Delaying Your Period For Your Wedding Day: Everything You Need to Know
Let's face it, no one wants to be on their period on their big day. You can now get a pill on the High Street to safely delay 'that time of the month' - here's the lowdown
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There’s never a good time to get your period but there’s certainly times when you really wish you could press pause on your monthly cycle. Birthdays, anniversaries and holidays spring to mind as occasions when you might find yourself frantically searching, 'How to delay your period', or hoping Mother Nature will be on your side.
Aside from the obvious logistical impracticalities of having to carry around enough sanitary products to manage your period on your wedding day, or keeping the bathroom baskets stocked up, for some of us it’s more than just an inconvenience. Heavy periods, physical discomfort including cramping and bloating, and emotional changes can all distract from what is meant to be the happiest day of your life.
The good news is that delaying your period for your wedding is actually quite simple. Whether you’re looking for medically approved options, commonly referred to as the 'Honeymoon Pill' or more natural remedies, this article will help you find the best solution.
- Medical ways to delay your period
- Natural ways to delay your period
- What to do if you get your period on your wedding day
This content is for informational purposes only - always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider for medical advice.
Medical Ways to Delay Your Period
If you’re looking for a foolproof way to ensure you don't get your period on your wedding day or honeymoon then consider going down the medical route.
Period delay tablets are one of the most popular ways to delay your period for a week or more. Female health expert, Dr Shirin Lakhani, suggests that you always speak with a medical professional to figure out what approach might suit you best. However, the honeymoon pill more formally known as Norethisterone, is a popular option.
“Norethisterone is a tablet containing synthetic progesterone. High progesterone helps to delay your period by preventing the shedding of the uterine lining, thus delaying your period,” Dr Shirin tells us. “It is recommended to start taking the tablet three days before your period is due, and then one tablet three times a day for up to 17 days.”
If you’re looking for a more long term solution then she explains some people choose to take the Combined Pill instead. Dr Shirin explains: “Some people also choose to take the combined pill or continue their packs back-to-back in order to delay their period. This also contains progesterone, which helps to maintain the uterine lining. Other methods of birth control such as a birth control patch can also delay your period by skipping the patch-free week”
How to Delay Your Period Naturally
A quick search on google to find out how to naturally delay your period will pull up a whole host of tips and tricks like eating lentils and drinking apple cider vinegar.
Sadly, there aren’t any scientifically proven ways to delay your period naturally. Dr Shirin even shares that some ‘natural remedies’, like excessive exercise or restrictive eating, can actually do more harm than good.
What to do if you get your period on your wedding day?
If you do end up being on your period during your wedding, don’t panic. There’s loads of options these days to make the experience more comfortable so that you can still enjoy your special day. The key is to be prepared if you know you’re due on.
Here are some of the period products we wouldn’t be without during that time of the month:
1. Period Underwear - WUKA
For the beginning or end of your period, or if you simply just don't like the feeling of wearing a sanitary towel, we swear by period pants. These ones are reusable and won't show any pesky seamlines.
2. Spray to Wipe - Luna Daily
Instead of carrying around a pack of wet wipes to freshen up with, this discreet spray is the perfect alternative and will fit in your clutch (or your Maid of Honors). Spritz it straight onto your skin or a tissue. You can also use it under your armpits too.
3. CBD Tampons - Daye
If you struggle with cramps try these organic tampons with a CBD coating to relax your muscles - don't worry they don't contain THC. They're also made without any nasty ingredients like pesticides and plastics.
4. Soothing Heat Patches - Deo Doc
Another game changer when it comes to soothing menstrual cramps these discreet, heated pads stick onto the inside of your clothes to provide relaxing warmth. Think of them like a hot water bottle you can wear on-the-go.
Where can I get the period delay pill?
If you don’t have time to see your GP don’t panic. You can actually get the period delay pill from Superdrug or Boots without seeing a doctor face to face. At Superdrug you can use their online doctor service to fill out a questionnaire that a doctor will review before approving your treatment. You can even get it delivered straight to your home. Boots offers a similar service where you can complete an online consultation, which is then assessed by a medical professional before your prescription is ready.
Can wedding stress impact your cycle?
While we try and eliminate all the stress of wedding planning sometimes things happen that can be stressful and according to Dr Shirin, stress can impact your cycle.
“It’s not uncommon for women to have a delayed period or disrupted menstrual cycle due to stress around their wedding,” she shares. “Stress can cause spotting between your periods or can even delay your period altogether. It increases your cortisol levels, which can disrupt the production of hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone, which affect your menstrual cycle.
Are period delay tablets safe?
Period delay tablets are genuinely considered safe to use, however as with any medication there are certain people who might be more vulnerable to adverse side effects. “It is generally safe for short durations to use pills such as Norethisterone to delay your period” Dr Shirin explains. “However, if used for a long time, it could cause hormonal imbalances. It should also not be used as a contraceptive.”
She adds; “Contraceptive pills and norethisterone can also increase your risk slightly of blood clots due to the hormones. Those with a history of blood clots or high blood pressure should talk through other options with their doctor.”
The NHS also advises speaking to a medical professional before taking Norethisterone to check your are a suitable.
Can I still get pregnant on period delay pills?
Yes, because the period pill is not a contraceptive. You would need to use your normal method of contraceptive while taking the period delay pill. If you are already taking hormonal contraception then consult your GP who will help you to make the appropriate changes to your plan.
How long will it take for my period to return to normal after taking period delay pills?
If you have taken Norethisterone your period will start a few days after you stop taking the pills.
Feeling stressed? Make sure you check out our guide to managing wedding planning stress - you've got this!
