Ah, menstruation! It’s very welcome for those who no longer want to get pregnant. But for those trying to conceive, it’s the despair of seeing their dreams postponed once again. There are also women who simply do not like to menstruate, whether due to allergic problems with pads or even due to the discomforts caused by menstruation, and so they choose not to have periods anymore. But is it possible to stop your period?
What is menstruation?
Menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining when fertilization of an egg does not occur1. It is part of the female reproductive process, which has several phases: pre-ovulatory phase, ovulation, and post-ovulatory phase. All women get their period regularly for much of their lives. Only some women with irregular cycles or cycles that are longer than normal do not follow this pattern.
Today, there are solutions for those who are not hoping for a positive pregnancy test and suffer greatly from PMS symptoms, as well as from the whole preparatory process the body undergoes before menstruation every month2. Very strong cramps, intense headaches, extreme mood swings, and totally uncomfortable bloating can be alleviated through medications that stop menstruation. This is the case for the continuous-use or extended-regimen birth control pill, which should be stopped every 84 days. Similarly, a three-month injectable contraceptive or a subcutaneous implant containing progesterone can be recommended.
But before starting any treatment, you should consult a trusted gynecologist. Severe pain before and during your period may mean some other problem, such as endometriosis, and should be investigated to start proper treatment. With treatment, the pain can be relieved and you may get back to a normal menstrual cycle without so much discomfort.
How to stop your period immediately
Your period might also come during a trip, at a party, or right before an unmissable event where it could really get in the way. So, what can you do? Is it possible to stop your period immediately? Unfortunately, the answer is no! There is no magic spell or medication that will stop your period on the same day, and it’s not healthy to do so. If you want to delay or interrupt your period, the recommendation is to start a pack of birth control pills one week before your planned event. Remember, no medication should be started without your gynecologist’s guidance and it should never become a habit.
Women who have blood clotting problems or a low blood flow during menstruation should be extra careful with contraceptive methods that interrupt menstruation. The pill can make things worse by blocking ovulation and therefore menstruation. Only choose to stop your period as a last resort or if it is extremely important. If possible, reschedule your event or get creative so you can enjoy it just the same.
If you’re traveling or going to an event where you’ll need to wear a bikini and enjoy the beach or pool, you can use a tampon. It solves the problem without any major issues and without having to interrupt your cycle. Today, we also have the option of the menstrual cup3! It’s worth looking into, as it works very well for many women. Famivita has menstrual cups that can help during this delicate time. But if you don’t feel comfortable with these, talk to your gynecologist to find the best solution.
See also: First Period – A Girl Becoming a Woman
Photos: clarissa rossarola
