Period Delay

What is period delay?

Period delay is when you use medication to temporarily postpone your period.

This is usually done with a prescription for norethisterone, which belongs to a group of medicines called progestogens - a class of female hormones.

They work to keep your natural hormone levels steady so your period doesn’t start when it normally would.

It’s a short‑term option that can help you delay your period during holidays, events like a wedding or other times when it’s not convenient.

Your cycle returns to normal within 2-3 days once you stop taking the tablets.

How long can I delay my period?

You can usually delay your period for up to 17 days. You need to start taking the tablets about three days before your period is due, and continue taking them for as long as you want to delay your period within that time frame.

What is norethisterone?

Norethisterone is a synthetic version of progesterone, a natural female hormone.

It belongs to a group of medicines called progestogens and is commonly prescribed to delay periods.

By maintaining steady hormone levels, it prevents the changes in your body that trigger menstruation.

How does norethisterone work?

Your menstrual cycle is triggered by hormonal changes - particularly a drop in progesterone.

Norethisterone keeps progesterone levels high, stopping your womb lining from breaking down and shedding.

This means your period won’t start until you stop taking the tablets and your hormone levels return to normal.

How to take norethisterone

You usually take one 5 mg tablet three times a day, starting about three days before your period is due.

Continue for as long as you want to delay your period, for up to 17 days in total. Your period should start two to three days after you stop.

Always follow the instructions given by your prescriber.

Where can I buy norethisterone?

Norethisterone is available on prescription in the UK. You can get it through your GP or sexual health clinic.

You can also buy it through an online pharmacy after completing a quick consultation to check it’s safe for you. If everything checks out a prescriber can issue a prescription and your tablets will be delivered discreetly to your door.

Norethisterone side effects

Like all medicines, norethisterone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Common side effects include:

• Bloating
• Breast tenderness
• Headache
• Changes in mood
• Lowered sex drive
• Feeling sick
• Skin changes, such as rash or itching
• Changes to your period after stopping the tablets

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling or pain in the leg
• Sudden severe headache or vision changes
• Blood clots

If you’re concerned about how norethisterone is making you feel you should contact your doctor or visit A&E as soon as possible.

Are period delay tablets safe?

For most healthy women, period delay tablets like norethisterone are safe to use occasionally.

They’re not designed for long‑term or frequent use, and you’ll need a quick health check with a prescriber before getting them.

You may not be able to take norethisterone if you:

• Have a history of blood clots
• Have liver problems or a past history of liver or genital cancer
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Are pregnant or think you might be pregnant

Your prescriber will review your medical history and any medicines you take to make sure period delay tablets are suitable for you before signing a prescription.

How else can you delay your period?

If you’re already using  hormonal contraception like the combined pill, a patch or vaginal ring you often don’t need norethisterone - you can simply skip the hormone‑free break:

• Combined pill: Finish one active pack, then start the next straight away and skip the seven‑day break. This prevents withdrawal bleeding and postpones your period. Many women can safely go up to two packs back‑to‑back for a longer delay, although breakthrough bleeding or bloating may be more likely 
• Vaginal ring (like NuvaRing) or patch: Instead of removing the ring or skipping the patch-free week, simply insert a new ring or apply a new patch right away to maintain hormone levels and delay your bleed

These methods are generally considered safe when used occasionally and under guidance, and they don’t reduce contraceptive effectiveness - although you’re only protected if you take or replace them correctly every time.

Can norethisterone be used as contraception?

No - norethisterone is not a contraceptive. It works by delaying your period, not by preventing pregnancy.

If you’re sexually active while taking norethisterone, you’ll still need to use another form of contraception - such as condoms - to avoid becoming pregnant.

If you want both period control and reliable contraception, speak to your GP or pharmacist about options like the combined pill, which can be taken in a way that delays your cycle while still protecting against pregnancy.

Sources

1. https://www.aru.ac.uk/news/how-period-delay-tablets-work
2. https://www.chemist-4-u.com/norethisterone
3. https://e-surgery.com/what-happens-when-you-stop-taking-norethisterone/
4. https://www.naturalcycles.com/cyclematters/how-to-delay-your-period
5. https://www.evewell.com/support/fertility-hormones/
6. https://www.yashodahospitals.com/medicine-faqs/norethisterone/
7. https://www.thehealthdispensary.co.uk/period-delay-tablets-reasons-and-benefits/
8. https://patient.info/news-and-features/how-to-delay-period-norethisterone
9. https://sh24.org.uk/help-centre/can-i-take-the-pill-without-taking-a-break
10. https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-skip-your-period-using-nuvaring-906856
11. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1494.pdf