Period Delay Tablets

Why delay your period?

Periods are usually hassle free, but they can be inconvenient if they coincide with a holiday. You may not have access to regular or hygienic toilet facilities when travelling, or you may be planning an action-packed trip and could do without the cramps and lethargy that often accompany periods. A relaxing week on the beach or a romantic getaway may be interrupted by a period. Luckily, you can choose to delay your period in the short term so that it doesn’t interrupt your plans.

How can I delay my period?

If you are not taking a combined form of oral contraceptive, the best way to delay your period is by taking norethisterone tablets. You will need to start taking norethisterone at least 3 days before your period is due, and can continue taking them for up to 20 days. When you stop taking them, your period should return within 3 days. Remember that norethisterone does not act as a contraceptive and this approach should not be used on a regular basis.

If you are taking a standard combined oral contraceptive, with 21 pills per cycle, you can delay your period by taking two packs back to back with no 7 day break.  If you are taking an ED (every day) combined oral contraceptive which contains inactive or placebo pills, you can omit the placebo pills and start a second pack the day after you finish the active pills of the first pack. It is safe to take three packs back-to-back. 

Is it safe to delay your period?

It is generally considered safe to delay your period, whether you use norethisterone tablets or take 2 packs of your regular oral contraceptive back to back. You may experience a little breakthrough bleeding or spotting, but this is not usually harmful and tends to be short-lived. It is recommended to speak to your doctor first, who will be able to confirm if period delay is safe for you.

When will I get my period again after delaying it?

Your period should return within 3 days of ending the course of tablets you are using for period delay. If it does not return in this time, you should consult a doctor to make sure you aren’t pregnant.

How to delay your period for a holiday or a special occasion?

If you wish to delay your period for a holiday or special occasion, you will need to plan ahead. If you are using norethisterone, you will need to start taking it at least 3 days before your period is due, so keep an eye on the calendar.

What is Norethisterone?

Norethisterone is a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. During the menstrual cycle, high progesterone levels cause the womb lining to thicken in preparation for a fertilised egg to implant. If fertilisation doesn’t occur, progesterone levels drop, causing the womb lining to be shed in the form of a period. Taking norethisterone supplements your progesterone levels, keeping them high and preventing the breakdown of the womb lining.

Can you use contraceptive pills to delay your period?

You can use combined oral contraceptive pills to delay your period, but only if you are already taking them. By taking 2 packs back to back, you can delay your period for another month.

Can I delay my period with the mini pill?

No, the mini pill cannot be used for period delay. The mini pill is taken every day without leaving a break for a period. However, you can take norethisterone on top of your mini-pill to prevent bleeding for a short time.

Are there any natural ways to delay my period?

While natural remedies for period delay exist, there is very little evidence to suggest that they work and they are definitely not reliable.

Can I use period delay for my wedding?

Yes, you can use period delay for your wedding. If you are using norethisterone, keep in mind that you can only use it to delay your period for a maximum of 17 days, and so you may have a period during your honeymoon. If you want to delay your period for longer than this, you should speak to your doctor about taking the combined contraceptive pill instead.

Can I use period delay to manage heavy periods?

Norethisterone is usually only recommended for short term use, and so shouldn’t be used to manage heavy periods unless directed by your doctor. However, many women use oral contraceptives to regulate and relieve heavy periods.

Does delaying your period affect your fertility?

Delaying your period using norethisterone will not affect your fertility. Norethisterone is not a contraceptive, so you should still use other contraceptives while taking norethisterone. If you use a combined oral contraceptive pill to delay your period, your long-term fertility will not be affected, but it will have contraceptive properties whilst you are taking it. 

What causes period pain?

Period pain is caused by the uterus contracting to help expel its lining. The muscle contractions are triggered by substances that are also involved in pain and inflammation. Some women experience much worse period cramps than others and may choose to try oral contraceptive pills to relieve them. Painkillers such as Ibuprofen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)) are particularly good at combating period pains. 

Is it safe to delay your period long term?

Period delay should be considered to be a one-off solution, and should not be used in the long term. If you are using norethisterone, you can delay your period for up to 17 days. If you are using your combined contraceptive pills, you can take two packs back to back safely, delaying your period until the end of the second pack. If you want to delay your period for a longer period of time, speak to your doctor.