Function Of Period Delaying Pills
Your hormones are the driving force of your menstrual cycle, and taking period pills to delay it disrupts the normal cycle. How it happens? Well, Dr Kumar explains that period-delaying pills are designed to produce synthetic hormones, which alter the natural hormones in your body. These synthetic hormones mimic your natural hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle.
The main hormones at work that manage the menstrual cycle are estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play an integral role in the process of menstruation, which happens when the lining of your uterus is shed. “Period-delaying pills contain synthetic versions of these hormones. They can be either progestin-only pills or combined pills that contain both estrogen and progestin.” explains the doctor.
Taking these pills suppresses the natural hormonal signals that lead to the shedding of the uterine lining, which causes your period to be delayed. The effects of these pills wear off once you stop using them. “Once you stop taking the pills, the hormonal suppression is lifted, and your body’s natural hormonal balance resumes,” the expert adds.
For the period-delaying pills to work properly, you have to start taking them about three days before your period is due. Once you stop taking the pills, the natural hormones will take over. Also, they are not contraceptive pills so they will not help prevent pregnancy. Regardless of the reason, you should always consult your doctor before taking any pills, especially the ones that can affect your menstrual cycle.
