Periods and beach holidays - bloody great timing! 😡

[FizzClink]

No pun intended.

Just that really. Having a bit of a rant on behalf of my 15 year old DD and me, although I'm considering taking the period delay tablet....still not sure though.

DD is never late and should have finished by the time we went on holiday, but of course this is the month she's late! Her periods can last a whole week and she can't use tampons, so no swimming 😒

She has been looking forward to this for years. I know it's first world problems and she's lucky to be travelling abroad, but I still feel bad for her. She likely has Dyspraxia and only just learnt to swim (sort of) a couple of years ago, just before lockdown and was desperate to get in the pool.

I know nothing can be done really. Trying to keep positive and tell her there are loads of things she can do that don't involve the pool, but in reality, there aren't many really.

I don't think she'll try tampons again yet, as she says they're just too painful and I guess they're not completely reliable.

As I said, just ranting really 😑

It's so annoying!!

What about period proof swimwear? Modibody do them. Not cheap but if tampons can't be used they are a good option?

Or the delay tablets!

How about period swimwear if tampons are a no go? Try Modibodi.

Well yes there is something you can do - norethisterone works very well at delaying periods. She might find her next period is slightly abnormal, delayed, heavier - but given how much you’re all looking forward to the holiday it’s worth looking at the side effects and letting her decide if she wants to take it. I’ve used it several times with no ill effect

You can get period swimwear if she's reluctant to try tampons, my two keen swimmers use it. I'd take some of the tiny blue lilets as well, she might be willing to try them when she has a good reason to.

This happened to my daughter too. She’s 13 but has had regular periods for 2 years. I spoke to the Doctor and they prescribed the period delay tablets no problem at all. They worked a treat. Period the week after holiday as normal. Normal this month too.

Can I ask a question about the period swimwear? Could you wear the same costume all day and be in and out of the pool or do you have to change as soon as you've been in the water as presumably the absorbency absorbs the water?!

I took the period delay tablet her age for the exact same thing.
Didn't have any issues after, would advise taking water retention tablets along with it

You both need either norethisterone or utovlan from the GP.

These will allow you to put your periods off until after your return. Why suffer and spoil your holiday? I used to get them and they were a godsend. I had to put mine off sometimes as they were real floods.

Otherwise, maybe period swimwear.

My DD has just been prescribed that delay medication for exactly this reason.

There is definitely a solution now - not available 30 years ago for my holidays.

Actually I'm due on the same day as her but I can use tampons etc so I'll be fine.

She will benefit hugely from not being on her period.

The one time I used norethisterone my next period was horrendous, extremely painful (needed constant pain relief, hot water bottles etc). Doubt it’s the same for everyone but something to consider.

I use a menstrual cup which is brilliant to still be able to swim in, but if tampons are a no go then that will be too. So try period pants/ period swimwear. There’s lots of options these days so no need to miss out on swimming.

have a lovely holiday! ☀️

You don't need a special period delay tablet if she's already taking the pill. If she if, then instead of stopping for the month or talking the placebo pills that will allow for a period you skip those, and just go straight into the next months cycle of pills. I used to do this regularly when I was a teen for holidays. Never had any issue. I've never actually heard of a special period delay tablet 🤷‍♀️

Can someone explain how period delay tablets work? When do you have to start taking them? Pros and cons? I've never tried them and am expecting my next period to be particularly inconvenient.

Thanks for the replies.

I have a prescription for the Norethisterone and might take it on holiday, as I'm due on the latter half, but DD is already late and think you need to take it before you're due, don't you? Plus I really worry about her reaction to progesterone. She gets TERRIBLE PMT and is very much lead by her hormones, so the thought of her potentially being worse, plus bloated on holiday, isn't very appealing. She'd need to take them for a long time too, as we're due back the Saturday after next (4th) so if she started taking them tomorrow, she'd be on them for 9 days.

Regarding the swimwear, is it really period proof? Presumably you'd still need to wear a tampon and this is more in place of a pad?

My teen daughter uses modibodi period swimsuits.

You start taking them a couple of days before you’re due on - last time I had them my dr said you can take them even if you’ve started and it will dry it up but I didn’t need to use them for that so might not be true.

it can throw your cycle out, make the next one delayed, heavy, painful, or it might just be late. I was always prepared to accept that risk for a period free holiday!

Why can't she use tampons?

Have you tried a mooncup?

From my description below and how I had it explained to me by my Dr (and magazines at the time) was that being on the pill basically reduces hormones that make your body think it's pregnant so you don't get a period. Coming off of them at the end of the pack stops that and you get your period. So if you just continue taking the pill your body will just keep thinking it's pregnant until you stop them.

It would make more sense to me (I'm not a Dr obvs) to continue taking your regular birth control pills your body is used to rather than introduce a new pill with new hormones.

No she doesn't use a tampon too - just the swimsuits. Don't ask me how it works as I am not sure I want to know but they did resolve the issue of her first sun holiday in over 2.5years falling during her period.

The swimwear does not need a tampon worn with it, my DDs are club swimmers and wear it for training when it's their period. Don't know exactly how it works but it's really effective, no leaks. Really good for teenagers who are unsure of using a tampon.

*introduces not reduces

www.modibodi.co.uk/collections/swim

problem solved. Period proof swimwear.

And if she doesn’t like tampons then it might be worth considering some of the undies for her generally.

Thank you for the links. I actually can't see any in DDs size - either Youth 14-16 or a Small.

Can anyone find this size at modibodi or any other period swimwear? Bear in mind in needs to be here by Friday 😬

There's some on Amazon, but 😬 not sure I can trust them.

bikini briefs
Wuka bikini brief. Wuka is also a very good brand. She could choose her own bikini top or wear the briefs under a normal swimming costume.

This is quite a helpful article on brands:

www.periodpantiesreviews.com/best-period-panties-reviews