19 Science-Backed Secrets to Delay Your Period & Unproven Old Wives’ Tales

From ruining new clothes to causing cramps – periods are inconvenient. But did you know you can prevent them? Here’s everything to know to delay your period.

You’ve got your weekend plans all set, and even splurged on that new white dress you’ve been eyeing—only to find out that Aunt Flo decided to RSVP without an invitation. Talk about a party crasher! But hey, before you start cursing the very existence of uterine linings, let’s talk facts about how to delay your period. Because, honestly, it’s high time we bring in some science to help you manage that monthly guest list.

You see, there are legit, scientifically-backed methods to postpone your period, and then there are the old wives’ tales that are as effective as a chocolate teapot.

We’ll be covering both the truths and the myths so you can find the most authentic method to delay your period. [Read: A girl’s ultimate survival guide to period woes]

The 100% science-backed methods to delay your period

So you’re keen to discover how to delay your period without resorting to some ancient ritual involving chanting and moonbeams.

Fantastic, because it’s all about science, baby! Let’s cut through the haze of myths and half-truths and get down to what’s proven to work.

1. Hormonal birth control

You’ve likely heard this before: Hormonal birth control is the classic go-to method for period management.

Whether it’s the pill, the patch, or an injection, these bad boys basically adjust your hormone levels to keep Aunt Flo at bay.

But here’s the kicker—just because your best friend swears by the pill doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for you. Ah yes, ever heard of cognitive dissonance? That’s your brain playing tricks, making you believe your preferred option is the golden ticket even if it might not be.

2. Extended-cycle birth control pills

These pills are similar to regular birth control pills, but they’re designed to be taken continuously for an extended cycle—usually three months.

This type of birth control can reduce or even eliminate periods altogether for that time frame. [Read: Common birth control methods, 25 pros, cons & ways to pick the best one]

3. IUD *intrauterine device*

Some hormonal IUDs can not only serve as long-term contraception but can also make periods lighter and, in some cases, halt them altogether.

Hormonal IUDs release a small amount of progestin, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, directly into the uterus. This has a local effect on the uterine lining, often making it thinner over time.

A thinner lining has less to shed, resulting in lighter periods. In some cases, the lining becomes so thin that periods stop altogether.

It’s like your uterus decided to go minimalist and declutter, leading to fewer “monthly visitors” or even putting out the “Do Not Disturb” sign for good!

4. Hormonal implants

Hormonal implants, like their IUD cousins, use progestin to work their magic. Once inserted under the skin, usually in your upper arm, they slowly release this hormone into your bloodstream.

This disrupts the regular hormonal signals that trigger ovulation and prepares the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy.

When these signals are off, the uterine lining doesn’t thicken as much as it normally would, leading to lighter periods. In some instances, the hormonal influence is strong enough to halt periods entirely. [Read: Period sex – 73 sexy tips to try it, myths & reasons why you may love it!]

5. Norethisterone pills

Up next in our scientific arsenal is the nifty Norethisterone pill. Think of it as a hormone impersonator that fools your body into believing it’s not time for a period. Clever, right?

But hold your horses—there are some side effects like nausea and headaches, so you’ll want to chat with your doctor before diving in.

6. Prescription medications for specific conditions

For those dealing with health issues like PCOS or endometriosis, some prescribed medications may have the side effect of delaying menstruation.

These medications are not intended specifically for this purpose but can influence the menstrual cycle due to their hormone-regulating effects.

7. GnRH agonists and antagonists

Another option you might consider is using GnRH agonists and antagonists. These medications mess with the hormone that kicks off the whole period process.

Normally used for treating things like endometriosis *that we mentioned above*, they can also put the brakes on your cycle.

Just a heads-up, though: these are not to be messed around with and should be used only under medical supervision. [Read: Baby-free reasons why you missed your period]

8. Medical Procedures

Now, if you’re thinking of long-term, more permanent ways to delay or even stop your period, there are medical procedures like endometrial ablation. Sounds sci-fi, right?

Endometrial ablation is a procedure where the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, is either removed or destroyed.

This is often done using methods like heat, cold, or microwave energy. Because there’s less or no lining left to shed, many women experience significantly lighter periods or even stop having them altogether after the procedure.

But remember, this is like the “nuclear option” of period management—it’s often irreversible and not recommended for those who plan to have children in the future. So yeah, it’s extreme, like going from a casual fling to a Vegas wedding overnight!

Fair warning – do not self-administer!

Listen, we get it. The idea of being in control of your own body is empowering, but let’s put the brakes on the DIY train for a moment.

Every method we’ve discussed here, from hormonal birth control to specialized medications, should ONLY be used under the strict guidance of a healthcare provider.

Skipping the medical advice and playing pharmacist at home is not just risky, it’s downright dangerous. You could end up with anything from hormonal imbalances to serious medical conditions that are way more complicated than a poorly timed period.

So, before you decide to rearrange your menstrual calendar, please, please, please make an appointment with your doctor or a qualified medical professional. Your body will thank you for it!

The not-so-scientific methods and myths

All right, let’s pull back the curtain on some of the period-delaying myths that make even our grandmothers chuckle. Let’s debunk some well-intended but terribly misguided methods! [Read: 21 girly stuff stereotypes & typically girly things not all girls like]

1. Vinegar

Ah, vinegar, that humble kitchen staple. The word on the street is that drinking a concoction of vinegar and water can stall your period.

The proposed method involves mixing a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drinking it three times a day.

Yeah, it sounds like a salad dressing for your insides, doesn’t it? But hold your horses! The only thing you’ll achieve is possibly upsetting your stomach. Your period won’t budge an inch!

2. Lemon and other citrus fruits

Citrus fruits, especially lemons, are a favorite in this category of myths. The trick is simple: just suck on a lemon or gulp down lemon water a few times a day, and presto! No period! Except, well, that’s not how it works.

Your taste buds might be buzzing, but your hormones will remain unimpressed. Sorry, lemonade might be a good choice for a hot summer day, but it’s no match for your menstrual cycle. [Read: Nom-nom no-nos – 17 foods to avoid before having sex]

3. Gelatin

The gelatin myth is a fun one. Apparently, dissolving a packet of unflavored gelatin in water and drinking it can delay your period for a few hours.

Why? Nobody knows for sure but the myth likely started because gelatin affects liquid consistency, so people thought, why not the menstrual flow? Unfortunately, the closest you’ll get to delaying anything is maybe the onset of a stomach ache.

4. Hot baths and heating pads

For this one, the claim is that taking a hot bath or placing a heating pad on your lower abdomen can warm up the uterus enough to slow down or stop menstruation.

People are basically recommending a ‘uterine sauna session.’ If only it were that easy. You might enjoy the soothing warmth, but your menstrual cycle will continue its scheduled programming undeterred.

5. Cold showers

Oh, yes. This one is straight from the book of bad advice. The theory goes like this: Shock your system with a cold shower, and your period will be so startled it will delay its arrival.

If only your menstrual cycle was as easily frightened as a cat seeing a cucumber, right? The only thing a cold shower will do is—wait for it—make you cold. [Read: Shower sex – 18 sexy bathroom secrets to get wet, make love & not slip]

6. Spicy foods

This myth is as hot as the spices it involves! The idea is to eat an excessive amount of spicy foods to induce sweating and, somehow, this will delay your period.

Sounds more like a recipe for indigestion rather than any meaningful hormonal change. If eating a ghost pepper could ward off Aunt Flo, we’d all be spice connoisseurs by now!

Quick psychological concepts behind all these myths

You might be wondering, “How did these myths even gain traction?” Well, it’s not just about folklore or grandma’s secret wisdom, there’s a whole psychological tapestry that’s spun these myths into cultural ‘truths.’

1. Confirmation bias

The fascinating psychological concept behind all these myths is confirmation bias. People try these methods, experience a delay—perhaps due to other factors or pure coincidence—and voilà, they’re believers!

It’s like thinking you’re a culinary genius because you didn’t burn the toast this morning. Cute, but not based in reality.

2. Correlation doesn’t equal causation

Why is it so easy to buy into these myths? Another reason is the classic case of confusing correlation with causation. You ate spicy food, your period was late, so you think the spices did the trick.

It’s like saying your team won because you wore your lucky socks. It’s entertaining to believe, but it’s not scoring you any points in the scientific arena.

The middle ground – unproven but plausible methods for how to delay your period

So you’ve read about what certainly works and what definitely doesn’t. But what about those methods that make you scratch your head and go, “Hmm, maybe?”

These are the plausible yet not definitively proven techniques. They’re like that guy you dated in college—full of potential but not quite there yet.

1. Herbal remedies

Now, before we start brewing potions and chanting incantations, let’s be clear: Some herbal remedies have been eyed for their potential to affect menstrual cycles.

Take chasteberry, for instance. Some preliminary research suggests that it could influence hormonal balance, but there’s not enough evidence to make it a go-to option.

So while you may be tempted to go all herbalist on your period, remember that these remedies aren’t fully endorsed by the science community. Yet. [Read: 30 things to do to comfort a girl on her period & things to never say]

2. Lifestyle changes and their limits

Do you remember when you tried going vegan or doing intense HIIT sessions just to see if your period would get the memo? Yeah, diet, exercise, and stress management can have some impact but are not guaranteed period postponers.

It’s a little thing psychologists call “locus of control,” basically reminding you what aspects of your life *or cycle* you can actually control.

3. Acupuncture and yoga

Yup, the art of needles and poses. Could they hold the key to delaying your period? Maybe. For acupuncture, the idea is that strategically placing needles could regulate blood flow and hormones.

Yoga, with its focus on body-mind balance, also floats around as a possible contender for menstrual management.

But let’s be cautious here, the jury is still out. Both have been studied for their effects on menstrual health but not enough to get a seal of approval for delaying your period.

Embrace every part of your womanhood— with or without the monthly visitor

Ladies, knowledge is power, especially when it comes to understanding your own body. Whether you’re eyeing scientifically-backed methods, curious about herbal brews, or chuckling at the myths we’ve busted, the aim is to equip you to make informed decisions.

Don’t let your period dictate your life’s special moments, you have more control than you think. [Read: How to feel more confident in your body & fall in love with YOU]

That said, let’s get serious for a hot sec: Always consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice. No feature, no matter how thorough or entertaining *wink*, replaces the expertise of a medical professional.

So go ahead, seize the day and the knowledge! Keep exploring how to delay your period, but most importantly, how to embrace every part of your womanhood—with or without the monthly visitor. Slay, queen!

[Read: Divine feminine energy – 21 secrets to control & manifest it in your love life]

Have you ever wondered how to delay your period, but weren’t sure which methods would work? With these period secrets, now you know which tips to use and myths to avoid!