Your period doesn’t always come at a convenient time, but there are ways of changing the timing. Hormonal birth control can do this. Some people try natural methods, but these may not be safe or effective.
Medically reviewed by Tahirah Redhead MPAS, PA-C, MPH
If you have an upcoming vacation or special event, you may be wondering if it’s possible to delay your period.
Changing the timing of your period is possible. Hormonal birth control is the most effective and reliable way to do so.
Keep reading to learn more about how to delay your period using hormonal or natural methods.
Is it safe to delay your period?
Amanda Lawrence/Stocksy United
Delaying your period using hormonal birth control is generally considered safe for most people.
That said, hormonal birth control can have some risks and side effects, regardless of whether or not you use them to affect the timing of your periods.
These include:
Spotting or breakthrough bleeding: This is more likely if you are new to hormonal birth control. It’s usually temporary and can go away as your body adjusts to the hormones.
Health risks: Hormonal birth control methods may increase the risk of serious side effects like blood clots. The risk is especially high in individuals who smoke, have high blood pressure, or have a history of blood clots.
Doesn’t protect from disease: Hormonal birth control does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you are sexually active, consider using additional barrier protection methods, such as condoms.
It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of hormonal birth control with your healthcare professional before deciding to use it.
Hormonal methods
Hormonal birth control methods can be a reliable way to delay or even completely avoid your period.
These contraceptives regulate hormone levels in your body to prevent ovulation, pregnancy, and sometimes menstruation.
To delay your period with combination pills, you can simply skip the placebo or sugar pills in your birth control pack and start a new pack right away. This will generally prevent your period from starting until you finish the second pack.
Other hormonal methods may stop your period for up to months or years.
progestin-only birth control pills, commonly known as the mini pill
patches
vaginal rings
intrauterine devices (IUDs)
skin implants
The mini pill is suitable for people who want to stop their periods temporarily but don’t necessarily want to use long-term birth control.
The mini pill contains progestin, which is a synthetic form of progesterone. A commonly used progestin is norethindrone.
If you take the mini pill before your period is due, it can delay menstruation. When you stop using it, your periods will return.
Your doctor can advise you on how to use the mini pill correctly and safely. Possible side effects include headaches and irregular bleeding.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
If you prefer to avoid hormonal methods, you may wonder if there are natural ways to change the timing of your period.
Although there are many anecdotal methods out there — as you can see with a quick web search — none are backed by research as reliable, effective, or safe ways to delay bleeding.
In other words, it is unlikely that you will be able to deliberately alter the timing of your period through these methods.
Natural methods that people commonly promote to change the timing of your period are listed below. However, it is essential to speak with a doctor before trying them, as they may not be safe to use.
Vitamin C supplements: Some websites recommend taking high doses of vitamin C to delay your period by a few days. However, taking higher than recommended doses of vitamin C can cause stomach issues and may be unsafe. A very old study from 1940 found that vitamin C can reduce the duration of periods, but this has not been reconfirmed by newer studies.
Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It can help manage period-related pain. In addition, some websites claim it can delay the onset of menstruation. This is not supported by research, though an old 1984 study found that it can reduce overall blood volume in people with an IUD.
Weight loss: Weight can affect your period’s regularity and severity. For example, obesity is associated with heavy periods, while being underweight or losing a lot of weight can mean you don’t get your period. If you’re considering significant weight loss, it’s important to first talk with your doctor to learn more about safety and the best approach for you.
Intense exercise: Your body needs energy to menstruate, so an excessive exercise regimen can sometimes stop the menstrual cycle. Exercising so much that your period stops is generally not safe, and it’s best to slow down your workouts and contact your doctor if you experience this.
Stress management:Stress can affect your menstrual cycle and cause irregular periods. Managing your stress levels — for example, through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga — can help make your menstrual cycle more regular. However, you won’t be able to deliberately change when you get your period next.
Drinking vinegar or lemon juice: Anecdotally, drinking vinegar or lemon juice can delay your period, but this is not supported by science. Plus, drinking it straight could damage the enamel of your teeth and irritate your mouth and throat.
Eating gelatin: Some sites claim that gelatin can delay your period by hours or days. This is another option that has no evidence to support it.
None of these methods have evidence to show that they work, and some may have adverse effects and be unsafe.
Seeking professional advice
Before you decide to delay your period, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional about your options.
They can help you determine whether delaying your period is safe for you based on your medical history and current birth control regimen.
They can also provide guidance on the most effective and reliable methods for delaying your period based on your individual needs and preferences.
Summary
If you’re looking to delay your period, hormonal methods are your best bet.
While delaying your period through hormonal birth control is generally safe, it’s important to consider the potential risks and talk with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your birth control regimen.
Meanwhile, it is unlikely that any natural methods can help you deliberately change the timing of your period.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
Dean J, et al. (2019). Norethindrone is superior to combined oral contraceptive pills in short-term delay of menses and onset of breakthrough bleeding: A randomized trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6537409/
Huhmann K. (2020). Menses requires energy: A review of how disordered eating, excessive exercise, and high stress lead to menstrual irregularities. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32139174/
Dean J, et al. (2019). Norethindrone is superior to combined oral contraceptive pills in short-term delay of menses and onset of breakthrough bleeding: A randomized trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6537409/
Huhmann K. (2020). Menses requires energy: A review of how disordered eating, excessive exercise, and high stress lead to menstrual irregularities. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32139174/
