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I want to ask if it is okay to use birth control pills to delay menstruation and which type of medication is suitable for my health?
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Endocrine & Hormonal Imbalances
Question #21011
45 days ago
116

I want to ask if it is okay to use birth control pills to delay menstruation and which type of medication is suitable for my health? - #21011

Phuc

The thing is that on January 25 I will have a beach trip with my class, but it coincides with my menstrual period and I want to make it 2 or 3 days earlier or later.My health is stable, my periods are very regular and I don't know what else to say. I need your help, and thank you very much.

Age: 17
300 INR (~3.53 USD)
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Doctors' responses

Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
44 days ago
5

You are 17 years old, have regular periods, and want to shift your menstrual period by 2–3 days to attend a beach trip. Your overall health is stable.

Options to adjust your period:

Hormonal method – combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs):

If you have access to birth control pills and no contraindications, your doctor can advise how to shift your period.

Usually, by continuing active pills without taking the placebo/break week, you can delay menstruation.

Can also sometimes start pills a few days earlier to adjust timing.

Other methods:

NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) in some cases can slightly reduce flow or delay onset, but effect is small.

Natural timing is harder to control precisely—exercise, diet, or herbal remedies are not reliable.

At your age, using hormonal pills should only be done under doctor supervision. Do not try over-the-counter period-shifting products without medical guidance. Your regular health and normal cycles make you a good candidate for temporary period adjustment if supervised.

Periods can be safely shifted using hormonal pills under a doctor’s guidance. Natural methods are unreliable for precise timing. Plan ahead and consult your doctor or gynecologist before taking any medication to shift your period.

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Dr. Nirav Jain
I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.
44 days ago
5

Hello Phuc, thank you for sharing your concern. Do not take birth control pills, instead take this medicine -

Tab. Norethisterone 5mg twice a day till your beach trip ends. Then stop this medicine. You’ll get your periods after stopping the medicine.

Feel free to reach out again.

Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Medicine

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat
I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.
44 days ago
5

Hello Phuc It’s great to hear that your health is stable and your periods are regular. If you’re looking to adjust your menstrual cycle for your beach trip, there are a few options, but it’s important to approach this carefully.

Options to Consider 1. Hormonal Birth Control: If you’re on hormonal contraceptives, you can often skip the placebo pills or adjust the timing with your doctor’s guidance. 2. Medications: Some doctors may prescribe medications like norethisterone to delay your period. This should be done under medical supervision. 3. Natural Methods: While not scientifically proven, some people try lifestyle changes, like diet or exercise, to influence their cycle, but results can vary.

Rx- norethisterone tablets - once a day till date you want to extend your periods

Thank you

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Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
45 days ago
5

Hello,

Take Norethisterone 5 mg

1 tablet, 3 times a day Start 3 days before your expected period Continue for up to 5–7 days (or until you want the period delayed) Period usually starts 2–3 days after stopping

Thank you

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Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
44 days ago
5

Hello dear See you are quite young and must be experiencing hormonal alterations So i suggest you for safety please donot take any ocd without consulting the gynecologist This is required to prevent any type of future complications So get in person consultation with gynaecologist in person for better clarity Regards

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You can indeed use birth control pills to alter the timing of your menstrual cycle, though you’ll want to proceed with caution and make sure it’s medically appropriate for you. For someone with regular periods and stable health, a common method is to use a combined oral contraceptive pill. If you’re not already on birth control, starting a combined oral contraceptive approximately one cycle in advance can give you control over the timing. Typically, you continue with the active pills and skip the placebo week to delay your period. Alternatively, if you’re already using this form of contraception, you can simply extend the active pills for 2-3 days beyond your usual schedule—and then resume your placebo or pill-free interval when you reach the preferred timing. However, it’s realy important to have a conversation with your healthcare provider before making any changes since they can address personal factors like your medical history and specific health needs and suggest the most suitable pill for you. If using hormonal contraception is a new step for you, your doctor can guide you through potential side effects and help monitor its impact on your health. If there are any concerns with side effects or unexpected changes in your cycle, seeking medical input promptly is advised. As always, prioritizing safety and ensuring method suitability before implementing any changes is the best approach.

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Dr. Alan Reji
I'm Dr. Alan Reji, a general dentist with a deep-rooted passion for helping people achieve lasting oral health while making dental visits feel less intimidating. I graduated from Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences (batch of 2018), and ever since, I've been committed to offering high-quality care that balances both advanced clinical knowledge and genuine compassion for my patients. Starting Dent To Smile here in Palakkad wasn’t just about opening a clinic—it was really about creating a space where people feel relaxed the moment they walk in. Dental care can feel cold or overly clinical, and I’ve always wanted to change that. So I focused on making it warm, easygoing, and centered completely around you. I mix new-age tech with some good old-fashioned values—really listening, explaining stuff without jargon, and making sure you feel involved, not just treated. From regular cleanings to fillings or even cosmetic work, I try my best to keep things smooth and stress-free. No hidden steps. No last-minute surprises. I have a strong interest in patient education and preventive dentistry. I genuinely believe most dental issues can be caught early—or even avoided—when patients are given the right information at the right time. That’s why I take time to talk, not just treat. Helping people understand why something’s happening is as important to me as treating what’s happening. At my practice, I’ve made it a point to stay current with the latest innovations—digital diagnostics, minimally invasive techniques, and smart scheduling that respects people’s time. I also try to make my services accessible and affordable, because good dental care shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone.
42 days ago
5

Since you’re 17 with regular cycles, the safest and most reliable way to shift your period by 2–3 days is short-term hormonal tablets (like norethisterone), which must be prescribed by a gynecologist and started a few days before your expected period. Do not try home remedies or unsupervised hormone pills, as they can cause breakthrough bleeding or cycle disturbance, especially at your age. Please consult a gynecologist at least 7–10 days before January 25 to choose the safest option and timing for you.

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