We’ve all been there. You’re throwing your swimsuit into your case, alongside your sun cream and salt spray, gearing up for the holiday of a lifetime and, oh. Your period starts. Thank God you’ve already had your bikini wax.
While it’s not the end of the world – women are more than capable of coping with a holiday period – it’s also not ideal. There’s the physical side of things – the bloating, the breakouts and the mood swings. Then there’s the practical side. For starters, swimming can be tricky, especially for those who prefer to use sanitary pads. Even for those who are tampon or menstrual cup users, swimwear and periods aren’t best mates under any circumstances. A rogue string. Worse still, a leak.
Yup, there’s no denying that some of us would welcome the opportunity to delay our period until after our return and now, we can actually do that. As of this month, Superdrug are selling the Period Delay Pill – a pill that delays your period for the number of days you take it. It’s available in three options – packets of 30, 60 and 90 pills. You have to take three pills per day, and start using the pills three days before your period is scheduled to start.
So, how does it work? The Period Delay Pill, formally known as Norethisterone, contains a synthetic female sex hormone called progestin, which is also found in contraceptive pills. Confusingly, The Period Delay Pill is not a form of contraception. You can definitely still get pregnant when using it – so unless pregnancy is in your plans, you’ll need to use contraception separately.
The pill must be prescribed so to make matters easier, Superdrug is offering the pill through their Online Doctor service. All you have to do is fill out a questionnaire about your medical and menstrual history. The questionnaire is then sent off to their team of doctors, who approve or deny the request. All that’s left is to pick them up from your local branch.
It’s not all well and good, though (is it ever?). The Period Delay Pill can cause various side effects, including breast tenderness, nausea, headache and disturbances in mood and sex drive. Plus, you won’t be able to take it if you have a history of blood clots. And the efficacy varies from woman to woman. But you know, choice is progress.
