Women

Period Delay Treatments for Women

Occasionally, there may be times when you want to delay your period as it may be due at a time that is inconvenient. You may be going on holiday, it might be exam time, you could be giving an important presentation or anticipating a special event such as your honeymoon.

There are many reasons why you may wish to delay your period. Holidays, weddings, sporting events, important work commitments and other special occasions can all make the timing of a menstrual cycle inconvenient.

For women with regular periods, prescription period delay treatment can offer a safe and effective way to temporarily postpone menstruation.

Period delay tablets are designed to delay the start of your period for a short time and are commonly used for one off occasions. Treatment does not stop your menstrual cycle permanently, and your period will usually return a few days after the medication is stopped.

At WebMed Pharmacy, we understand that decisions about menstrual health are personal. Our online service provides a convenient and confidential way to access prescription period delay treatment following a clinical assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.

This allows us to ensure that the treatment is suitable for your individual circumstances and medical history.

If you are looking for period delay tablets in the UK, WebMed Pharmacy offers a straightforward online consultation process and access to trusted prescription treatments, helping you manage your menstrual cycle with confidence and peace of mind.

What is period delay treatment?

Period delay treatment involves taking prescription medication (typically Norethisterone) to postpone menstruation temporarily. 

This hormone works by maintaining elevated progesterone levels in your body, which prevents the uterine lining from shedding and delays your period. 

You usually begin taking the tablets three days before your expected period and continue until you want menstruation to occur. Once you stop taking the medication, your period typically arrives within 2–3 days. It's a straightforward, medically supervised approach used by many women for special occasions, holidays, or important events.

To purchase our period delay product (Norethisterone) you must complete the consultation to make sure it is safe and suitable for you. Our process is discreet, easy to complete and fast:

How our Period Delay service works

  1. Complete a confidential medical questionnaire to be reviewed by our doctor.

  2. Free consultation and clinical review of your details, to ensure that we select the right medication for your needs. 

  3. Courier next working day delivery in a 1 hour time slot. We are the only online pharmacy to offer this as standard at no extra cost. 

Is it safe to take period delay tablets?

Period delay tablets are generally safe for most women when used as directed. The most commonly prescribed medication, Norethisterone, has been used safely for many years. 

It works by maintaining progesterone levels to prevent the uterine lining from shedding. Side effects are typically mild and temporary, including nausea, headaches, or breast tenderness. 

Always ensure you undergo consultation with a qualified medical professional beforehand, especially if you take other medications, as there can be interactions between Norethisterone and other medications. 

When taken correctly from three days before your expected period, the safety profile is well-established.

How many days can I delay my period for?

You can typically delay your period for up to 17 days using period delay tablets. Most women take Norethisterone for a maximum of two weeks, with the period usually arriving 2–3 days after stopping the medication.

Starting the treatment three days before your expected period gives you the most flexibility. It's important not to exceed the recommended timeframe without medical guidance, as this could affect the medication's effectiveness and your reproductive health. 

Who can use period delay medication?

Most women over 16 can use period delay medication, provided they're in good health and have no contraindications. 

Your pharmacist will assess your suitability through a brief consultation, asking about your medical history, current medications, and any previous adverse reactions.

You cannot use period delay tablets if you have blood clots, stroke history, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe migraine with aura, or certain oestrogen-sensitive cancers. 

Pregnant women and those breastfeeding should also avoid it. Women taking blood-thinning medications or certain other drugs may have interactions which will require a certain level of medical adjustment.

Download the Patient Information Leaflet

Medically reviewed by
Dr Kate Antrobus MBBS DFSRH MRCGP
17 September 2022

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Dr Helen Butler MA(Oxon)
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Kate Antrobus

Dr Kate Antrobus MBBS DFSRH MRCGP