You don’t want to miss that trip you were planning to take with your friends for long but those are the exact dates when you are expecting your periods. In a situation like this, do you pop pills to delay your menstrual cycle? But did you know that meddling with your natural menstrual cycle can lead to harmful consequences.
Delaying periods with medication might seem like a convenient solution for special occasions, vacations, or important events. However, while these pills offer a temporary delay from menstrual cycles, they are not without their drawbacks. From hormonal imbalances to potential long-term health implications, understanding the side effects of these pills is crucial.
To understand how these medications can harm your reproductive health, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Ritambhara Bhalla, Associate Director, Department of Gynecology and Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Chandigarh.
Giving an advice, Dr Bhalla said, “We must weigh the pros and cons well before interfering with the delicate interplay of hormones.” Below are some side effects of popping pills to delay periods listed by Dr Bhalla.
1. Hormonal Imbalance
Dr Bhalla said, “Period-delaying tablets typically contain synthetic hormones like norethisterone or medroxyprogesterone. These hormones work by altering the natural menstrual cycle, preventing the drop in progesterone that triggers menstruation. Frequent use of these hormones can lead to hormonal imbalances, which may cause irregular menstrual cycles, heavy bleeding, or missed periods once you stop taking the medication.” Prolonged hormonal imbalance can disrupt the delicate interplay of reproductive hormones, potentially affecting ovulation and fertility.
Also read: Here Are 10 Lifestyle Issues That May Be Causing Your Hormonal Imbalance
2. Side Effects
Common side effects of period-delaying tablets include nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and mood swings. Dr Bhalla said, “While these side effects are usually mild and temporary, they can be uncomfortable and disruptive. In some cases, women may experience more severe side effects such as blood clots, especially if they have underlying risk factors like smoking, obesity, or a history of clotting disorders.” Blood clots can lead to serious complications, including deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, which require immediate medical attention.
3. Impact on Natural Menstrual Cycle
Regular use of period-delaying tablets can interfere with the natural rhythm of your menstrual cycle. According to Dr Bhalla, the menstrual cycle is a complex process regulated by the interplay of hormones like oestrogen and progesterone. Disrupting this cycle repeatedly can lead to irregular periods or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). This can make it difficult to track your menstrual cycle and identify any underlying reproductive health issues.
4. Fertility Concerns
While occasional use of period-delaying tablets is unlikely to have long-term effects on fertility, frequent or prolonged use could potentially affect your ability to conceive. Explaining the pill’s effects on fertility and family planning, Dr Bhalla said, “Hormonal disruption can interfere with ovulation, making it harder to predict fertile windows and reducing the chances of successful conception. If you're planning to conceive in the near future, it's essential to allow your menstrual cycle to return to its natural rhythm before trying to get pregnant.”
Also read: Can Stress Cause Infertility? Know From Expert
5. Masking Underlying Health Issues
Delaying periods can mask symptoms of underlying reproductive health issues, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or fibroids. “Regular menstrual cycles can provide valuable insights into your reproductive health, and changes in your cycle can signal potential problems.” Dr Bhalla said, warning, “By consistently delaying your periods, you may miss early warning signs of these conditions, delaying diagnosis and treatment.” Some people have severe hormone induced depression and serious consequences thereof.
6. Dependency and Psychological Impact
Relying on period-delaying tablets can create a psychological dependency, where you feel the need to control your menstrual cycle for convenience. This can lead to anxiety about managing periods naturally and may affect your overall relationship with your reproductive health. It's important to have a healthy and accepting attitude towards your natural menstrual cycle, recognising it as a normal and essential aspect of your reproductive system.
Conclusion
While period-delaying tablets can be useful for occasional situations, their frequent or prolonged use can have adverse effects on your reproductive health. Hormonal imbalances, side effects, disrupted menstrual cycles, potential fertility concerns, masking of underlying health issues, and psychological dependency are all important considerations. Dr Bhalla gave clear instructions saying, “It's crucial to use these tablets sparingly and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.” If you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle or reproductive health, consult with a healthcare professional to explore safer and healthier options for managing your periods.