Is it safe to use contraceptives for postponing periods?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 25-year-old female who has been married for three years. I delivered my baby boy last year, and my first period after delivery occurred after eight months. As per the doctor's advice, we took a contraceptive injection for three months next month. From then on, I did not get my period but saw spotting in those three months. Last month, I saw spotting for two days, and this month also I saw spotting for two days. We are going to travel this week, and I want to postpone my period. Can I use a postponement tablet?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

To address your concern about postponing your period, especially given your recent use of contraceptive injections and irregular spotting, it is important to first understand the role hormonal changes might be playing in your cycle.

Here is some information that may help you decide the best course of action:

Postponing periods with tablets: Postponement tablets, often referred to as Norethisterone or Medroxyprogesterone acetate, are typically used to delay periods. These tablets work by mimicking the hormone progesterone, which prevents the shedding of the uterine lining, thus delaying your period.

1. Here is how they usually work:

When to take: Start the tablets three to five days before your expected period date.
Dosage: Usually, you will take the pill two to three times a day until you want to postpone your period. Once you stop the tablets, your period typically starts within two to three days.

2. Can you use it in your case?

Considering you have been using a contraceptive injection, which can influence your hormonal cycle and cause spotting, it is important to be cautious about introducing another hormonal medication to delay your period. Hormonal contraceptives like injections can cause irregular bleeding patterns, so adding more hormones with postponement tablets might further disrupt your cycle. That said, in most cases, Norethisterone can still be safely used for delaying periods even if you are on a contraceptive injection, but it is always recommended to consult with your doctor before starting, given your unique medical history and current hormonal use.

3. Possible side effects of postponement tablets:

Nausea.
Bloating.
Breast tenderness.
Mood swings.
Irregular bleeding after stopping the pills.

These side effects are usually mild, but since you have already experienced irregular spotting, it is good to keep them in mind.

4. Natural alternatives:

If you would prefer not to use medication, sometimes managing stress, diet, and hydration can help in naturally delaying a period. However, this method is less reliable compared to medical postponement tablets.

In summary, yes, you can use postponement tablets like Norethisterone to delay your period, but it is best to consult me to avoid any complications with the contraceptive injection and your irregular spotting.

I hope this information helps you.

Let me know if you need more details or have further questions.

Regards.