Is Delaying Your Period Using Contraceptives Dangerous?

Having control over one's menstrual cycle can be empowering and convenient. Many of us have experienced frustration when our periods arrive at inconvenient times. Dealing with unexpected menstruation during important events like exams or vacations can be exasperating. While period stains shouldn't be a cause for embarrassment, most people would prefer to avoid the hassle of cleaning blood stains from their clothing. Additionally, menstrual discomforts like cramps and bloating often accompany periods, making it desirable for many to have control over when they occur.

Is the Potential Risk of Delaying or Suppressing Menstrual Cycles Justified?

Modern medicine has introduced hormonal contraceptives that allow for the suppression of menstruation. Dr. Varini N., an obstetrician, and gynecologist, explains that the menstrual cycle is driven by hormonal changes, with estrogen thickening the uterine lining in the first two weeks of the cycle and progesterone maintaining the lining for a potential pregnancy. Hormonal contraceptive pills contain synthetic progesterone, like norethisterone, which artificially maintains elevated hormone levels, delaying the onset of periods (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Oral Contraceptive Pills

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This menstrual suppression can significantly improve the quality of life, prevent missed days at school or work, and address various health conditions. An obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Sarah Prager lists reasons such as heavy bleeding causing anemia, avoiding painful conditions like endometriosis and PCOS, and reducing gender dysphoria among trans individuals.

Timing can be Everything, but Tinkering with Nature's Clock isn't Always worth the Tock

Various methods, including pills, implants, and IUDs, can suppress periods, but this approach is not without drawbacks. Individuals who have tried period suppression often report side effects such as nausea, dizziness, breast tenderness, weight gain, headaches, reduced sex drive, mood swings, and heavier bleeding when periods do occur.

Some individuals are not suitable candidates for period suppression due to medical conditions such as pregnancy, recent childbirth, breastfeeding, liver tumors, or a history of blood clots.

While society has traditionally associated womanhood with pain and suffering, suppressing periods can provide benefits without impacting fertility. It's important to seek medical advice before attempting menstrual suppression, as a healthcare provider can offer tailored guidance based on an individual's health and circumstances.

Making informed decisions about period suppression is essential, and access to non-judgmental healthcare providers who explain the pros and cons is crucial for safe usage.

Reference:

1. Oral Contraceptive Pills - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/)

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Source-Medindia