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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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