Many people in Fulham, Kensington, Putney, Hammersmith, Chelsea, Battersea and wider West London look to delay a period for a special occasion.

This might be a beach holiday, a wedding, a religious event or an important sports competition.

When done under medical supervision, delaying a period can be safe for many women. NHS guidance recognises that hormonal methods can postpone bleeding for short periods in suitable patients. 

This article is general information, not personal medical advice. Always speak to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist before starting treatment.

Is It Safe to Delay Your Period

Period delay uses hormones to keep the lining of the womb stable.

Normally, a fall in progesterone levels triggers the lining to shed as a period. Period delay medicines keep progesterone like hormones higher so bleeding does not start until you stop the tablets. 

Short term use is often considered for one off events, such as holidays or important competitions. For many women without high risk medical conditions, this can be a reasonable option after a clinical assessment.

When You Should Not Delay Your Period

Period delay is not suitable for everyone. Some conditions can increase the risk of serious side effects.

You should seek medical advice and may be advised not to use period delay tablets if you have:

• Previous blood clots in the legs or lungs
• Certain clotting disorders
• Stroke or serious heart disease
• Significant liver disease
• Migraine with aura
• Hormone sensitive cancers such as some breast cancers
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Are pregnant or think you could be pregnant

These factors are highlighted in official guidance and product information for norethisterone and similar hormones. 

Always tell the pharmacist or prescriber about your full medical history before treatment.

Common Methods to Delay Your Period

Using Norethisterone Period Delay Tablets

Norethisterone is a synthetic progestogen, a hormone that behaves like progesterone in the body. It is commonly used in the United Kingdom to delay periods on a short term basis. 

It is not a contraceptive. You can still become pregnant while taking it, so you should use reliable contraception if you are sexually active and wish to avoid pregnancy. SPS+1

How to Take Norethisterone

Usual guidance is to start norethisterone about three days before your period is expected.

A common dose is 5 mg three times a day. Your prescriber will confirm the right schedule for you.

Norethisterone can often be taken for up to around two to four weeks to delay bleeding. When you stop the tablets, your period usually starts again within two to three days. 

You should always follow the exact instructions given in your consultation and on the medicine label.

Who Norethisterone Is Suitable For

Norethisterone is usually considered for adults with regular cycles who are not pregnant and do not have major risk factors for blood clots, stroke, severe liver disease or hormone sensitive cancers. 

Local policies often set a minimum age, commonly sixteen years and above, for non medical period delay. 

The clinician will also check any contraception you currently use and your plans around pregnancy.

Possible Side Effects

Many people take norethisterone without serious problems, but side effects can occur.

Common effects reported include:

• Bloating or fluid retention
• Breast tenderness or discomfort
• Mild nausea or stomach upset
• Headache
• Mood changes such as low mood or irritability
• Slight spotting or irregular bleeding

These effects are usually mild and settle after stopping the tablets. 

Seek urgent medical help if you develop signs that could suggest a blood clot, such as sudden chest pain, breathlessness, coughing blood, or painful swelling in one leg. Call emergency services if symptoms are severe.

Using the Combined Contraceptive Pill to Delay a Period

If you already use a combined contraceptive pill, you may be able to delay your withdrawal bleed by adjusting how you take it.

Extending Your Pill Pack

For many monophasic twenty one day combined pills, you can run packets together and skip the usual pill free break or dummy pills to avoid bleeding. 

The exact approach depends on the pill type. Some pills are phasic and contain different hormone levels through the pack, so they need specialist advice.

Important Considerations

Not everyone can safely use the combined pill, especially people with higher clot risk or migraine with aura.

You should never change your pill pattern without checking with a GP, sexual health clinic or pharmacist. They will confirm whether extended or continuous use is suitable for you. 

Who Should Speak to a Doctor or Pharmacist First

Medical Conditions and Risk Factors

You should always have a careful medical review before delaying your period if you have:

• Previous blood clots or a known clotting disorder
• Stroke, heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Liver disease or unexplained jaundice
• Migraine with aura
• Current or past hormone sensitive cancer
• Smoking and are over thirty five and using combined hormones
• Irregular, very heavy or very painful periods that have not been investigated

These factors may make hormonal period delay unsafe or mean you need further tests first. 

Medications That May Interact

Some medicines can reduce how well hormonal treatments work or increase side effects.

Examples include certain epilepsy treatments, some tuberculosis and HIV medicines and the herbal remedy St John’s wort, which can alter hormone levels in the body. 

Always bring an up to date list of all prescribed medicines, over the counter treatments and supplements to your consultation.

How Far in Advance Should You Plan to Delay Your Period

Timing Is Key

Planning early gives you more options.

Ideally, you should seek advice at least one to two weeks before your period is due. This allows time for assessment and for you to start norethisterone several days before bleeding would normally begin. 

If your period is due very soon, the options may be limited. Once bleeding has started, norethisterone is less reliable at stopping it.

Can You Delay Your Period Every Month

Regular or frequent use of period delay tablets is usually not recommended without a full medical review.

Guidance suggests norethisterone should be used occasionally and short term, not as a long term way to manage period problems. 

If you often need to avoid bleeding, discuss longer term contraceptive and cycle control options with a clinician.

Natural or Non Hormonal Ways to Delay Your Period

Myths and Reality

Many online tips suggest vitamins, herbal remedies, foods or intense exercise to delay periods.

There is no strong evidence that these methods safely and reliably postpone bleeding. Some supplements or extreme exercise patterns may even harm your health.

Medically approved prescription options are the safest choice for most people who need to delay a period.

What to Expect When Your Period Finally Arrives

Flow, Timing and Symptoms

After stopping norethisterone, most people have a bleed within a few days. The period may be slightly earlier or later than expected, and the flow can be heavier, lighter or accompanied by different cramps. 

Seek medical advice if you have very heavy bleeding, severe pain, feel faint or have any concern you could be pregnant.

How to Get Period Delay Treatment Safely

Step by Step How Our Period Delay Service Works

Fulham Palace Pharmacy offers a regulated period delay service for people in Fulham and across West London.

The usual steps are:

• Complete an online assessment or visit the pharmacy for a private consultation
• A prescriber or trained pharmacist reviews your medical history and medicines
• If suitable, a prescription for period delay tablets is issued
• You collect your medicine in person, with advice on how to take it

This process is designed to check that treatment is safe and appropriate for you.

Why Choose a Regulated Pharmacy Service

Using a regulated community pharmacy means:

• Assessment by qualified healthcare professionals
• Supply of genuine licenced UK medicines
• Confidential handling of sensitive information

This is particularly important now that many GP practices no longer provide period delay tablets on the NHS for non medical reasons, so people are advised to seek private care. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delay my period if I am not on any contraception?

Yes, period delay tablets such as norethisterone can be used even if you do not take regular contraception, as long as they are safe for you. Remember that they do not prevent pregnancy.

Can I delay my period if I might be pregnant?

No. You should not use hormonal period delay medicines if you are pregnant or think you might be. A pregnancy test may be advised first. Medicines.org.uk

Will delaying my period affect my future fertility?

Short term use of period delay medicines does not appear to affect long term fertility. Normal cycles usually return when you stop treatment. Patient+1

Can I drink alcohol while taking period delay tablets?

Moderate alcohol use is not specifically prohibited, but it is sensible to avoid heavy drinking and to follow any advice given by your prescriber.

What if I miss a dose of norethisterone?

If you miss a tablet, take it as soon as you remember, then take the next dose at the usual time. Missing doses can increase the chance of breakthrough bleeding. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure. 

How many times a year can I delay my period?

There is no fixed national limit, but frequent requests should trigger a review of your overall health and menstrual pattern. Your pharmacist or GP can advise on safe frequency for you. 

Safely delaying a period is possible for many women when done with proper medical checks.

If you live in Fulham, Kensington, Putney, Hammersmith, Chelsea, Battersea or wider West London and are considering period delay, Fulham Palace Pharmacy can help.

Book online, visit Fulham Palace Pharmacy in person, or call for advice to discuss the safest option for you today ✅