Toggle Location Modal

Period Delay Tablets Side Effects - Are They Safe to Take?

WhatsApp
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Arti Sharma
Written by Hexahealth Care Team, last updated on 25 August 2023| min read
Period Delay Tablets Side Effects - Are They Safe to Take?

Quick Summary

  • Period delay tablets may cause side effects like nausea, weight gain, spotting, and vaginal discharge
  • It is safe to take period delay tablets only if prescribed by a doctor
  • Women should not take period delay tablets for more than 5 days in a row

The menstrual cycle or periods in women bring about a lot of changes in the reproductive system. This hormonal cycle typically lasts about 28 days but can differ from woman to woman. A delay in periods can force women to take period delay tablets. However, before doing this, you should be aware of the period delay tablets' side effects.

While some women consume these tablets regularly and face no side effects, a majority of women experience them during the first month only. The periods delay tablet side effects may vary from one person to another.

While some feel nauseous, some face weight gain. Some may also suffer health conditions like spotting, vaginal discharge, and much more. In this read, we will talk about menstrual cycle delay tablets and also whether it is safe to take period delay tablets. Let's get started.

Download our App today to plan your surgery seamlessly and stress-free!

Click here for Android and Click here for iPhone

What are Period Delay Tablets?

Before discussing the advantages, disadvantages, and side effects of taking period-delaying tablets, one must know the meaning and purpose of these tablets. It is essential to understand that period delay tablets do not work as contraceptives and cannot be used to avoid pregnancies.

They are both different medications for different purposes. The primary purpose of menstrual cycle delay tablets is just what the name suggests, to delay the menstrual cycle or periods.

  1. Period delay tablets contain norethisterone, which is a synthetic version of progesterone.
  2. The progesterone hormone is responsible for maintaining the womb lining door in the coming two weeks to prepare for the arrival of the fertilized egg.
  3. When this does not happen, and pregnancy does not occur, there is a steep drop in the progesterone levels, where the womb sheds its lining and the periods begin.
  4. The progesterone hormone in the menstrual cycle delay tablets signals the body to stop producing hormones that trigger ovulation and periods.
However, before taking these tablets, it is essential that one is well versed about the side effects of taking period-delaying tablets.
get the appget the app

Common Reasons for Taking Period Delay Tablets

Periods bring a lot of discomfort and uneasiness to a woman's body. There are several reasons why women choose to take delay in periods medicine. However, before consuming these tablets regularly, one must be aware of periods delay tablets' side effects.

Some of the most common causes for women taking these hormone tablets are:

  1. Special Events: Often, women take period delay tablets when they have to be a part of any special event. The use of the tablet is to ignore the many discomforts associated with the menstrual cycle.
  2. Medical Conditions: Women with chronic health issues such as endometriosis take menstrual cycle delay tablets to avoid added pain and discomfort.
  3. Traveling: Traveling for long hours in periods can be highly uncomfortable and challenging at the same time. From maintaining hygiene to being constantly on the go, periods and travel are not a good combination.

Period Delay Tablet Side Effects

Just like any other medication, there are many side effects of taking period-delaying tablets. Even though the symptoms vary from one woman to another, the side effects are sure to take a toll on a woman's well-being. The most common symptoms of delay in period medicine are:

  1. Acne: The intake of period delay tablets creates hormonal changes in the body. This, in turn, causes acne among a lot of women. Acnes are most likely to appear on the face, neck, shoulders, upper arms, etc.
  2. Menstrual Spotting: Menstrual spotting refers to light vaginal bleeding that is not your regular menstrual bleeding. Not only can this irritate a woman and her skin, but it can also cause an alarm among many.
  3. Low Mood/ Mood Swings: Most women complain of mood swings during their periods. But mood swings are also bound to happen as period delay tablets' side effects.Women have been known to complain of being on an emotional roller coaster ride after taking menstrual cycle delay tablets, such as feeling at their lowest, getting emotional, crying for hours, and feeling depressed.
  4. Loss of Libido: Another period delay tablets side effects include a significant dip in libido levels.Libido refers to the sex drive in a person. Women who are under medication are less interested in sexual activities as a result of hormonal medication.
  5. Breast Tenderness: Many women also experience breast pain, tenderness, and swelling as a result of using menstrual delay tablets. This can cause extreme discomfort and can occur in one or both breasts.
  6. Nausea: Another common symptom of delay in periods medicine is the feeling of nausea and, in many cases vomiting. Women have also complained of other problems, such as headaches, irritability, anxiety, etc.
  7. Blood Clots: One of the most challenging period delay tablets' side effects include the formation of blood clots in the body. This can cause severe medical conditions such as strokes or pulmonary embolisms.

Long-Term Side Effects of Period Delay Tablets

The constant use of any medication is bound to have its set of repercussions on the body. In the long run, period delay tablets' side effects and their impact on a woman's body depend on factors like how long they have been taking the medication, their age, existing medical conditions, other medicines, etc.

It will not be correct to say that it is 100% safe to take period delay tablets for a long time. Some of the long-term side effects of period delay tablets include:

  1. Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Consuming these tablets for a long time can cause lumps in the veins and lead to serious health issues like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
  2. Increased Risk of Breast Cancer: According to many studies and reports, the long-term use of hormonal medications can worsen the condition of those who are already suffering from breast cancer.
    This is more likely to happen in women who have been taking medicine for a long time.
  3. Heart-related Problems: Period delay tablets contain synthetic hormones such as progestins, which can severely impact a person's cardiovascular health.
    From fluctuating blood pressure levels to affecting lipid metabolism and boosting the formation of blood clots, progestins can impact heart health in many ways.

Ways to Minimize the Period Delay Tablets' Side Effects

The intake of menstrual cycle delay tablets is not recommended for a long duration. However, if a person has to take this medication for respective reasons, the following points can be used to reduce the side effects significantly. These are:

  1. Follow the Prescribed Dosage: To minimize the period delay tablets' side effects, they should be taken exactly the way it has been prescribed by the doctor. Overdose or other alterations can become a cause of concern.
  2. Hydration: Drinking adequate amounts of water can alleviate the many side effects of taking period-delaying tablets. Water flushes out toxins and keeps the body free from many health ailments.
  3. Take Medication with Food: The periods delay tablet side effects have been known to be significantly controlled when taken with food. It helps fight symptoms such as constipation, nausea, upset stomach, etc.
  4. Avoid Alcohol and Other Medications: The use of alcohol and other medications can accelerate the period delay tablets' side effects. Therefore keep your healthcare provider informed of the medication you are already taking or will be taking along with period delay tablets.

Alternative Remedies to Delay Periods

Scared of the period delay tablet side effects and looking for effective and natural alternatives to delay the periods? If yes, the following list will surely come to your rescue. Some natural alternatives for delaying periods are:

  1. Herbal Remedies: Certain herbal remedies, such as parsley or ginger tea, have been known to be highly effective in delaying periods. However, one needs to know that they might not suit everyone.
  2. Diet and Exercise: A good diet and regular exercise regulate many bodily functions and can impact the timing of the menstrual cycle.

When to Seek Medical Help?

One must always seek medical advice before and after taking the menstrual cycle delay tablets. Consultation becomes a must in the following cases: 

  1. One must consult their gynaecologist a week or 10 days before their period date. These medications must never be taken without the doctor's consultation, as there are multiple periods delay tablets side effects.
  2. One must consult the doctor if they feel excessive problems after taking the period delay tablets. These include excessive vomiting, upset stomach, headache and other forms of uneasiness.
  3. If one does not get their period even after 10 to 15 days of taking the tablets, they must seek medical help to discover the exact cause.

Takeaway

There are a wide variety of period delay tablets available in the market. It is crucial to know that these are not contraceptives and cannot be used to delay pregnancies. Before taking menstrual cycle delay tablets, one needs to know about the period delay tablets' side effects. It is advisable always to take these tablets under the consultation of your doctor.

If you are looking for a state-of-the-art platform where you can find the correct answers to many health-related issues and clear your confusion, HexaHealth can be your ideal choice.

An outstanding health and medical platform that connects you with the best doctors and hospitals all over the country, we are dedicated to making your medical journeys easy like never before. Leave all your worries to us, and let us help you smoothen your medical journey, both big and small. To discover more, get in touch with us at Hexahealth today.

Download our App today to plan your surgery seamlessly and stress-free!

Click here for Android and Click here for iPhone

Frequently Asked Questions

The period delay tablets' side effects vary from person to person. While some people may not have side effects, others might have severe health problems.

The most common side effects of taking period-delaying tablets may include bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, mood changes, and breakthrough bleeding.

Period delay tablets are generally safe but may have potential side effects like any medication. Taking period delay tablets for a long time has some serious side effects. Seek immediate medical care if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or chest pain.

Period-delay tablets are medications that can delay the onset of menstruation.

  1. These tablets contain a synthetic hormone called progestogen, similar to the hormone progesterone naturally produced by the ovaries.
  2. When you take menstrual cycle delay tablets, the progestogen hormone signals the body to stop producing the hormones that trigger ovulation and the menstrual cycle.
The recommended dose of period delay tablets may depend on the specific medication and the individual's needs. It's essential to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or on the medication packaging.
Period delay tablets can delay periods for up to 17 days. The exact days of delay in period medicine depend on the specific medication and the duration of use.
The duration of period delay tablets' side effects varies depending on the individual and the medication. Some side effects may subside once the drug is discontinued, while others may persist.
Yes, the period delay tablets' side effects can vary from person to person. While some women may not have any discomfort at all, some individuals may experience mild or more severe side effects than others.
If you feel that the menstrual cycle delay tablets are causing discomfort and uneasiness, you must speak immediately with your doctor. They may recommend adjusting the dosage, changing the medication, or providing additional treatment to manage your symptoms.

Yes, consuming delay in period medicine for long durations can lead to serious health issues. Some of the most severe problems caused by menstrual cycle delay tablets are:

  1. Heart conditions
  2. Breast cancer
  3. Blood clots, etc.

Yes, period delay tablets can cause long-term side effects on the human body. Some of the most common period delay tablets' side effects are headaches, nausea, spotting, mood swings, fatigue, low libido, etc.

If there are persistent side effects from taking period delay tablets, seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor can guide whether the symptoms are typical or require further evaluation.

One must consult their doctor before taking additional medication while on period delay tablets. Some medicines may interact with period delay tablets and affect their effectiveness or cause other side effects.

Headache, nausea, spotting, mood swings, etc., are some of the most common period delay tablets' side effects. However, if you feel incredibly uneasy, have an increased heart rate, and have other persistent problems, this is not normal.

If you experience persistent side effects from taking period-delaying tablets, seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor can guide whether the symptoms are normal or require further evaluation.

There are many natural ways with the help of which periods can be delayed. These alternatives might not always be as effective as medications, and the results may also vary from one person to another.

Some of the best natural alternatives to period delay tablets are:

  1. Lemon juice
  2. Stress management
  3. Apple cider vinegar
  4. Gelatin
  5. Exercise, etc.

Some of the best ways to control and minimize the period delay tablets' side effects are:

  1. Drinking a lot of water
  2. Following the recommended dosage by the doctor
  3. Should be taken with food
  4. Avoid or control the intake of alcohol
  5. Look for alternative options such as natural remedies, etc.

Last Updated on: 25 August 2023

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational and learning purposes only. It doesn't cover every medical condition and might not be relevant to your personal situation. This information isn't medical advice, isn't meant for diagnosing any condition, and shouldn't replace talking to a certified medical or healthcare professional.

Reviewer

Dr. Arti Sharma

Dr. Arti Sharma

MBBS, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Diploma In Cosmetic Gynaecology

9 Years Experience

Dr Arti Sharma is a well-known Obstetrician and Cosmetic Gynaecologist currently associated with Aesthetica Veda in Bengaluru. She has 9 years of experience in Obstetrics and Cosmetic Gynaecology and worked as an expert Obstetrician...View More

Author

About Authors

HexaHealth Care Team

HexaHealth Care Team brings you medical content covering many important conditions, procedures falling under different medical specialities. The content published is thoroughly reviewed by our panel of qualified doctors for its accuracy and relevance.

get the appget the app
aiChatIcon