So, we are going on vacation to Croatia, which I have mentioned before, but one thing I need to think about is my period. I have NEVER taken hormones for birth control and in previous trips, I guess I just dealt with it.

First time there was one day where there was NO WHERE to change I had to go behind some tree to remove a tampon - it was awkward - nowhere to wash up or anything. The last time we went to the beach I was newly pregnant (but miscarried that pregnancy) so I didn't have to deal with it.

But now... I probably will as we will be there for nearly 3 weeks and most of it will be at the sea.

Problem is now that I'm 42 and had two kids, when I get my period it's fast and furious. I need to change the super plus (biggest there is) tampon every hour on Day 2 AND wear a pad to keep from leaking. Day one is much less (though enough - more like normal) and day 3 is normal and day four it's light and then gone.

How will I deal with that while on a beach? or on a plane?

SHould I get on birth control? Or what?

Oh, and the disposible cup thing does NOT work for me - I leak if I bend over, squat. (Whatever it is called - like a Diaphragm).

Suggestions! I know it's really only a couple days, but it could be a huge mess! And I can't really depend on when my period will come. At 42, it's not as much clock work as before.

I'm 47 and recently went on the pill because my periods were getting heavier and crampier. Sounds similar to your heavier periods. I've loved loved loved being on the pill. Periods are a breeze now. You might want to give it some thought.

When I was on birth control I loved being able to plan or skip my period. I know this vacation is already stressful enough based on your other posts so I vote birth control. You can always stop using it when you get back.

My daughter just started a birth control where you only get your period for 2 days a month. It for people who get heavy periods and it is the lowest estrogen dose out there. I would try it. How long til you leave?

What about that shot that stops your period for a few months at a time? Even if you don't stay on it when you return, might be worth it for the time your on vacation...

If you mean Depo, it doesn't stop it for everyone. I know people who had even heavier periods on it.

I am not a fan of the pill at all, but this might be a good idea if you are struggling with a heavy period. I had the same problem (heavy period and an upcoming beach trip) and decided to take Seasonique. You go for 3 months without your period and I started taking it before my trip. This way I didn't have to deal with it at all and enjoyed my time.

Or try taking something like Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo to have the control over your period, but skip some of the side effects that sometimes come with BC. The "Lo" version works for me and doesn't give me any weight gain or other common side effects like some other BC's do.

Good luck and have fun on your trip!!

I am definitely no expert on birth control, but two of my good friends started the Depo shot and started gaining lots of weight (not diet/lack of exercise related) and have other terrible side effects. I've always heard things about the shot so I would be cautious or at least do your research before getting it.

I have been on depo and yes the side effects are awful. If you have side effects with the pill you just stop taking it but with depo you are stuck for 3 months. The weight gain is also not worth it.

I wouldn't do Depo either, not worth the side effects.

I second the Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo.

Or anything that has been on the market for awhile. Nothing new and fancy to be a guinea pig for.

I agree Depo is awful. I was on it for 4 years and hated it but I can't take the pill in any form so it was the only thing I could have at the time.

It stopped my period but all the other stuff it caused was SO not worth it!

berryblondeboys...... Have you considered endometrial ablasion? Obviuosly not an option right before vacation, but when you get back?

I had it done this past December and I feel sooooo much better. Went from having to use a super tampon and pad (same time), changing it every hour for 2 days and seemingly endless spotting to being able to wear only a pantyliner for a couple days.

I also was cramping on average 3 weeks out of the month. I still have some ridiculous cramping, but only for a week.

Have you ever tried a permanent cup? I use a diva cup and it holds more than the super duper tampon. I used to change tampons every hour as well but with the cup, I can go for a few hours.

When I was on the pill (I'm on an IUD now), I loved being able to skip it or 'put it off' if we had plans around it that would have been hard to juggle it around, so maybe that is an option?

You could just go ahead and get pregnant before then! That'd take care of it


Seriously though, the pill is nice in regards to controlling when and how much you experience. I don't recall just how fast it starts to regulate you though.