Period delay
How to delay your period safely, and advice from a UK-registered prescriber.
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A prescriber decides if treatment is right for you. No prescription is guaranteed.
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Norethisterone
Norethisterone is a period delay medication that can allow you to delay your period for up to 17 days.
You should take the first table three days before your period starts. Then take one tablet three times a day for no more than 20 days. You can take Norethisterone for less time if you don’t want to delay your period for the full 17 days.
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About Period Delay
Period delay means using a short course of medicine to move your period back for a few days, for example for a holiday, a wedding or an exam. It is a one-off change, not a long-term treatment. If you take a combined pill, you may be able to use it instead, so check with a pharmacist or GP.
Wanting to delay a period for an important event is a very common reason to speak to a pharmacist or GP. Plan ahead, as treatment starts a few days before your period is due. It is not a contraceptive, so still use contraception, such as condoms, if you could get pregnant.
Yes, for many people, but not everyone, for example if you have had a blood clot or could be pregnant. A UK-registered clinician checks it is safe for you. If your periods are unusually heavy, painful or irregular, or you bleed between periods, see a GP instead.
How it works
- 1
Tell us about your health
Questions about your health, periods, contraception and medicines.
About 5 minutes
- 2
A prescriber reviews it
A UK-registered prescriber checks treatment is safe for you, and may contact you.
- 3
The decision
If suitable, collect it or have it delivered. If not, we explain why and suggest options.
- See if you're eligible
Frequently asked questions
Three days before your period is due. If your cycle is irregular, start on the earliest day your period could begin. If you start later, or your period has already started, they may not work.
For most people, delaying a period occasionally with tablets for a short time is low risk. The main risk is a small increase in the chance of a blood clot, so they are not suitable for everyone. A prescriber will check your health and medicines first.
No. In the UK they are prescription-only, so you need a prescription first. If you take the combined pill, a pharmacist can tell you whether you can use it to delay your period.
For as long as you need to delay your period, up to the maximum your prescriber sets. Your period usually starts 2 to 3 days after you stop.
Yes. They are not a contraceptive. Use condoms, or carry on with your usual contraception.
Many GP practices no longer prescribe them on the NHS for holidays or events. Check with your practice. You can also get a private prescription from a pharmacy or online prescribing service.
There is no single best option. If you already take the combined pill, you may be able to use it to delay your period. If not, there is one type of tablet licensed in the UK to delay periods. Your prescriber will advise what is suitable for you.
Speak to a prescriber first. They will check whether it is suitable alongside your contraception.
They may not. They work best when started 3 days before your period is due.
Some people get mild cramps, bloating or breast tenderness while taking the tablets, similar to the days before a period. If you have severe pain, or any of the warning signs above, get medical help.
It may be a little heavier or more uncomfortable than usual. This usually settles over the following cycles. If you are worried, speak to your GP or pharmacist.
The patient leaflet does not list alcohol as an interaction. If you are unsure, ask your prescriber or pharmacist.
It usually starts within 2 to 3 days. If it does not come, take a pregnancy test and speak to your prescriber or GP.
There is no evidence that short-term use affects long-term fertility. Your cycle usually returns to its normal pattern.
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A prescriber decides if treatment is right for you. No prescription is guaranteed.
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