Delaying The Date: Strategies To Safely Alter Your Menstrual Cycle For Your Wedding

Planning a wedding is stressful enough without having to worry about your period ruining the big day. But don't panic – there are several ways to change your menstruation cycle date for your wedding.

If you're on hormonal birth control, you can skip your period altogether by skipping the placebo pills and starting the next week of active hormonal pills. This method is safe and effective and can be done with the guidance of your doctor.

If you're not on birth control, you can try natural methods such as tracking your cycle and predicting when your period will occur. This way, you can plan your wedding date accordingly.

Other tips to manage your period on your wedding day include using menstrual cups or discs, period-proof underwear, and packing an emergency kit with pain relievers and sanitary products.

Remember to consult with your doctor before making any decisions regarding your health and menstrual cycle.

Consult a doctor about skipping your period

If you're concerned about your period arriving on your wedding day, you can consult a doctor about skipping it. While it might feel awkward to discuss, it's a common concern, and doctors are there to help.

Firstly, if you are experiencing any significant problems with your period, it's a good idea to see your GP or a gynaecologist. Long-term issues often require long-term treatment, which could be in the form of hormones or a one-off procedure.

If you're looking for a short-term solution to skip your period for your wedding, there are a few options available.

The Combined Contraceptive Pill

The combined contraceptive pill contains both oestrogen and progesterone and is taken for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break during which you have a period. You can time it so that your 7-day break doesn't include your wedding day, or you can take two packets back-to-back to avoid your period altogether. This method also has the advantage of being a contraceptive and can help with PMS. It's recommended to start taking it at least 6 months before your wedding to ensure it suits you.

Norethisterone (The Period Delay Pill)

Norethisterone is a progesterone-only pill that you start taking 3-4 days before your period is due. The higher level of progesterone in your body stops your period from happening. You usually take it for 2 weeks, after which your period will be delayed. It's a good idea to do a trial run a few months before your wedding to check for any side effects. Unlike the combined pill, norethisterone is not a contraceptive.

Other Options

If you're already on hormonal birth control, you may be able to skip your placebo pills or use another form of birth control to delay your period. This should be done months in advance, as it can cause irregular spotting initially.

What to Consider

Both the combined pill and norethisterone are only available via prescription, so you'll need to see your GP or a family planning clinic. These options may not be recommended for those with high blood pressure, a BMI over 40, smokers, or those with a history of blood clots.

Fertility and Travel

Both options have no effect on fertility. They carry a small increased risk of blood clots (5-12 in 10,000), so if you're flying on your honeymoon, stay hydrated, take regular walks, and consider wearing compression stockings.

Track your menstrual cycle

Tracking your menstrual cycle is a great way to understand your body and prepare for your wedding. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Know the Basics

Your menstrual cycle is a four-part process. It starts with menstruation, when the lining of your uterus sheds. This is followed by the follicular phase, where follicles in your ovaries mature and get ready for ovulation. Ovulation is when an egg is released, and finally, there's the luteal phase, when the egg travels down the fallopian tubes, and your body prepares for the next cycle.

Use a Period Tracker

Modern technology has made it easier than ever to track your cycle. You can use a period-tracking app, such as Flo, or the Health app if you have iOS 13 or later. These apps allow you to log your period days, symptoms, moods, and even track your fertile window. You can also set notifications to remind you when your next period is approaching.

Track Important Dates

Start by marking the first day of your period on a calendar or in your chosen app. Note the length of your period and any symptoms you experience. If you're unsure about the length of your cycle, make a note of the next time your period starts and ends, so you have the information for next month. This will help you predict your next cycle and identify any patterns.

Understand Ovulation

Ovulation typically occurs on the 14th day of your cycle, counting from the first day of your period. Tracking ovulation can be helpful if you're trying to conceive or simply want a clearer picture of your cycle. You may experience physical symptoms such as increased basal body temperature and changes in cervical mucus during ovulation.

Consider External Factors

External factors such as stress, lack of sleep, and changes in diet can impact the timing and length of your cycle. Keep this in mind when tracking your cycle and try to maintain a healthy lifestyle to minimize disruptions to your cycle.

Remember, tracking your menstrual cycle is a great way to understand your body and make informed decisions about your health, especially when planning important events like your wedding.

Use a menstrual disc

Menstrual discs are a great option to consider if you want to change your menstruation cycle date for your wedding. They are an insertable alternative to tampons and pads that can provide up to 12 hours of protection. This means you can insert the disc before you put your wedding dress on and forget about it until you take your dress off.

Menstrual discs are inserted into the vagina and collect blood, much like a menstrual cup. However, they differ in shape and placement within the vagina. To insert a menstrual disc, follow these steps:

• Wash your hands.
• Get into a comfortable position, such as sitting over the toilet, standing with a leg up, or squatting.
• Squeeze the sides of the disc together to make it narrow, similar to a tampon.
• Insert the pinched disc pointing down and back into your vagina. It should sit at a vertical angle so that it completely covers your cervix.
• Push it past the pubic bone as far as it goes so that the rim tucks in just above the bone.

To remove the disc, sit on the toilet and reach into your vagina with your index finger. Hook your finger under the rim of the disc and pull it straight out, keeping it parallel to the floor. Then, empty the contents into the toilet, wrap it in toilet paper, and dispose of it in the trash.

It's important to note that menstrual discs are typically disposable and not meant to be reused, so they are not the most environmentally friendly option. Additionally, there is a risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) associated with menstrual cups, and this risk may also apply to menstrual discs due to their similarities. However, TSS is rare, and you can reduce the risk by practising good hygiene and washing your hands before insertion and removal.

Stock up on essentials

If you're looking to change your menstrual cycle date for your wedding, it's important to start preparing well in advance. Here are some essential items to stock up on to help you navigate this tricky situation and ensure you can enjoy your big day:

Period Trackers

If you don't already use a period tracker, now is the time to start. These can be in the form of apps or calendars, and they will help you predict your cycle and prepare accordingly. Track not only when your period starts but also how long it lasts, the flow on different days, and any associated symptoms such as bloating, cramping, headaches, acne, tender breasts, fatigue, and cravings. This will help you feel more prepared and enable you to plan effectively.

Birth Control Options

Consult your doctor about birth control options that can help you delay or manipulate your period to avoid it clashing with your wedding day. Hormonal birth control methods such as the pill, patch, ring, IUD, implant, or shot can be used to skip bleeding cycles or delay your period. Your doctor will advise you on the best method for your body and health, as well as any potential risks or side effects.

Menstrual Products

It is essential to stock up on a variety of menstrual products to ensure you are prepared for any scenario. Here are some options to consider:

• Tampons: These need to be changed regularly, especially on heavier flow days. Opt for tampons with different absorbency levels to cater to your flow.
• Pads: Consider investing in high-quality pads with different absorbency levels. You can also find pads with wings that attach to your underwear for added security.
• Menstrual Cups: Menstrual cups are reusable and can be left in for up to 12 hours without needing to be emptied, making them a convenient option for your wedding day. However, there is a learning curve to using them, so start practising a few months in advance.
• Period Underwear: Period underwear is a great backup option to use with other products. They absorb blood without feeling damp and prevent leakage onto your clothes. You can find different styles and absorbency levels to suit your needs.
• Period Panties: These are a type of period-proof underwear that can hold up to two tampons' worth of fluid. They are designed to prevent leakage, odour, and wetness, so you can feel confident and comfortable on your wedding day.

Pain Relievers and Supplements

Stock up on pain relievers such as ibuprofen or Midol to help alleviate any period-related discomfort, including cramps, backaches, and headaches. Additionally, consider taking supplements such as magnesium and vitamin B-6, as these have been linked to controlling PMS symptoms and reducing premenstrual depression.

Emergency Kit Essentials

Create a wedding day emergency kit and stock it with essentials such as safety pins, hair ties, a small sewing kit, extra lipstick, and, of course, your chosen period products. You can also include items like baby wipes, painkillers, a hot water bottle, and chocolate. Ask someone in your wedding party to keep track of the kit and help you access anything you need throughout the day.

Remember, it's crucial to consult your doctor before making any decisions regarding your health and menstrual cycle. They can provide personalised advice and help you choose the best options for your body and situation.

Be mindful of your stress levels

Stress can have a powerful impact on your mental health, but did you know it can also affect your physical health? It can certainly complicate menstruation in a variety of ways.

Stress affects your hormones. When you're stressed, your adrenal glands pump out adrenaline and cortisol into your bloodstream, getting your body ready to fight or flee. This is a very handy process when you're in grave danger. But when stress starts coming from mundane events, such as work deadlines, it ends up depleting your cortisol reserves, leaving you unable to respond to serious stressors.

Cortisol, one of the stress hormones, is present at different levels in the first and second half of your cycle, also called your infradian rhythm. It's important to be mindful of those levels so as not to create even more hormone imbalances by adding additional stress.

• Interferes with blood sugar: Stress raises cortisol levels and unbalances your blood sugar, disrupting your ovulation and period. By de-stressing, you can improve your blood sugar levels, balance your hormones, and improve PMS, bloating, cramps, period-related acne, heavy or irregular periods, and missing periods.
• Blocks progesterone production: Your body uses progesterone to make cortisol so it can respond to stress, and the more stressed you are, the more progesterone your body "steals" to make cortisol. This lengthens the luteal phase of your cycle, making your periods start out slow, with a lot of brown spotting and blood before your regular flow.
• Delays or prevents ovulation: Increased cortisol levels can delay or even prevent ovulation, which makes sense from an evolutionary perspective. Getting pregnant on top of dealing with a lot of stress puts too much demand on the body. Stopping ovulation helps to preserve energy to deal with the stress before the body has to rev up to support a baby too.
• Causes vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Excess cortisol depletes the body of essential vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients, including B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are important to calm down your adrenal system, and an overworked adrenal system can interfere with ovulation.
• Disrupts your gut: Stress disrupts the balance between good and bad bacteria in your digestive system, which in turn disrupts your hormone balance.

So, how can you manage your stress levels? Here are some techniques to limit your body's release of stress hormones:

• Breathing exercises: Try a simple calming breathing technique that can be done standing, sitting, or lying down. Place your feet hip-width apart. Breathe in gently through your nose, letting your breath flow into your stomach as deep as is comfortable. You may find it helpful to count from one to five as you breathe in. Breathe out gently and count to five again. Repeat this for three to five minutes.
• Mindfulness meditation: This technique is about tuning in to and being aware of the present moment. You can practice it anywhere, whether sitting still or on the move. Try being quiet while paying attention to how your body feels as you breathe in and out, the sounds around you, and what you can smell or taste. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to the present.
• Connect with others: Talk about how you're feeling with loved ones.
• Take breaks: Limit your consumption of news stories and stick to a sleep schedule.
• Move more: Sit less, even if you are in a limited area.
• Limit alcohol: Avoid using drugs or substances in ways other than prescribed.

Remember, stress is a normal part of life, and our bodies are well-protected from most of the short-term impacts of stress. However, if you feel overwhelmed, out of control, or unable to function, seek medical help.

Frequently asked questions