Delaying Periods For Your Wedding: Is It Possible?

No one wants to be on their period on their wedding day, and luckily, there are several safe and effective ways to delay your period for your big day. From taking the combined contraceptive pill back-to-back to using a period delay pill, here's everything you need to know about delaying your period for your wedding.

The period delay pill

Periods start when the natural progestin produced by your body (called progesterone) levels fall, so taking progestin tablets will keep your hormone levels up and prevent your period from starting. On Norethisterone, your cycle is extended, delaying your period.

Norethisterone is a type of progestogen-only pill (POP), but you’ll also find progesterone in the combined pill and mini-pill. If you’ve had difficulties taking the POP in the past, it is not recommended you take Norethisterone.

You’ll be supplied with a prescription-only medicine which will delay your period from starting. There are options for a 10, 20 or 30-day course of progesterone tablets which can be taken to coincide with the date of your wedding day. It is not recommended to delay your period by more than 20 days maximum.

You should start taking the medication three to four days before your period is due and you’ll be prescribed one tablet, to be taken three times a day. Once you stop taking the medication, your period will begin a few days later.

Where can you get the period delay pill?

Boots and Superdrug offer period delay pills. You can order them online, but you need to collect them in-store, as medical checks will be done. The process of getting the pill is slightly different between the two:

Boots requires you to fill in a simple, 5-minute online clinic form to assess suitability. Once your application has been approved by the clinicians in their pharmacies (which can take up to 24 hours), you can then collect the medication for free from one of their 2,300 stores, or pay for delivery, including next day. Boots offers a 20-day delay service.

Superdrug offers the pills through their Online Doctor service, on a walk-in basis or by making an appointment with its health clinic. If you go in person, you’ll have a consultation with one of their pharmacy team, fill in a questionnaire about your suitability and can then buy the pill on the spot. Superdrug offers 10, 20, and 30-day length packets of medication.

If you want to delay your period for 10 days, for example, you’ll need to buy a pack of 30 tablets which costs £29 plus the £9 NHS prescription charge at Superdrug. A 20-day pack (60 tablets) costs £45 and a 30-day packet (90 tablets) costs £59.

At Boots, 10 days’ supply costs £18 and 20 days’ supply costs £27, plus the NHS prescription charge and any extra for delivery.

As with all medications, there are some people who should not take it. This is all assessed by Boots’ and Superdrug's clinics. It’s recommended you read the patient information leaflet before taking them.

Not everyone will experience side effects, but some people may experience sore breasts, headaches, nausea, and changes to your sex drive and mood. Some people might also experience some bleeding.

The combined contraceptive pill

To delay your period, you can take two packets of the pill back-to-back, artificially sustaining hormone levels in your body and delaying the shedding of your womb lining. This method is suitable for most brands of the combined pill, including Microgynon, Rigevidon, Cilest, and Yasmin. However, it is important to note that phasic pills contain different hormone levels, so consulting a doctor before taking more than one packet is recommended.

Taking the combined pill back-to-back can delay your period by up to three weeks, and you will get your period at the end of the second packet. This method can be useful for special occasions, holidays, athletic events, exams, or weddings. It is generally recommended to take a full two packets rather than partially starting the second one.

While taking the combined pill back-to-back will not make your next period heavier, the period following the delay is likely to be longer. Spotting is also more common in the first three months of starting any type of pill and is related to how consistently you take it. The combined pill is generally associated with less spotting compared to the mini pill, which has a continuous dosage without a monthly break.

The combined pill offers advantages beyond period delay. It can help manage symptoms like PMS, acne, heavy or painful periods, and endometriosis. Additionally, it can address specific concerns, such as reducing acne with pills containing cyproterone acetate (e.g., Dianette).

It is important to note that the combined pill may not be suitable for everyone. It is typically not recommended for individuals with high blood pressure, obesity, or those aged 40 and above. Side effects may include breast tenderness, mood changes, and, in rare cases, an increased risk of blood clots. Therefore, it is advisable to start the pill at least three to six months before your wedding to assess how it suits your body and give your cycle time to regulate. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential to ensure the combined pill is right for you and to receive advice on any necessary adjustments to your hormonal contraception regimen.

Tracking your menstrual cycle

There are many reasons why you may want to track your menstrual cycle. Tracking your cycle can help you understand more about your body and your overall health. It can also help you plan so you can always be prepared. For example, you can use the information to plan your next vacation or even when scheduling health care appointments.

Use a Paper Calendar or Notebook

You can use a paper calendar or notebook to manually record the days of your period. First, gather information about your previous periods, including the date of your last period, how long it lasted, and your usual cycle length. Then, mark these days on your calendar or notebook, using a key or code to indicate the days of your period. You can get creative with colourful markers and stickers! Once you've added your past periods to the calendar, you can start to identify what a "typical" period looks like for you.

Use a Period Tracker App

If you prefer a digital option, there are many period tracker apps available, such as the Playtex Period Tracker or the Tampax Period Tracker. These apps usually ask you a few questions about your last period, cycle length, and preferences, and then provide you with a customized period tracker. However, be cautious about how your data is used and protected, especially if you live in a place where abortion is illegal.

Other Methods

There are also other low-tech methods for tracking your cycle. For example, you can use a simple code or symbol in your daily planner or journal to indicate the days of your period. This method may not give you as much detail as the previous methods, but it can still help you identify patterns over time.

Using a menstrual cup

Menstrual cups are small, flexible receptacles that are inserted into the vagina to catch menstrual blood. They are an alternative to pads, period underwear, or tampons. They are generally regarded as safe by the medical community, but there are some risks to be aware of.

Before First Use:

Before using a menstrual cup for the first time, it is important to sterilize it. To do this, submerge the cup in a pot of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. After removing it from the water, allow the cup to cool down to room temperature.

Insertion:

• Wash your hands with warm water and mild, antibacterial soap.
• Wash the cup with a mild, water-based, oil-free soap and rinse thoroughly.
• Dry the cup with a clean towel.
• You may also apply a water-based lubricant to the outside of the cup to aid with insertion. Check the manufacturer's instructions before applying any lubricant.
• Tightly fold the cup in half and hold it with the rim facing up.
• Insert the cup into your vagina, as you would a tampon without an applicator, a few inches below your cervix.
• Once inserted, rotate the cup. It will start to expand and create an airtight seal to prevent leaks. You may need to twist or reposition the cup for comfort.

Removal and Cleaning:

• Wash your hands with warm water and mild antibacterial soap.
• Slide your index finger and thumb into your vagina and pinch the base of the cup. Gently pull the cup out. Avoid pulling on the stem, as this could cause spills.
• Empty the cup into the sink or toilet.
• Rinse the cup under tap water, wash it thoroughly, and reinsert if needed.
• Wash your hands after you're done.

Storage:

After your period is over, sterilize the cup by placing it in boiling water for 5-10 minutes to prevent contamination during storage. Do not store your cup in an airtight container, as this can trap moisture and attract bacteria or fungi. Instead, store it in a cotton pouch or an open bag.

Additional Tips:

• Most menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours before needing to be emptied and rinsed. However, on heavier flow days, you may need to change it more frequently.
• Always wash your hands before inserting or removing the cup.
• To prevent irritation, use a small amount of water-based lubricant on the outside of the cup before insertion.
• To prevent infection, always wash your hands thoroughly and clean the cup with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free, water-based soap before and after use.
• Menstrual cups are generally safe, but they may not be suitable for everyone. If you have certain conditions, such as vaginismus, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis, you may experience more discomfort during use. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns.

By following these instructions and taking the necessary precautions, you can effectively use a menstrual cup to manage your period in the lead-up to your wedding day.

Natural remedies

> "However, none of these methods are scientifically proven to work because drinking or eating special foods does not alter the hormones involved in regulating your period. They can, however, affect your teeth, gums, mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract if taken in excessive amounts."

Some of the natural remedies you may come across online include consuming gram lentils, gelatin, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or even green bean water a few days to a week before your period.

Other suspected remedies like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium (typically known as Aleve) can help to relieve cramps and reduce your flow if you've already started your period, but they won't prevent it altogether.

Frequently asked questions