How To Not Have A Period
The beach vacation you have been looking forward to for months. The 22 hour plane ride to Tokyo. Your honeymoon. What do these things have in common? They never fail to fall during your period. Surely, if we can put a man on the moon, then we can get rid of periods? You wonder in frustration, as you pack extra sanitary gear in your bag. The answer is yes. If you are extra nice to your neighborhood gynecologist, they can likely help you with your period predicament.
The menstrual cycle is a result of a delicate hormonal dance. Estrogen coaxes the ovary to make an egg and prompts the lining of the uterus to thicken. After the egg is released, progesterone halts the growth of the lining, and the uterus waits for the arrival of an embryo. When no embryo arrives, progesterone production stops its this lack of progesterone that triggers the vacation-ruining period. Altering these dance steps with some additional hormones can usually result in a delay in the cycle until a more opportune time.
If you looking to get rid of your periods for the longer term, there are other options:
I know that cycles are natural, but sometimes you may not want to experience this all natural phenomena while on the beach in Hawaii. If you find yourself in an occasional bind and want to delay your cycle, talk to your gynecologist and they may be able to help. Or, if you need a longer term solution, then an IUD, ablation, or extended regimen pill may be a good option.
Pack Preparing For The Worst
Having the right kind of clothes and underwear that can handle blood stains and be resurrected overnight through my favorite of all travel hacks, a brisk wash in the sink is an absolute must. Fast-drying fabrics like merino wool and polyester blends that will be dry by morning are great options.
Your period wardrobe should include:
- Quick-dry shorts or pants in dark colors
- In colder weather, dark liner leggings forwearing under pants
- Plenty of backup underwear
- Mild laundry soap for sink washing, like Dr. Bronners or liquid detergent
Stuck without soap with astain on your favorite jeans? Heres a fantastically gross science tip in caseof total emergency: Your own spitbreaks down your own blood. Spit directly on the stain and rub into the fabric gently. Wait a minute or two, then rinse with coldwater to reduce the stain. Talk about a minimalist packing hack!
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How To Delay Period For Vacation
You can use your birth control pill to skip your period but start at least 3 months before your trip. If your trip is less than 1 month away, you can ask your doctor to prescribe Norethindrone 5 mg, 3 times a day starting 3 days before your anticipated period/bleed date and keep it going until you can bleed.
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Increase Lemon Infusion Intake
Using lemon is more effective if you accidentally get your period a bit early during your vacation or just a few days before your journey.
Lemon also boasts an acidic nature, which benefits in pushing back your menstrual cycle for some time. The acidic content detoxifies the body, shedding the uterine line quickly. This would temporarily cut off the period if you drink it during the cycle.
You can either mix lemon with vinegar and water and drink a combination of these foods. Or simply opt for a lemon water infusion.
Mental Or Emotional Stress
While it sounds absurd to recommend stress as a way ofachieving a good result, stress is known to change the menstrual cycle.The most known result of stress on the menstrual cycle is delaying the onset ofperiods.
To benefit from this remedy, you can choose to set a goalthat you know will lead to some emotional fatigue. For example, rather thandoing that project from school for a week, set yourself a target tofinish it in three days.
The only downside to this method is that some women areknown to respond in the opposite direction. Rather than having their menstrualcycle delayed, some have their menses come earlier than usual whensubjected to stress of any kind.
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Dont Let Your Period Get In The Way Of Your Vacation
Medically reviewed by Sophia Yen, MD, MPH Written by Pandia Health Editorial Team
Ah, vacations. The perfect time to relax. Theres no school or work to stress you out, no early alarms demanding you get out of bed and you have lots of hours of fun ahead of you.
Until you realize that your period is due that week.
Most people with a uterus have thought I wish I could turn my period off! at least once. Luckily, there are ways you can skip your period for a week , and make sure it wont be an unwelcome guest on your vacation. And if you dont want to skip your monthly bleed, weve got ways to help make your period more comfortable.
Keep reading to find out how to enjoy your vacation on your terms.
If You Want Your Period To Come Sooner Or Later Than Usual Your Only Option Is To Manipulate It With Certain Types Of Hormonal Birth Control
First, an important disclaimer: Birth control, like any medication, should be taken as directed by the prescribing information and your doctor. If youre interested in messing with your birth control in order to change your period in some way, thats something you should talk to your doctor about, because it will likely vary depending on a few specific factors. Below, we spoke with several experts about how birth control can be used to change your period, but this information should not be considered a substitute for personalized medical advice. Its always smart to talk to your doctor about your unique situation before messing around with your birth control method, especially if its your primary method of pregnancy prevention. This particularly applies if you’re new to taking the pill. “I probably would counsel folks who have just started the pill not to do these manipulations just because they aren’t experienced and may well forget pills or get disorganized,” Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale Medical School, tells SELF.
Also Check: Signs Of Pregnancy When You Have Irregular Periods
Are There Any Natural Methods That Work To Delay Your Period
You may have heard somewhere on the internet that there are a few natural or homemade methods that can help you delay your periodbut our experts agree that this is not the way to go.
“If you search online, you’ll likely read about natural ways to delay your period, like consuming gram lentils, gelatin, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or even green bean water a few days to a week before your period,” said Dr. Horton. “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.”
Other suspected remedies like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can help to relieve cramps and reduce your flow if you’ve already started your period, but they won’t prevent it altogether.
Ultimately, if you’re looking to temporarily pause your period, you are able to do so in a safe and effective way. But, as always, if you have any concerns or are unsure about which method to go for, talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best path for your individual situation.
Stress May Have An Impact
Stress is known to have the ability to disrupt a normal menstrual cycle. Hormones released during stress otherwise harm the overall health, but when it comes to a period, they have a more evolutionary, primal role.
Essentially, your body’s hormonal balance during stress will disrupt and result in late ovulation. In some women, ovulation may not even occur during stressful times.
Scientists explain this with the body’s strategy to avoid pregnancy in an uncertain environment. Essentially, stress signals that your body is under distress and not in a safe environment. In some cases, a mechanism to prevent pregnancy activate in form of period delay.
How this relates to traveling on your period? Not all trips and vacations are stress-free. You might have a great time, but if you drink too much and sleep too little, your body is actually suffering stress.
Stress can suppress the pituitary gland functions, affecting the production of estrogen, which in return disrupts the ovulation. You can trigger this body response even if you mentally feel good, excited and entertained if you’re partying too much and sleeping too little.
Whenever your sleep cycle gets disrupted, there’s a possibility for your menstrual cycle to fall out of order as well. If you’re switching time zones, your circadian rhythm also falls out of balance.
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Q: What Can I Do To Delay My Period On Holiday
A: The NHS advises that if you take a combined contraceptive pill, you can delay your period by taking two packets back to back. This means that for one month you will skip your period, but it depends on how many pills you usually take. You should check NHS Choices for more information on delaying your period when on the pill.
If youâre not on the pill, then itâs best to speak to your GP well in advance of you going on holiday so that they can discuss the different options with you.
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How To Delay Your Period: Learn Whether Or Not This Is A Good Idea
Delaying or stopping menstruation has become possible with the development of modern hormonal contraceptives. There are lots of reasons people do it: medical reasons such as heavy menstrual bleeding, preparation for medical procedures, period migraines, or if they have an upcoming sports event, wedding, or vacation. After all, periods dont always happen at the most convenient time. Keep reading to discover how to delay your period and if its safe to do it.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Norethisterone Tablets
You must be prescribed norethisterone, to ensure it is safe for you to take. As with any medication, side effects are possible and they can vary from person to person and in severity.
Seek medical help right away if you have symptoms of:
- an allergic reaction
- a blood clot in the lungs or brain
- deep-vein thrombosis
You can check the patient information leaflet for symptoms of these serious conditions:
You should also seek medical advice if you experience yellowing of your skin or have a migraine for the first time.
Less serious side effects that have been reported by women taking norethisterone include:
- breast tenderness
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Q: Im Feeling A Bit Low And Cant Be Bothered To Get Involved With Whats Going On
A: First and foremost, the way you are feeling is completely normal! Being on your period messes with your hormones, so you might be feeling slightly more moody and agitated than normal. Combat these feelings by spending the first few days of your period relaxing. Sunbathe, read a good book or even go for a swim . Most importantly, if you donât feel like doing something, donât feel pressured to get involved if youâre not feeling up to it!
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How To Delay Your Period When You Have A Vacation Coming Up
You booked the airfare, the room, and the activities. You took time off from work, bought a great new swimsuit, and are all packed. Everything about your trip is all set, except for one tiny thing your body didnt get the memo and youre going to have your period while on vacation. So many unexpected setbacks can happen even on the most perfectly planned trip, so the last thing you want to do is have to worry about your period. Well, good news, female travelers! If youre using certain contraceptives, you can easily delay your period for a vacation and its doctor-approved.
No matter where your vacation takes you, having your period during it is a pain. If your vacation plans entail activities by the water like snorkeling, kayaking, or sitting poolside youll be much more comfortable in your swimsuit not having to worry about bleeding and cramps. Or if your vacation is more focused on cultural pursuits, who needs to be constantly searching for a bathroom and making sure you have the right amount of sanitary products as you sightsee? And take care knowing that according to obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Pari Ghodsi, there is no harm if you do choose to use your birth control to skip a period during your trip.
As Dr. Ghodsi explains it, you can only skip your period when you are on a combined hormonal contraceptive, like birth control pills, the ring , or the patch .
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Lets Face It Mother Nature Doesnt Always Have The Best Timing Whether Youre On Holiday Or At The Pool There Are Ways Of At Least Delaying Your Period
Realising that your period is going to inconveniently coincide with jetting off on your vacation or a swimming competition doesnt necessarily mean youre stuck with it. Once youve sussed out how to regulate your periods occasionally, you get a sense of control over the situation. Well also talk about how you can prevent those night time leaks when your period does come along.
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Try Ibuprofen Or Aleve
If your period has already started, taking Ibuprofen or Aleve can help relieve menstrual cramps and reduce your flow by 20% to 40%.
While these medicines aren’t exactly natural, they work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are inflammatory compounds that trigger contractions in your uterus.
If you’d like to try this method, you may want to start right before your period begins. A high dose of about 800 milligrams, every six hours could help delay your period.
Keep in mind that there could be negative effects. Always consult with a physician before trying a new dose of medication.
Using The Pill To Stop Your Period
So, heres the lowdown on how to stop a period. If you use the combined contraceptive pill you can delay your period by taking two packets back-to-back . Its important to consult your doctor, gynaecologist or practise nurse before you go ahead, to make sure that its safe to do so, and that its possible to delay your period with the type of pill you take.
If you take a different contraceptive pill you may be able to switch to the combined one to enable you to postpone your period . If you dont take a contraceptive pill, speak to your GP about other ways to delay your period. If you dont have any other health issues, you may be prescribed medication to prevent your period starting at an inconvenient time.
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Consume The Mixture Of Vinegar And Water
It is a natural, risk-free way to delay a period that does not hurt your health in any way. Nutritionists suggest using vinegar in your daily diet to help you lose weight, cut cholesterol, and control blood sugar levels. Vinegar can help with cramps, which can be a great discomfort both before and during your period.
Periods can be naturally and effortlessly delayed by sipping a vinegar and water mixture. Make sure the solution is prepared in the proper proportions. Mix 3 to 4 tbsp vinegar with simply a glass of water for this. If you consume this drink at least once during the day, your period will be delayed by 3 to 4 days.
How Can Pandia Health Help
Should you decide to make your #PeriodsOptional, Pandia Health has your back! Not only do we offer a variety of birth control options, but we also have a ton of resources that can help you decide which method works best for your lifestyle. If you choose to take the pill or Twirla patch, dont forget to sign up for our FREE delivery service, so you can #SkipTheTrip the pharmacy and get your prescription shipped right to your mailbox.
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Delaying Your Period If You’re Not On The Pill
To delay your period, you can use a medicine called Norethisterone for up to 17 days’ delay.
It comes in the form of tablets which you must start to take three days before your period is due. You must then take three tablets a day during the time you wish to delay your period . You should get your period two or three days after you stop taking Norethisterone.
Norethisterone is a prescription-only medicine. Your GP can prescribe it for you, or you can order it through our online service if you want to save the hassle of booking an appointment and going to the clinic.
Norethisterone is not a contraceptive, and cannot be used to prevent pregnancy.
How does Norethisterone work?
Norethisterone contains the hormone progesterone. By artificially keeping your natural progesterone levels up, it stops the lining of your womb from shedding and delays your period.
How effective is Norethisterone?
Most women find that Norethisterone prevents their period from starting until they choose to stop taking the tablets. However, some women find that they have spotting or breakthrough bleeding while they are taking Norethisterone. Starting to take Norethisterone less than three days before your period is due to start greatly increases the chance of spotting.
Can I take Norethisterone?
As a general rule, you should probably not take Norethisterone if you: