Q: My friend wants to postpone her periods for a family function. Is it advisable to do so? What are the side effects if she postpones her period by taking prescribed drugs? She is 30 years old?

A:No, there is not much of a problem. The usual drug is norethisterone (sold as Cycloreg) 5 mg tablet. It should be taken 1 tablet 3 times daily starting 3 days before the expected onset of menstrual cycle. No significant side effects have been reported.