Question: I am getting married in May of this year and we are going to the Maldives for our honeymoon. I was horrified when I checked my diary and realized that my period is due around that time! What can I do to delay my period?

Answer: That is indeed very poor timing! However, do not worry: You do not say if you are using the contraceptive pill. If you are, then the answer is quite straightforward. You simply run your packs ‘back to back,’ in other words when you have taken the last pill in the pack you move straight on to the next pack without having the pill free week during which you would normally bleed.

If you are using a ‘bi- or tri- phasic pill’, you will need to take the last ‘phase’ of the pills from the second pack immediately after finishing the first pack.

If you are not using the contraceptive pill, your doctor may prescribe you a progesterone only pill called Norethisterone. It is very safe for most women. You will need to take 5mg three times a day, starting 3 to 4 days before your period is due.

You can continue to take Norethisterone for 2 weeks. Some women experience mild side effects such as bloating; stomach upsets; breast tenderness and reduced libido, which is not ideal on honeymoon but arguably preferable to having a period! Your period should begin within 2-3 days of stopping Norethisterone.

Have a wonderful time!