What medication can be taken to delay menstruation?
Sep 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, medications to delay menstruation should be used under the guidance of a doctor and should not be purchased or taken without medical supervision. Commonly used medications for delaying menstruation include desogestrel ethinyl estradiol tablets, drospirenone ethinyl estradiol tablets, progesterone soft capsules, dydrogesterone tablets, and medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets. It is important not to use these medications arbitrarily without medical advice to avoid causing menstrual disorders.
Generally, delaying menstruation requires medication under the guidance of a physician and should not be purchased or taken without medical supervision. Common medications used for delaying menstruation include Desogestrel and Ethinylestradiol Tablets, Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets,Progesterone Soft Capsules, Dydrogesterone Tablets, and Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Tablets. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Desogestrel and Ethinylestradiol Tablets
These are short-acting combined oral contraceptives containing desogestrel and ethinylestradiol. They work by inhibiting ovulation, stabilizing hormone levels in the body, and preventing the normal shedding of the endometrium, thereby delaying menstruation. They are suitable for individuals who require contraception and also wish to delay their period and should be taken regularly a few days before the expected onset of menstruation.
2. Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets
Similarly, these are short-acting combined oral contraceptives containing drospirenone and ethinylestradiol. They regulate the hormonal cycle, maintain endometrial stability, and prevent its shedding due to hormonal fluctuations, thereby delaying menstruation. This medication has minimal impact on water and sodium retention and is suitable for individuals who experience adverse reactions to other contraceptive pills.
3. Progesterone Soft Capsules
These capsules mainly contain progesterone, a progestogen medication. After administration, they increase the level of progesterone in the body, promote the endometrium to maintain a secretory phase state, and delay the shedding of the endometrium, thus achieving the effect of delaying menstruation. They are commonly used for short-term menstrual delay when contraception is not needed.
4. Dydrogesterone Tablets
These are synthetic progestogen preparations with a mechanism of action similar to progesterone. By supplementing progesterone, they maintain endometrial stability and prevent premature shedding, thereby delaying menstruation. The metabolites of this medication have clear activity and relatively minimal impact on the liver, making it suitable for individuals with mild liver conditions.
5. Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Tablets
This is a synthetic progestogen medication that acts on the endometrium to maintain its secretory phase, inhibit endometrial shedding, and thereby delay menstruation. It is suitable for cases requiring prolonged menstrual delay; however, it is contraindicated for individuals with thromboembolic disorders or severe hepatic or renal insufficiency.
It is important not to use medications for delaying menstruation arbitrarily without medical advice to avoid menstrual disorders. If abdominal pain, abnormal bleeding, or other discomfort occurs during medication, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.
