Managing Your Period: Wedding Day Solutions

It is not uncommon for brides to want to delay their period on their wedding day. Dealing with sanitary items, tampons, and PMS symptoms is inconvenient, especially while wearing a wedding dress. There are two main ways to delay your period: using the combined contraceptive pill or taking Norethisterone, also known as the period delay pill. The combined contraceptive pill contains both oestrogen and progesterone and is taken for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break during which a period occurs. To delay your period, you can take two packets back-to-back without the break. The period delay pill, Norethisterone, is a progesterone-only pill that you start taking 3-4 days before your period is due and continue for up to 14 days. It is important to note that this pill is not a contraceptive, and you will need to use additional protection. Both options are available by prescription, and it is recommended to consult a doctor to ensure the safety and suitability of these methods for your individual needs.

The combined contraceptive pill

It is recommended to start taking the pill at least three to six months before your wedding to ensure it suits you and allow any potential side effects to subside. Some women may experience side effects such as breast tenderness, mood changes, nausea, or headaches. It is worth noting that the combined pill is not usually recommended for women with high blood pressure, those who are overweight, or aged 40 or older.

Taking the combined pill back-to-back is a safe method to delay your period. However, it is important to consult a medical professional before making any changes to your medication regimen. Additionally, it is advised to take no more than three packets back-to-back, as this can increase the chances of spotting or breakthrough bleeding and cause bloating due to the extensive buildup of the womb lining.

If you are already taking the combined pill, you can delay your period by simply skipping the week off and continuing with the next packet of pills. This maintains stable hormone levels and prevents the womb lining from shedding, resulting in a delayed period.

Norethisterone, the period delay pill

Norethisterone, often sold under the brand name Utovlan, is a progestin, or a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. It is a type of progestogen-only pill (POP) that can be used to delay your period.

Norethisterone is not a form of contraception and will not prevent pregnancy. It is important to use alternative contraception methods while taking this medication. Norethisterone is also not suitable for everyone. For example, it is not recommended for those with a history of blood clots, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

To delay your period, you should take Norethisterone three times a day, starting three to four days before your period is due. Your period should start again within two to four days of stopping the medication. It is not recommended to take Norethisterone for more than 20 days.

Side effects of Norethisterone can include sore breasts, headaches, nausea, and changes to your sex drive and mood. Some people might also experience some bleeding.

Consult your doctor first

It is always a good idea to consult your doctor first before taking any medication or making any changes to your health and wellness routine. While it is possible to delay your period for your wedding, it is important to understand the potential side effects and risks involved.

Speaking to a doctor will help you understand which period-prevention method is right for you and your body. They will take into account your medical history and advise on any risks or side effects that may occur. For example, Norethisterone, a common period delay pill, is not suitable for those with a history of blood clots. Similarly, the combined contraceptive pill is not usually recommended for women with high blood pressure, who are overweight, or aged 40 or older.

If you are already on hormonal birth control, your doctor can advise on how to adjust your intake to delay your period. For example, if you are taking the combined contraceptive pill, you can simply skip the week off and continue straight onto the next packet of pills.

It is also important to note that period delay pills are not a form of contraception, so you will need to continue using another form of contraception while taking them.

Additionally, if you are experiencing any significant problems with your period, it is recommended to see a gynaecologist for long-term treatment options.

Consider starting a form of birth control

If you don't want to have your period on your wedding day, you can consider starting a form of birth control. The combined contraceptive pill is a common option, which contains both oestrogen and progesterone. You take it for 21 days and then have a 7-day pill-free break, during which you get your period. To delay your period, you can simply take two packets back-to-back, with no break in between. This method also helps with symptoms such as PMS and can address other issues like acne and excessive hair growth. There are many different options available, so it's recommended to start at least three to six months before your wedding to find one that suits you.

If you're not looking for a long-term solution, you can try norethisterone, a progesterone-only pill. You start taking it three to four days before your period is due, and it stops your period from happening. You usually take it for two weeks, and then you'll have a delayed period once you stop taking it. It's a good idea to do a trial run a few months before your wedding to see if you experience any side effects such as breast tenderness, mood changes, nausea, or headaches. Unlike the combined pill, norethisterone is not a contraceptive, so you'll need to use additional protection.

Both options are prescription-only, so you'll need to consult your GP or a family-planning clinic. They are generally safe, but it's important to note that they carry a small increased risk of blood clots, especially if you're flying long-haul soon after your wedding.

Start testing options early on

Testing options early on is crucial when it comes to delaying your period for your wedding day. The average engagement length is just over a year, so it's best to start researching and testing options as soon as possible. This is because different birth control methods may prevent your period for your wedding, and having enough time to experiment is the best way to find one that works for you.

Every body breaks through period prevention methods at different times, so it's important to give yourself a buffer period to see how your body reacts to any new method. Dr Sophia Yen recommends a minimum of three months to see how you'll react to any new methods.

If you're already on hormonal birth control, your body is likely used to its schedule and may react to a change in routine. Similarly, if you've never been on birth control, it's hard to predict how your body will handle something new. That's why it's crucial to work with your doctor to prevent your period for your wedding and give yourself plenty of time to find a system that works for you.

Testing a new method may take time for your body to adjust, and it can result in breakthrough bleeding or other side effects during the early stages, which can be confusing. This is why giving yourself ample time to find a system that works for you is exceptionally important when it comes to period health.

Frequently asked questions