Can I ask my GP for this? Does it even exist?

[CrypticClues]

I'm going travelling for a few weeks, including long-haul flights for the first time.

I've always had heavy periods and short cycles, and if I'm unlucky could end up having at least two periods whilst away. The flights in particular would be horrendous, and it would really limit what I can do whilst I'm there.

Is there any medication to temporarily stop periods? I'm not on the contraceptive pill, nor can I go on that - but is there anything else, and has anyone done this?

[t1mum3]

Yes, there is. I can't remember what it's called though. The other option is to take contraceptive pill without a break.

[Chrys2017]

Yes, the medication is called norethisterone. See your GP.

[Northumberlandlass]

Norethisterone... (or something like that) - I had it years ago. You need to start taking it a certain time before your period is due, so I would go to GP as soon as you can.
M

[SpadesOfGlory]

Yeah you can take the medicine PP have mentioned. You can also buy it in online pharmacies if you can't get to see the GP for whatever reason, I've previously bought online in Boots

[CrypticClues]

Great, thank you! I knew about the Pill option, but as I can't take that, it's good to know there's an alternative.

Weight off my mind, ta! :)

[Pippin8]

I think norithisterone is basically the progesterone only pill?

Someone might come along & correct me though.

[RebeccaCloud9]

Norethisterone IS the progesterone only pill. I'm currently on it (post pregnancy contraceptiob) and am having one mega mega heavy period a month. I DON'T recommend it for no period!

[Coconutspongexo]

Norethisterone Is not a contraceptive.

[foresttrees2]

It's not a contraceptive. When I had it you take 1tablet 3 times a day starting 3 days before your period and continuing until you want to get your period. It then arrives about 3 days after you stop taking it.
Check with your doctor about the long journey as I think it increases clotting risk so it's not suitable for everyone. On a plane as you are sitting for ages you already have increased dvt risk. But a doctor or pharmacist can advise.

[TheNinjaWife]

I’ve used Utovlan which is a trade name for notethisterone. I ordered it online via Boots. They ask a few questions. It’s easier than going to the docs and it’s not very expensive. I had no side effects. You need to start taking it 3 days before your expected period. And take for a Max 17 days in total. Your period starts about 3 days after you stop taking it. Because we sometimes travel for a longer period of time I sometimes use the tablets to bump my cycle over a bit the month before travel rather than take on holiday, if that makes sense?
The other thing is that in the past on the pill I had some pigmentation and also with the mini pill terrible acne. I did not have this with utovlan.

[BitOutOfPractice]

You can buy it online from Boots. No need to go to GP. Just have to answer a few basic questions

[Pixie2015]

The dose is different for stopping a period to the contraception dose for norethisterone. Need to start it a couple of days before period due

[BitOutOfPractice]

Or from Superdrug

Link here

[CottonSock]

I used to just take back to back packets of contraception. I lived in the jungle for a year and also hated periods. I'm now off the pill and miss the control

[RebeccaCloud9]

my pill is norethisterone (noriday) and it is a contraceptive pill. Sorry, didn't realise it could come in different doses too. The contraceptive pill version isn't strong enough for no periods!

[TuckMyWin]

It is for some RebeccaCloud9. I'm on it and don't get periods.

[lazydog]

What is the medical reason that means you can't take the contraceptive pill? I would assume that the reason for that would also rule out norethisterone, as it's the same thing, but higher dose, so surely potentially worse for you to take?

[jellybeanteaparty]

Tranzamic (spelling?) acid can make periods less heavy/minimal and it can be bought at boots (again a few questions may be asked) May be enough to make travel bearable and swimming possible.

[CrypticClues]

Lazydog, it may well be the case. I guess I will have to go to GP and ask if there are any contraindications. I don't particularly want any side effects whilst I'm away either!