Period Delay Tablets: How Norethisterone Works, Who Can Use It, and How to Get It
A wedding, a beach holiday or an important exam can be exciting enough without having to worry about your period arriving at the same time. If your dates are clashing with something important, you may be wondering whether there is a way to delay your period. That is where norethisterone can help. It is the tablet most commonly prescribed in the UK for period delay and can be used when appropriate and under pharmacist or GP guidance.
What Are Period Delay Tablets?
Period delay tablets contain norethisterone, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. Norethisterone is a prescription-only medicine, so it cannot be bought over the counter, and it is the only progestogen licensed in the UK specifically for delaying periods. It is not a contraceptive.
How Does Norethisterone Work?
Norethisterone works by acting like progesterone in the body and helping to maintain the womb lining. During a normal cycle, changing hormone levels trigger the lining to shed, which causes a period. By taking norethisterone, this shedding is delayed until you stop taking the tablets, after which your period usually returns within a few days.
Who Can Use Period Delay Tablets?
Most women who are not already using hormonal contraception can use norethisterone, provided a pharmacist confirms it is suitable. It is not usually recommended for anyone with a history of blood clots, certain health conditions or unexplained vaginal bleeding, which is why a short consultation always comes first. Women already taking the combined contraceptive pill may be able to delay their period a different way instead, and the NHS has more detail on this option.
How Do You Get Period Delay Tablets?
You will need a short online or in-pharmacy consultation before norethisterone can be prescribed. At Ham Pharmacy Group, our period delay service talks you through your medical history, checks whether the treatment is suitable for you, and arranges your prescription without needing a separate GP appointment. Tablets are usually started three days before your period is due, so it is worth booking as soon as your dates are confirmed.
What Should You Know Before Taking Them?
Norethisterone does not protect against pregnancy, so continue using contraception if needed. Common side effects can include nausea, headaches, and breast tenderness, and these usually settle once treatment finishes. Your period will usually return within three days of stopping the tablets. Cost varies depending on the length of delay required, and your pharmacist can talk you through pricing during your consultation.
Ready to Plan Around Your Period?
Planning a holiday, wedding or special event? Our pharmacist led period delay service can help you find out whether norethisterone is suitable for you. Visit Ham Parade or Ham Village in Richmond and Kingston, or make a Booking online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most women are advised to start taking norethisterone three days before their period is due. It can be taken for up to three to four weeks if necessary, but your pharmacist or GP will advise you on how long to take it.
Occasional use is generally fine, but frequent or repeated use should be discussed with a pharmacist or GP, since your suitability can change over time.
No. They are not suitable for women with certain medical histories, including blood clots, which is why a consultation is required before any prescription is issued.
Pricing depends on the pharmacy and the length of delay required. Ask our team for current pricing during your consultation.