There are times when your period arrives at the most inconvenient moment—vacations, weddings, exams, or religious events. While menstruation is a natural and essential process for a healthy reproductive system, many women seek ways to temporarily delay or lighten their flow during such occasions. Before trying anything, it’s important to understand that stopping or altering your period should not become a routine practice. These methods are intended only for short-term situations and not for frequent use. Always consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure about the effects of any remedy.
Can I Stop My Period Permanently?
No. You cannot and should not stop your period permanently unless it’s medically necessary and supervised by a doctor. Menstruation is a sign that your body is functioning normally. Interrupting this cycle without medical guidance can disrupt your hormones, fertility, and overall health. While some birth control options can reduce or suppress periods, they don’t eliminate them permanently—and the body still undergoes hormonal changes in the background.
Home Remedies to Delay or Stop Your Period Temporarily
These natural options may help slow, reduce, or pause your period for a short time:
1. Mango Bark
Mango bark has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to address menstrual issues like heavy bleeding and irregular cycles. It may help suppress the uterine activity and delay the period naturally.
You need: Mango bark extract, water
Directions:
- Take 150 ml of drinking water.
- Add 12 ml of mango bark extract.
- Mix well and chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Drink 1 tablespoon every 3 hours, starting 5 days before your expected period.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV is known for balancing hormones and reducing excessive bleeding. It may also help delay your period when taken consistently.
You need: 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 glass of warm water
Directions:
- Mix ACV into a glass of warm water.
- Drink it twice daily, 4–5 days before your period is due.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon’s high vitamin C content may constrict blood vessels and temporarily delay menstruation.
You need: Juice of 1 fresh lemon, a glass of cold water
Directions:
- Squeeze the juice of a lemon into a glass of cold water.
- Drink on an empty stomach once daily, starting a week before your expected period.
4. Gram Lentil Soup
Fried gram lentil powder may help delay periods by affecting hormonal activity temporarily.
You need: Gram lentil powder, water
Directions:
- Dry roast 1 cup of gram lentils and grind into a powder.
- Mix 1 tablespoon in warm water or blend into a soup.
- Drink daily in the morning for one week before your period.
5. Gelatin
A traditional remedy in some cultures, gelatin is believed to cool the body and potentially delay menstruation.
You need: 1 packet of unflavored gelatin, 1 glass of cold water
Directions:
- Dissolve gelatin in cold water.
- Drink immediately.
- Repeat up to 3 times daily, starting 2–3 days before your period.
6. Parsley Tea
Parsley is a mild emmenagogue but when used with cooling ingredients or in lower doses, some believe it may help regulate or slightly delay periods.
You need: Fresh parsley, water
Directions:
- Boil 1 handful of parsley in 2 cups of water.
- Simmer for 10 minutes and strain.
- Drink once daily, starting 4–5 days before your period.
7. Mustard Seed Water
Mustard seeds have anti-inflammatory properties and are thought to affect hormonal activity.
You need: 1 tsp mustard seeds, warm water
Directions:
- Crush mustard seeds into powder.
- Mix into a glass of warm water.
- Drink once daily for 5–7 days before your expected period.
8. Coriander Seed Water
Coriander seeds are known in Ayurveda to reduce excessive bleeding and regulate the menstrual cycle.
You need: 1 tsp coriander seeds, 1½ cups water
Directions:
- Boil seeds in water until it reduces to 1 cup.
- Strain and drink twice daily for several days leading up to your period.
9. Licorice Tea
Licorice root is known to influence estrogen levels and may help delay menstruation naturally.
You need: Dried licorice root, water
Directions:
- Boil 1 tsp of dried licorice in 1 cup of water.
- Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Strain and drink once a day starting 5 days before your period.
10. Tamarind Pulp Drink
In traditional medicine, tamarind is used to cool the body and may help with hormone balance and delaying periods.
You need: Tamarind pulp, cold water
Directions:
- Strain and drink once a day for 3–4 days before your expected period.
- Soak a small piece of tamarind pulp in a glass of water for 30 minutes.
Other Methods to Delay or Skip Periods
These medical interventions are more effective than home remedies but should only be used after consulting a doctor:
Hormonal Pills
These are oral contraceptives that delay menstruation by maintaining hormone levels and preventing the uterine lining from shedding. They can reduce cramps and bleeding, but may still cause mood swings, nausea, or breast tenderness. These pills must be taken consistently for at least a month for desired effects.
Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing)
This flexible ring is inserted into the vagina and worn for 3 weeks. Replacing it immediately without a week-long break can delay your period. Though not widely used, it offers hormonal control similar to birth control pills.
Hormonal IUD (e.g., Mirena)
This long-term birth control method releases hormones that thin the uterine lining. Many women experience lighter periods or even complete absence of bleeding over time. Some spotting and mild cramps may occur initially.
Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera)
This injection, taken every 12 weeks, is highly effective for preventing pregnancy and can lead to lighter or stopped periods with regular use. However, it takes time—usually a few months—to work and is not an immediate solution.
Side Effects of Stopping or Delaying Your Period
- Hormonal imbalance
- Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
- Headaches or migraines
- Nausea or digestive upset
- Breast tenderness
- Mood fluctuations
- Risk of clotting (especially with hormonal birth control)
Always consult your healthcare provider before trying to manipulate your menstrual cycle.
Wellness Tips to Naturally Postpone (Not Stop) Your Period
- Practice Yoga & Stress Reduction: Lower cortisol levels may help regulate or delay cycle timing.
- Maintain a Balanced Diet: Eating light, cooling foods (like cucumber, mint, or watermelon) may help slow your flow.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen cramps and make periods feel heavier.
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold pack to your lower abdomen can temporarily slow down blood flow.
- Gentle Exercise: Light workouts may help reduce PMS and flow intensity.