I Took a Period Delay Pill
After one challenging and frustrating period cycle earlier this year, I searched online for ways to stop one’s period, and came across a treatment I didn’t know existed: the period delay pill. I thought to myself, this could come in handy someday. I tucked that piece of knowledge away for later.
A few months later, I had a busy week planned. One of my best friends was visiting that upcoming Thursday and Friday, then I had to drive 7 hours to the Bay Area on Saturday to attend my cousin’s baby shower that same day, and then drive back to Orange County on Sunday.
Oof.
It was going to be a busy weekend, but I knew it was worth the trouble and stress to see my best friend and family that weekend.
What could make that weekend worse? Menstruating.
A couple of days before I began my period, I thought back to that online search and the period delay pill. Immediately, I searched up that pill again and was able to get a prescription within 20 minutes.
I enjoyed my long weekend with my loved ones, and without menstruation and any period-related symptoms! Yay!
What is the Period Delay Pill?
The pill is a prescription of norethindrone acetate, a form of the progesterone hormone. Taken 4 times daily, it safely delays your period for up to 20 days. Your period begins once you stop taking the pill.
This medication is not intended or approved for pregnancy prevention.
(IDK if that information was necessary for this blog, but I added it just in case lol.)
How do I get the Period Delay Pill?
I’m not a doctor or an expert, but speak with your doctor or healthcare provider for assistance. I had luck through Wisp, who prescribed the pill to me in about 20 minutes. I filled out a questionnaire, and a board-certified medical provider reviewed my answers to determine that it was safe for me to take the pill.
I also live in California, and there was no additional screening (phone call or online video call, for example) needed to determine my eligibility for this prescription. I was able to pick up my prescription the same day at my local pharmacy.
With taxes and fees, my total price was about $45 for a 10-day supply.
My Experience with the Pill
I only needed the pill for the weekend, so I took it for about 4-5 days. The main side effect I was wary of was sun sensitivity. I made sure to reapply sunscreen often to protect myself. Other than that, I had no other side effects or symptoms while taking the medication.
It was a bit annoying having to remember to take a pill 4 times a day, but it would have been more annoying (and painful!) having to deal with cramps, bloating, and other period-related symptoms during a long road trip.
After I stopped taking the medicine and began menstruating (about 2-3 days later), I did experience some of the worst cramps of my life. We’re talking curled up on the bed, heated blanket on my abdomen, crying out in distress, kind of pain. This lasted for about 2 hours, and then my period returned to its typical symptoms. I don’t normally experience too bad of cramps (one dosage of ibuprofen or acetaminophen suffices for me), for reference.
Was this worse-than-usual pain due to the medication? I couldn’t say for sure. I’m sharing this information for transparency, but I still highly recommend the medication and would absolutely take it again.
Final Thoughts
The period delay pill saved my life during a busy weekend. I’m so glad I was able to get the pill safely and in a timely manner. I’ll definitely take it again should my period come during a busy weekend or event.
I love science and healthcare!
Until next blog, dear friendaroos!