Older bride-to-be wants to delay period

Dr Sharmaine MITCHELL

Monday, February 06, 2012

Dear Dr Mitchell,

I am 42 years old and I'm getting married. My period is due around my wedding day and I was advised by friends to take the pill to stop it from coming. However, I'm worried about my age and the pill. Am I too old to do this? I don't smoke or have any health problems.

The oral contraceptive pill is effective in delaying the menstrual period if taken well in advance of the onset of the menses and continued throughout. There are several really low-dose preparations on the market which will work well for you in this regard and with very few side effects. You should try not to miss any pills once you are committed to taking it since you will get a breakthrough bleeding if you miss pills. The oral contraceptive pill will not only delay the menstrual periods but it will prevent an unwanted pregnancy if that is your desire. You can always discontinue it when it suits you.

It is important, however, even though you do not smoke or have any health issues, that you have a complete physical examination done by your general doctor or gynaecologist before commencing the oral contraceptive pills. It is important to get a breast examination and a mammogram done. You should also do a pap smear and get the CERVARIX vaccine to protect you against the human papillomavirus that causes cervical cancer. This vaccine is given in a three-dose schedule. The first one is given, followed by the second one a month later, and the final one six months later. This gives added protection against cancer of the throat, vulva and anus.

Consult your doctor who will advise you further.

Best wishes in your wedding plans and on your wedding day.

Dr Sharmaine Mitchell is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Send questions via e-mail to allwoman@ jamaicaobserver.com; write to All Woman, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Ave, Kingston 5; or fax to 968-2025.

DISCLAIMER:

The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and must not be relied upon as an alternative to medical advice or treatment from your own doctor or other professional health care provider.