suppress the uterine lining to limit bleeding. Choices include:
- Mefenamic acid (Ponstel)
- Ibuprofen (Rx doses)
- Naproxen sodium (Rx doses)
Take the maximum prescribed amount 1 day before your event and every 6-8 hours during the time you want lighter bleeding. NSAIDs mainly reduce flow rather than stop it completely.
Consider endometrial ablation
Endometrial ablation is a minor surgical procedure that destroys the uterine lining to stop monthly periods. It’s an option if you want permanent relief from menstruation. The success rate is about 90% but depends on the method used. Discuss the benefits and risks with your gynecologist.
Think about next steps if your period starts
Despite your best efforts, your period may start anyway. Don’t get discouraged! Here are some tips to handle it:
- Use an ultra absorbent tampon and pad together to prevent leaks.
- Bring an extra change of clothes and supplies.
- Wear dark colors to conceal any possibility of stains.
- Pop an NSAID to help reduce flow.
- Empty your menstrual cup more frequently.
Having a period doesn’t have to ruin your plans. With some adjustments, you can still enjoy activities and feel fresh and confident. Don’t be afraid to take proactive steps to manage your flow.
When to see your doctor
Check with your healthcare provider before attempting to delay your period. It’s important to rule out any underlying conditions causing abnormal bleeding. See your doctor right away if you experience:
- Sudden heavy bleeding
- Severe pain or cramps
- Bleeding lasting more than 7 days
- Signs of infection like fever or chills
- Dizziness or feeling faint
These could indicate a problem requiring prompt medical care. Your doctor can also discuss options tailored to your health history.
Summary
While you can’t always predict Mother Nature, there are ways to try postponing and reducing your period briefly. With your doctor’s input, birth control pills, NSAIDs, and other approaches may provide temporary relief for an event. Just don’t stop any treatment without medical guidance first. Stay in touch with your body, note any side effects, and see your healthcare provider for optimal menstrual management.