Period Delay Tablets

We can prescribe tablets if you want to be period-free for a big event or holiday. The tablets contain a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone.

Period Delay Tablets

Next-day appointments available

Book an appointment at one of our branches for next-day service.

About period delay

It may be necessary to stop getting your period, such as when you go on holiday or have to travel. During these times, you can take advantage of our period delay service.

Period delay tablets contain a synthetic type of female sex hormones (also found in the contraceptive pill and mini pill). Periods are triggered every month by a drop in progesterone levels. High hormone levels can delay your period for up to 17 days. They will not stop you from getting pregnant, so you also need to use contraception (like condoms or a contraceptive diaphragm).

Period delay tablets are taken as one tablet three times a day. For the tablets to work, you must take them three days before your period starts. You typically start your period two to three days after you stop taking the tablets.

Period delay treatments may not be 100% effective in each case. Norethisterone is an evidence-based treatment to delay menstruation, but it may not be completely effective every time.

How this service works

  • Select your service option and book an appointment

  • Follow the link in your booking confirmation email to fill out the patient questionnaire (at least 12 hours before your appointment)

  • One of our prescribers will review the completed questionnaire and contact you to discuss this

  • If appropriate, our prescribers will generate a prescription and send this to your local Midway Pharmacy or any other pharmacy of your choosing

Available service options

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, email our customer care team or chat with us.

  • Norethisterone 5mg Tablets (30) - 10 Days Supply

    £19.99 per patient

    For the tablets to work, you need to take them three days before your period starts. You typically start your period two to three days after you stop taking the tablets.

  • Norethisterone 5mg Tablets (60) - 20 Days Supply

    £29.99 per patient

    For the tablets to work, you need to take them three days before your period starts. You typically start your period two to three days after you stop taking the tablets.

  • Norethisterone 5mg Tablets (90) - 30 Days Supply

    £39.99 per patient

    For the tablets to work, you need to take them three days before your period starts. You typically start your period two to three days after you stop taking the tablets.

Prefer to book this service over the phone?

Call us on 0113 322 9984

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Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, email our customer care team or chat with us.

    • How does the period delay medication work?

      The period delay medication (norethisterone) works by keeping your progesterone levels high enough to prevent ovulation and maintain the uterus lining (similar to what happens during pregnancy).

    • Does the period delay tablet prevent pregnancy?

      No, the period delay medication does not prevent pregnancy, so you still need protection even if you use period delay medication.

    • What are the side effects of the period delay tablets?

      Side effects can include:

      • irregular vaginal bleeding

      • changes to your menstrual cycle

      • abdominal discomfort

      • mood changes

      • nausea

    • Can you get period delay tablets on the NHS?

      Yes! You can if you want to go through your GP to get period delay tablets. You will need to make an appointment, and your GP will discuss your options and prescribe the best treatment. Then you can take the prescription to get filled at most pharmacies.

    • Can you get period delay tablets over the counter?

      No, period delay tablets are prescription-only. Although you need a prescriber to check you for period delay treatment, you don't have to do it face-to-face. You can get this by completing a simple online questionnaire that our prescribers check and then generate a prescription if appropriate.

    • Does the period delay tablet reset your cycle?

      Your period will come 2 to 4 days after you stop taking norethisterone. Some women report that their cycle changes after taking norethisterone, but this usually settles down.

    • Can you get pregnant while taking norethisterone?

      Yes. This is because norethisterone does not stop an egg from being fertilised (when sperm reaches the egg) as the contraceptive pill does. If you do not want to get pregnant, you must use contraception while taking norethisterone.

    • What should I do if my period does not return after taking the period delay tablets?

      If your period does not come back within three days, talk to your doctor in case you are pregnant. Remember that norethisterone does not stop you from getting pregnant. If you want to delay your period and have contraception, you should ask your doctor about a suitable contraceptive pill.

    • What should I do if I forget to take my period delay tablet?

      If you forget to take a dose of norethisterone, take the tablet as soon as you remember and then continue to take your other tablets at the usual time. However, do not take a double dose to compensate for a forgotten dose.

    • Can you take the period delay tablet when pregnant?

      No, you cannot take norethisterone if you are pregnant or trying for a baby.

    • Can you take the period delay tablet while breastfeeding?

      No! Talk to your doctor about alternative ways to delay your period or feed your baby if you take norethisterone.

    • Are next-day appointments available?

      Yes, you can get next-day appointments at all our branches. Contact our customer care team if you cannot find an available slot.

    • Where is this service available?

      This service is available in our branches, which are commutable from anywhere in Yorkshire, including Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, York, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Barnsley, Hull, Doncaster, Ripon, Harrogate, Dewsbury, Keighley and Scarborough.

Ready to book this service?

Next-day appointments are available at our branches.