Can I take pills to delay my period during Ramadan?

What scholars say

There is no text in the Quran or Sunnah that forbids delaying a period with medicine. For that reason, many contemporary scholars permit it on one main condition: it must not harm you. The Prophet ﷺ said, "There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm" (Sunan Ibn Majah 2341).

Other scholars advise against it. Their reasoning is that the period is a natural part of how Allah created women, and Islam already gave a simple solution: you don't fast during your period and you make the days up later. Aisha explained that in the Prophet's ﷺ time women "were ordered to complete the fasts" but not the prayers they missed (Sahih Muslim 335). They also point to possible side effects. So if you decide not to take pills, that is a perfectly good choice and you carry no blame.

Health comes first

• Talk to a doctor or pharmacist. Period-delay tablets and hormonal pills are medicines. They don't suit everyone, and some health conditions or other medicines make them unsafe.
• Plan ahead. Such tablets usually need to be started a few days before your period is due, so ask your doctor well before Ramadan.
• Expect possible side effects such as nausea, headaches, mood changes or spotting, and know when to stop and call a doctor.
• Don't buy tablets online without a proper prescription or advice.

If spotting or bleeding appears

Pills can sometimes cause irregular spotting. Whether it counts as your period or as irregular bleeding depends on its timing, color and your normal pattern. See What is istihada? This is a detailed question, so ask a knowledgeable imam or female scholar about your case instead of guessing. If bleeding clearly is your period, you do not fast, and you make up the day.

If you choose not to delay

Being on your period in Ramadan is not a loss. You can still make dhikr, dua, give charity, join iftar and listen to the Quran. See Can I do dhikr on my period? and Can women fast on their period? Make-up days are often easier in winter, when daylight is shorter. See Do I have to make up missed Ramadan fasts?