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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask the GP to delay my period?

53 replies

ewchoc · 27/10/2021 07:33

I have a spa weekend coming up. It's been moved several times due to covid and I can't change the date again. My period is due and mine are heavy, due to a prolapse I can't use tampons or cups, so it will ruin the weekend - I would normally spend most of my time in the pool etc. I've read on here before about people asking their GP for some sort of drug that delays their period - has anyone successfully been prescribed this in the last couple of years? I don't want to take up NHS time with something like this, but I have private healthcare through work which I think includes GP appointments, so I wonder if I could use that. So, WIBU to ask a GP for a prescription or am I being ridiculous to even consider it?

OP posts:
Envoitrevisage · 27/10/2021 07:43

Or if you have the pill just run them together?

GaspingGekko · 27/10/2021 07:43

I don't think you'd be wrong to go and ask, but thought I should warn you that it doesn't always work.
I tried it for a marathon I was doing, it didn't stop me having my period during the marathon but then also just messed up my cycle. I would probably have been better without, though I appreciate in your case it's not an option.
Honestly I would try everything you can first to get the date moved.

CocaColaTruck1 · 27/10/2021 07:44

Several years ago for me, I was due on on holiday. I got it afew times.
Presuming they still will, do an econsult.
Take some water retention tablets too!

DoItAfraid · 27/10/2021 07:47

I am sure it is fine to ask.

Arghlife · 27/10/2021 07:50

I've delayed mine a few times, I don't go to the gp though, you can use an online chemist, like superdrug. I will say though that for me the period was heavier and more painful when it came

Original poster
ewchoc · 27/10/2021 07:50

@Maybeoversensitive - great, I will check that out!

OP posts:
yodaandmedication · 27/10/2021 07:51

I've had it for holidays a few times. It works but it had a bad effect on me mentally and I had extreme pmt like temper. It also felt like my period was just there, waiting to start and I was bloated etc. So it's not a magic pill by any stretch, hopefully should delay the bleeding though as long as you start taking it in good time x

Original poster
ewchoc · 27/10/2021 07:53

@GaspingGekko this is good to know, I'm really regular at the moment so this is a worry I have!

OP posts:
DaisyDozyDee · 27/10/2021 07:54

I’ve used the Superdrug service for this in similar circumstances. It’s pretty easy - you just fill in a medical questionnaire online and pay and their doctors review it and send the tablets if they’re suitable for you.

Deliaskis · 27/10/2021 07:55

I did this for a long walking trip. It didn't work completely....as I'm didn't completely put off my period, which was annoying, but it meant it started very slowly and I could manage a long time between changing protection (which for me was the lexical challenge as I was walking in a remote area with no toilets at all for long stretches). I would say it was like that first or last day when you're in two minds about whether you need protection but decide you better had anyway. Once I stopped taking the pills then it arrived properly, so they were doing something, just not completely stopping it.

So I would definitely try it (I did a remote GP thing and they just raised the prescription and sent it straight to the pharmacy), just be prepared for it not being 100% effective.

Original poster
ewchoc · 27/10/2021 07:57

Thank for all the advice. I didn't realise I could get it direct from a pharmacy so I feel much better about that, but it sounds like I need to weigh up the pros & cons first! I do have my covid booster between now & when I go, so part of me is hoping that will shift my cycle!

OP posts:
mountbattenbergcake · 27/10/2021 07:57

I think the cheapest way is to get your GP to prescribe norethisterone.

The Superdrug service is basically the same thing but more expensive.

Deliaskis · 27/10/2021 07:57

Didn't know about the Superdrug thing, wish I'd done that!

Also agree with @yodaandmedication ....I did feel like I was suspended for days and days in that PMT state, which was annoying (and made for an emotional roller coaster of a long distance walk!).

Ktay · 27/10/2021 07:57

Same as PP, gave me horrendous pmt (on my honeymoon 😬)

welliesarefuntowear · 27/10/2021 07:59

GP receptionist here. This is a very routine request and absolutely reasonable to ask.

Original poster
ewchoc · 27/10/2021 07:59

Horrendous PMT is not what I need on a spa break!

OP posts:
Deliaskis · 27/10/2021 07:59

My issue arose precisely because my jab shifted my cycle! I had meticulously planned the walk to be mid cycle, then jab.... and it all went wrong.

mountbattenbergcake · 27/10/2021 08:00

I’ve used norethisterone a few times and it’s never given me PMT.

It’s not something I would make a habit of though.

ViceLikeBlip · 27/10/2021 08:01

Heads up: when I've done this in the past, it made me really bloated (like 5 months pregnant bloated) and I had PMT from hell.

Wilkolampshade · 27/10/2021 08:03

Perfectly normal request and never gave me PMT either...

Tillymintpolo · 27/10/2021 08:06

Are you on the pill ? I’m on the mini pill and havent had a period in years

itsgettingwierd · 27/10/2021 08:21

Boots sell northisterone.

You need to start taking it a few days before your period is due.

I've been taking it twice a day for months now (prescribed!) and waiting for a hysterectomy.

Original poster
ewchoc · 27/10/2021 08:21

I'm not on the pill. Have considered going back on it for just this reason as it did make life easier. I was last on it more than ten years ago though, pre-kids, and I'm a bit wary of the trial & error/side effects that come with all the various hormonal options. I feel I know my body so much better now I'm not on anything! Something to think about though.

OP posts:
Redredwiney · 27/10/2021 08:21

It’s not direct from a pharmacy, Superdrug has an online doctor service that prescribes it for you. Essentially it’s an online GP service, but they do these sorts of things.