Trong một số tình huống, bạn có thể cần trì hoãn chu kỳ kinh nguyệt của mình. Đó có thể là một sự kiện quan trọng sắp diễn ra hoặc một hoạt động thể thao đòi hỏi thể lực cao. Đối với hầu hết phụ nữ, việc trì hoãn kinh nguyệt là an toàn, nhưng bạn nên tham khảo ý kiến bác sĩ trước vì phương pháp đơn giản và hiệu quả nhất là sử dụng thuốc tránh thai hoặc các loại thuốc khác.
Các bước
Sử dụng thuốc và hormone tránh thai

Xác định ngày bạn muốn trì hoãn kinh nguyệt và dự đoán xem liệu bạn có đến kỳ kinh trong khoảng thời gian đó hay không. Phụ nữ có chu kỳ đều đặn hoặc đang dùng thuốc sẽ dễ dàng biết được thời điểm bắt đầu chu kỳ tiếp theo.
- Sau đó, bạn có thể xác định xem kỳ kinh có trùng với ngày không phù hợp hay không. Nếu có, bạn không cần lo lắng vì có thể ngăn chặn kỳ kinh vào ngày đó, miễn là bạn chuẩn bị trước!
- Lưu ý rằng phụ nữ có chu kỳ không đều sẽ khó dự đoán chính xác thời điểm kỳ kinh tiếp theo.

Use birth control pills to delay menstruation. Most birth control pills come in packs of 21 active pills (containing hormones) and 7 inactive pills (placebos or "sugar pills"). This packaging helps establish a daily habit while allowing menstruation during the inactive pill days. Typically, you follow a monthly cycle: 21 days of active pills, then 7 days of inactive pills. However, if you need to delay your period for an event or other reasons, you can adjust your pill usage. Here’s how:
- You don’t have to strictly follow the 21:7 ratio. This ratio mimics a natural 28-day menstrual cycle but isn’t mandatory. You can adjust the cycle to suit your needs.

Take active pills for more than 21 days. While taking active pills, your body won’t menstruate. This method works for most women, but it’s not 100% foolproof, as some women’s bodies may not respond to sudden changes in birth control.
- If you want to delay your period until after an event, continue taking active pills beyond day 21. Once the event is over, switch to inactive pills to allow menstruation.
- Doctors often recommend using a new pack of pills to avoid confusion. The standard 21:7 packaging helps track pill usage and timing.

Adjust your birth control plan earlier. A more reliable way to delay menstruation is to modify your birth control schedule months in advance. By extending the active pill phase earlier, your body has time to adapt to the change.
- For example, if you need to delay your period by 10 days in four months, extend the active pill phase by 10 days in the current cycle, then take the inactive pills.
- This method is often used by athletes preparing for major competitions to ensure their period doesn’t coincide with the event.

Use extended-cycle birth control. If you want to reduce or delay menstruation for an extended period, consider extended-cycle birth control. These pills allow you to have periods every three months instead of monthly. This method is known as continuous or extended-cycle birth control.
- Extended-cycle pills are taken continuously for 12 weeks, followed by inactive pills.
- Since this method alters hormonal balance, consult your doctor to ensure it’s suitable for you. Generally, it’s safe if approved by a healthcare provider.

Ask your doctor for norethisterone. If you prefer not to use birth control pills, your doctor may prescribe norethisterone, a hormone-based medication. Take it three times daily starting a few days before your expected period.
- Norethisterone is a synthetic progesterone. Low progesterone levels trigger menstruation, so maintaining high levels can delay or prevent your period.
- Possible side effects include bloating, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, and reduced libido.

Consider using a progestin intrauterine device (IUD). If you anticipate needing to delay menstruation, consult your doctor about an IUD. This small, T-shaped plastic device is inserted into the uterus and releases progestin, which can reduce or even stop menstrual bleeding.
- An IUD can remain effective for five to seven years.
Important Considerations

Discuss lifestyle changes with your doctor. If you plan to adjust your current birth control or exercise habits, consult your doctor first. For example, altering your birth control to delay menstruation is generally safe, but you should confirm this with your healthcare provider, especially if you have specific health concerns or medical history.

Use contraception. Delaying menstruation is not a form of contraception. Unless you’re using birth control pills or an IUD, you can still become pregnant while delaying your period. Always use protection (like condoms) and be aware of pregnancy symptoms.
- If you’re actively delaying your period, it may be harder to detect pregnancy since missed periods are a common early sign. Watch for other symptoms like tender breasts, fatigue, and nausea, and take a pregnancy test if needed.

Protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Skipping inactive pills in a 28-day pack doesn’t reduce the effectiveness of your birth control. However, birth control doesn’t protect against STIs, so unless both partners have been tested, always use condoms.
Warnings
- Always consult your doctor before making significant changes to your medication or lifestyle.
