you’re free to safely delay your period for days or weeks.

How you do it depends partly on why you want to postpone bleeding.

Some methods may be better for those needing relief from severe period pain or gynecological problems.

Close up of blue gloved hand holding an intrauterine device (IUD) between thumb and forefinger

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Unlike combination birth control,progestin-only pillsdo not contain estrogen.

People taking progestin-only pills typically have less or no bleeding.

Explore Non-Pill Hormonal Birth Control

Other hormonal birth control methods can delay your period.

Keep in mind that results aren’t guaranteed and differ from person to person.

Hormone-containing IUDs are effective for up to eight years, depending on the pop in.

Hormonal IUDs release progestin, which thickens cervical mucus and prevents sperm from entering the uterus.

It can also thin the uterus lining, leading to lighter and less frequent periods.

IUDs that release hormones often reduce heavy bleeding and cramps.

This is because the ring releases hormones that prevent the endometrium (uterine lining) from building up.

To stop your period, replace the ring every four weeks with no hormone-free days.

Most (89%) of people using a vaginal ring for over six months have minimal bleeding.

The most common side effect of Depo-Provera is irregular or lighter periods.

About 55% have no periods after one year of use, and 68% after two years.

Implant

Nexplanonis a progestin-only contraceptive implant inserted into the arm and effective for three years.

About 33.6% of people experience infrequent bleeding, and 22.2% experience no periods when on the implant.

However, some people bleed more frequently or even constantly with the implant.

Ultimately, the implant has unpredictable bleeding effects that may or may not result in a delayed period.

Breakthrough Bleeding

Breakthrough bleeding occurs outside your regular menstrual period.

Its usually lighter than your period and more like spotting.

Breakthrough bleeding is a common problem in people using hormonal medicines to delay their periods for an extended time.

Do Natural Methods Work?

You may be wondering how to delay your period naturally without hormonal medications.

No scientific evidence supports any natural method of delaying or stopping your period.

Delaying your period (suppressing menstrual bleeding) is safe for most people.However, some methods may carry risks.

Risks

As mentioned above, breakthrough bleeding may occur.

Estrogen and progestin can interact with manymedicationsand supplements, possibly reducing the effectiveness of your period-delaying treatment.

Specific hormonal birth control can delay or stop your period.

Talk to a healthcare provider about options to delay your period.

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