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Women who take birth control pills can delay their periods by chaining two pads together. For those who do not use this type of contraception, there are pills capable of delaying a cycle by about two weeks. These drugs are available in many European countries, but not in France.
These tablets contain an artificial hormone, norethisterone, similar to progesterone, a female hormone naturally created by the body which is used to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. It is secreted during the second part of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation. In case of pregnancy, it remains at a high level in the body. In case of absence of fertilization, it decreases and menses appear. These cycle-delaying pills keep progesterone levels artificially high.
This kind of medicine was created for women who do not take contraceptive pills (the latter can indeed delay their period by chaining two pads without taking the usual week off). The treatment must be started 3 days before the start date of the cycle, at the rate of three doses per day, and up to 14 days later. Periods reappear a few days after the last dose.
Significant side effects
In France, it is impossible to have access to this kind of pills. Unlike France, other European countries facilitate its sale. In England, for example, many pharmacy chains, such as Boots, offer on their merchant site access to an online consultation in one click in order to obtain a prescription quickly and easily.
Boots also lists all the recommendations around this type of drug. If it prevents the onset of menstruation, the pill does not constitute contraception. “You will need to use barrier contraception, such as condoms, if you do not have a long-acting reversible contraceptive, such as an IUD or implant”says the company on its website.
Some side effects should be noted such as light bleeding, irregular bleeding, sore breasts, low libido and upset stomach. “The longer you take the pills, the more likely you are to experience side effects.”, warns the company. Additionally, this pill may cause an increased risk of blood clots. In case of air travel, the company advises you to “move as much as possible”.