There's no true over-the-counter (OTC) medicine that stops a period, but you can delay it with prescription medications like Norethisterone (a progestin), which mimics progesterone to keep the uterine lining from shedding, or by using hormonal birth control continuously; OTC options like high-dose ibuprofen can reduce flow and cramps but won't stop the period, and supplements lack evidence. Always talk to a doctor before trying to delay or alter your cycle.
Norethisterone is a man-made form of the naturally occurring female sex hormone progesterone. It comes in tablet form and is available from Superdrug Online Doctor for delaying your period. For it to work, norethisterone must be taken 3 days before your period is due and taken for up to 30 days.
Technique or Treatment
Medicines
Progesterone-only options like the injection or the IUD can stop bleeding altogether, or for some, lighten their monthly flow. Taking the birth control pill in a specific way can temporarily stop your period completely. If you're on the progestin-only pill (the mini pill), you'll have a 28 day pack of hormone pills.
Does using Ibuprofen affect menstruation? For women, using Ibuprofen can significantly reduce menstrual cramps and decrease menstrual blood flow, sometimes by half compared to a normal cycle. However, in some cases, Ibuprofen may stop the menstrual cycle altogether.
Managing Period Delay Without a GP Appointment
If you're planning a holiday, exam, or special occasion and would like to delay your period, this can often be done safely using a short course of hormonal medication.
Adults aged 18 years old and over can also take tranexamic acid bought from a pharmacy without a prescription for treating heavy periods.
The natural remedies to stop prolonged periods include:
Cyklokapron contains the active substance tranexamic acid and belongs to a group of medicines called anti-fibrinolytic drugs. These are used to stop or reduce unwanted bleeding.
Our doctors can provide a treatment for delaying your period by prescribing a medication called Norethisterone (also known by brand names like Primolut N). These tablets work by maintaining your body's progesterone levels, which safely prevents your period from starting.
There are two types of progestogens used in period delay pills: norethisterone and medroxyprogesterone. Both types mimic the effects of progesterone, stopping the womb lining from breaking down and preventing menstrual bleeding. Examples of norethisterone-containing period delay pills include: Norethisterone (5mg)
Common Myths About Period Delay Tablets
The first myth being that these tablets are completely safe for all women which simply isn't true. Women with certain health conditions, particularly those involving blood clotting or liver function, need to avoid them entirely.
Norethisterone. Norethisterone 5mg three times a day is licensed to delay periods. To be effective, norethisterone should be started at least 3 days before the expected period.
Norethisterone tablets can't be bought over the counter, this is a prescription only medication. You can request a prescription online from a qualified clinician who will make sure that it's suitable for you.
You can delay or prevent periods with extended or continuous use of estrogen and progestin or progestin-only birth control pills. Your healthcare professional can advise you on the best pill schedule for you. Most often, you skip the pills that aren't active in your pill pack and start a new pack right away.
“There are no ways, methods, or medication that can stop a period in the same cycle once it has started,” says Dr. Flanagan. “However, if you are struggling with really heavy or painful periods, speak to your doctor.” “They may prescribe you medication to make your periods lighter, less painful, and shorter.
While ibuprofen is a strong pain reliever, it would take a high dose to affect your period. “Stopping a period would require a higher dose than any over-the-counter bottle recommends: about 800 milligrams of ibuprofen, every six hours, or 500 milligrams of naproxen, three times a day,” says Russell.
Instructions for Stopping Bleeding at Home
You'll usually take tranexamic acid 3 times a day for a few days at a time. It can take up to 24 hours for the medicine to work fully. You can take the tablets with or without food.
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of lysine, an essential amino acid that plays a key role in building proteins. With regular topical use, it can help calm the skin and address visible discoloration.
Incidence not known
No. Drinking a shot of lemon juice won't delay your period or make it stop. Using a hormonal birth control method is the only way to lighten or control when you get your period: When taking a hormonal birth control method, like the pill, ring, and patch, you have the ability to skip your period.
Norethisterone should be taken three days before you expect your next period to begin. It should become effective immediately at delaying your period for up to 17 days (if all 20 day's worth of pills are taken). To be effective you need to take three pills a day.
TLDR: You can use the birth control pill, patch, or ring to prevent your period/bleeding on your special occasion.