How to delay menstruation
Apr 23, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
To delay menstruation, one can generally avoid stress and tension, refrain from intense physical activity, adjust diet, take oral contraceptives, or receive intramuscular injections of progesterone. Long-term or severe stress and emotional tension may disrupt the menstrual cycle. Avoiding stressful situations and maintaining a relaxed and balanced mindset may help postpone menstruation.
In general, if one wishes to delay menstruation, methods such as avoiding stress and tension, refraining from intense physical activity, adjusting diet, taking oral contraceptives, or receiving intramuscular injections of progesterone injection may be considered. Specific details are as follows:
1. Avoid stress and tension
Long-term or severe stress and emotional tension may disrupt the menstrual cycle. Avoiding stressful situations and maintaining a relaxed and balanced mindset may help delay menstruation.
2. Avoid intense physical activity
Intense physical activity may affect the menstrual cycle. Reducing vigorous exercise and physical exertion, as well as avoiding excessive fatigue, may help delay menstruation.
3. Adjust diet
Certain dietary changes may influence the menstrual cycle. Increasing intake of vitamin C-rich foods, such as lemons and oranges, may help delay menstruation. Additionally, some herbs and natural supplements, such as ginger and mint, are believed to have menstruation-delaying effects, but should only be used after consulting a doctor.
4. Oral contraceptives
Oral contraceptives can delay menstruation. Commonly used medications include drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets and desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets. This must be done under medical supervision, as using medication to alter the menstrual cycle may carry certain risks and side effects.
5. Intramuscular progesterone injection
If an urgent delay of menstruation is needed—such as when menstruation is expected within 3–4 days—intramuscular injection of progesterone injection can be used to postpone the period. Daily injections are required and should continue until menstruation no longer needs to be delayed.
It is important to note that patients must follow medical advice when using medications and should not adjust dosages or use drugs without authorization, to avoid complications such as menstrual disorders or abdominal pain. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention and standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance are essential for recovery.
