teenagers - stopping periods for a holiday???

[lilolilmanchester]

I take medication to stop inconvenient periods, but have only ever had this prescribed as an adult ... DD is 13, going on a school holiday including waterparks etc and it's likely to be round the time of her period. She's not yet comfortable with the idea of using tampons (we have discussed, and will discuss again... ) If you are a doctor/pharmacist/mother of teenage DD with direct experience... is the "period stopping" medication suitable for young girls or not? I don't want to build up DD's hopes just to get to Dr's appointment to find out that they wouldn't recommend this for such a young girl (would understand why, just don't want to build up DD's hopes if not)

[meditrina]

I think the only option is the contraceptive pill. I doubt you would find a doctor happy to prescribe this for a 13 year old girl for the sake of a holiday.

[lilolilmanchester]

there are other options meditrina - I'm not on the pill but have tablets to stop periods ... which DD knows, hence why she's asked (today) if she might be able to get similar for her hol... I've said probably not, but she's asked if we can go to the Dr to find out. Rather than get her hopes up, as it will be Monday now before I can speak to the Dr, thought I'd ask on here hoping a GP/pharmacist or parent who has been through similar might be able to help..

[meditrina]

I'll be interested to see if anyone comes along with more options for you (hence posting again to bump this for you).

I said contraceptive pill as the only options I'm aware of are the combined pill, or norethisterone (a progesterone used in POP). The latter can however be taken on a different regime (which does not act reliably as a contraceptive) if the aim is to delay menstruation.

[ednurse]

My sister had it aged 13 for a school trip from the GP when she went to Kenya. I can't remember the pill but she took it everyday for 10 days or something? She stopped it once she was back.

[said]

I'll be interested in why a doctor wouldn't recommend as I think it will be a huge relief for your daughter.

[lilolilmanchester]

thanks meditrina... do you know if norethisterone, or similar - taken to delay period rather than as contraception - can be prescribed for a young teenager? I just feel for her that beach/waterpark activities would be ruled out - and she really doesn't feel ready to use tampons yet,tho will keep talking to her about that option.

[lilolilmanchester]

ednurse/said,thanks you posted while I was typing...so seems like an option then...might put in a call to the GP then

[smudgethepuppydog]

DD has taken Norethisterone several times in the past to delay periods. She swims with a club and training camps often coincide with her (very heavy) periods.

[lilolilmanchester]

thanks smudge - what age was she when she first started taking it? In addition to the holiday, DD competes in dance, so far she has been lucky with periods and comps but would be useful in this situation too. I just wasn't sure whether it was ok for younger girls

[smudgethepuppydog]

11 or 12 I would think, she had regular training camps from about that age. She didn't get on with tampons at all until she was bout 15.

[lilolilmanchester]

thanks smudge, that's really helpful

[alice15]

My DD was prescribed norethisterone to delay a period recently - she's 16 - doctor had no hesitation in prescribing it and DD was delighted by the result.

[lilolilmanchester]

thanks Alice & others, will try to get Dr's appointment

[alishia22]

I’m 16 years old I’m going on holiday abroad next week do you think the doctors will prescribe me with this

[lalafafa]

onlinedoctor.superdrug.com/contraceptive-pill.html#3

[angemorange]

I've taken Norehisterone on and off for years starting in my teens.
It's not a contraceptive - you start taking it three times a day a few days before the period is due and when you stop the period will come on about 3-4 days later. Now I'm in my 40's I take it to regulate my periods.
Provera is similar and you take it twice a day but I've never had it.

Your doctor can advise if it's suitable for your daughter. It's been a life saver for me!

[mummytobe100]

www.primepharmacy.co.uk/online-doctor/period-delay/norethisterone/

I usually delay my period from these doctors online, they always call me to double check if it's still safe me, they take a few days to work, but once they start their fab, made my holiday so much more stress-free!

[Jayne8]

There's a lot of online pharmacies which offer period delay - I've used these in the past: www.prescriptiondoctor.com/period-delay. Really easy to use and had it delivered the next day.

Of course, you should always seek your doctor's advice before buying medicine online.

[Musicaltheatremum]

I think with 13 year olds it's difficult. There is an increased risk of blood clots with norethisterone higher after just starting it. So you need to make sure you are happy with the decision to put your child on a drug that isn't essential which can cause problems. My daughter took it aged 14/15 but it's not a decision I think people should take lightly. Bad periods Vs blood clots/ possible death (sounds dramatic but it does happen). But I fully understand why people want it.