There is no way to stop a period once it has started, but periods can be delayed or stopped long-term using hormonal methods prescribed or recommended by a healthcare provider. Common options include continuous use of combined hormonal birth control (pills, vaginal ring, or patch), hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), birth control shots (like Depo-Provera), and certain prescription medications like norethisterone to delay periods temporarily.
Methods to delay or stop periods:
- Combination birth control pills: Skipping the placebo pills and starting a new pack of active pills continuously can delay or stop periods.
- Vaginal ring and patch: These work similarly to pills; using them continuously without the ring-free or patch-free week can delay bleeding.
- Hormonal IUDs: These release progestin, reducing or stopping periods over time. For example, a 52 mg levonorgestrel IUD can stop periods in 20-50% of users within 1-2 years.
- Depo-Provera shot: A high-dose progesterone shot every 3 months can stop periods for many users after a year.
- Norethisterone: A prescription medication taken days before the expected period can delay it temporarily.
Important notes:
- It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss safe and appropriate options.
- Once a menstrual period has started, it cannot be stopped, though some remedies can alleviate symptoms.
- Hormonal methods to stop or delay periods involve adjusting medication schedules and may have side effects.
- Non-hormonal natural remedies are generally ineffective for stopping or delaying periods.
Overall, hormonal birth control methods are the most reliable and safe way to delay or stop periods, either short-term for a cycle or long-term for menstrual suppression.
