Prescription Period Delay Tablets

If your period is going to interfere with plans like holidays, weddings or other special occasions, we can provide you with Norethisterone - a hormone pill which temporarily delays your period. 

Women who do not take contraceptive pills can use Norethisterone tablets instead to delay their period. Norethisterone belongs to a synthetic hormone group called progestogens, which are also found in the Mini-Pill and Combined Contraceptive Pills. Taking Norethisterone, unlike contraceptive pills, is not an effective protection against pregnancy.

About Norethisterone

Norethisterone is a synthetic hormone, which delays your period by suppressing ovulation.

You take one Norethisterone tablet three times a day, beginning three days before the starting date of your period. Make sure to take the tablets at the same times every day. You shouldn’t take multiple tablets at once to make up for forgotten doses.

One pack of Norethisterone can be used to delay your period by up to 7 days. If you need a longer delay, a second pack can be used if you need to delay your period by up to 17 days.

Your next period should come within two or three days of taking your last tablet. 

If you do not experience a period and have also had unprotected sex during this time, there’s a small chance you may be pregnant and should obtain a pregnancy test. 

Patient information leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1494.pdf

If you already take contraceptive pills

If you already take a Combined Contraceptive Pill, you do not need to use Norethisterone to delay your period. You can delay your period by skipping the 7 day pill-free break at the end of the three weeks of taking the pill. Instead of spending the week off the pill, immediately start the new blister pack. This will delay the period until the end of the second blister pack. Bleeding or spotting may occur due to this method of period delay. Please discuss this option with your GP.

Side effects

Possible side effects of norethisterone include:

• Bloating and stomach problems
• Appetite changes
• Mood changes
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Rash
• Weight changes
• Changes in libido

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1494.pdf