There are many reasons why you might want to delay your period, such as for a special event like a wedding or even for a holiday.
Here is everything you need to know about what period delay tablets you can take when heading abroad, so you can really enjoy your trip without the symptoms of your menstruation.
What are period delay tablets?
Women can delay their periods by taking either the combined contraceptive pill or medication called norethisterone.
The way they work is they keep the progesterone hormone levels high. This hormone thickens the lining of the uterus in case of a pregnancy. When a woman has her period, the progesterone levels drop and the lining sheds.
The medications maintain high levels of progesterone, preventing the lining from coming away from the womb, and therefore, delaying the period until the medication is halted. At this point, the hormone will drop and the lining will shed.
How to take period delay tablets
The best time to take norethisterone to delay a period is three delays before the first day of the cycle.
You can then take it for 20 days, which means the period can be postponed for a maximum of 17 days, which is perfect for a two-week holiday.
For the combined contraceptive pill, just skip the placebo week in the pack, or if you don’t have a placebo week, run two 21-day boxes together.
However, it is important to consult with your local pharmacy or GP first before considering delaying your period. They will be able to tell you the best pill to take or how to use your current prescription to pause your menstrual cycle.
It is worth having an appointment a couple of months before you travel, as you might need to start the pill a few weeks earlier to check if it works for you.
What symptoms can you expect?
Like any form of medication, there are side effects that are worth taking note of. Do your research on these to determine whether it is worth delaying your period for your trip or not.
The most common side effects of norethisterone, for instance, are:
- Tender breasts
- Stomach ache
- Spotting
- Nausea
- Skin reactions
- Lower libido
- Weight gain
If you are planning to take period delay tablets for your honeymoon or wedding, therefore, you may reconsider it if you are worried about suffering any of these symptoms.
Anyone who has a history of pregnancy difficulties, liver problems, kidney issues, or thromboembolisms should not take norethisterone, as it can cause complications.
While norethisterone postpones the onset of a period, it does not act as a contraceptive. Therefore, women can still fall pregnant or contract a sexually transmitted infection when taking it.
Couples still need to use other forms of contraceptives, such as a condom, to protect themselves.
For the combined contraceptive pill, which is also effective at delaying periods, the side effects are:
- Tender breasts
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Mood changes
- High blood pressure
- Bleeding mid-cycle
Certain groups of people will be advised by their GP to avoid the combined contraceptive pill as their form of period delay strategy.
These include those over the age of 35, anyone overweight, those with gallbladder or bile duct issues, anyone who has migraines with aura symptoms, or who has had complications from diabetes.
Knowing these side effects can help you make an informed decision about whether to take the tablets, and which one might be best for you.