Periods. Just when you've debuted that white Topshop bikini or slipped into your dream wedding dress, you can be on high alert for a visit from Aunty Flo. Until now, that is. A pharmacy has launched a period delay service designed to make menstruation more manageable. Boots in the UK have launched the Utovlan Period Delay Online Clinic. After an online consultation can see if the treatment, a prescription drug called Utlovan, is suitable for you, they can arrange for you to receive it without going to your doctor. Utovlan works in a similar way to the hormone progesterone, which occurs naturally in the body. It delays your period until the tablets are stopped. You will need to take one Utovlan tablet three times a day, starting three days before your period is due to start and continuing for no more than 14 days afterwards (17 days in total). Your period will be delayed while you are taking the tablets and should start within three days of stopping the tablets. A 10-day treatment costs £14.90, while a 20-day course costs £22.40, but it's not suitable for everyone: you must be aged 16 or over and not taking the contraceptive pill or using hormonal contraception.

They say: "We understand that occasionally you may want to delay your period. There are certain times in your life when having a period will be inconvenient. You may be going on holiday, taking exams, or it might be a special occasion such as a wedding or honeymoon."

So what are the down sides? Well, Utovlan can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. The side effects are rare, but include nausea and skin problems. If you suffer from epilepsy, migraines, heart or kidney problems, you may find your symptoms are worse while taking Utovlan. Utovlan can also increase the risk of developing blood clots. This risk may be further increased when taking a long journey, or flying for about eight hours or more.