Period delay

Push your period back for a holiday, event, or exams. Quick and straightforward.

Speak to a GP about period delay From £79

In short

Period delay with norethisterone is a simple, short-term option to push your period back for a holiday, event, or exams. A quick assessment confirms it's safe for you and sets out exactly when to start and stop.

Overview

What is period delay?

Period delay uses norethisterone, a progestogen hormone tablet, to postpone your period for a specific occasion. Taken from a few days before your period is due until you stop, it keeps the womb lining in place so bleeding doesn't start. Your period usually returns within a few days of stopping.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

Not applicable, period delay is an elective, short-term treatment

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a few days ahead of the date you want to delay, so there's time to assess suitability and start the tablet before your period is due.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

Calf pain or swelling, chest pain, or breathlessness while taking it (possible clot, stop and call 111 or 999)
Severe or unusual headache or visual changes
Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

A quick check of your medical history to confirm it's suitable for you
Prescription of norethisterone to delay your period where appropriate
Clear instructions on when to start and stop for your specific dates
Advice if you're on the combined pill (you can often simply run packs together instead)
A note of any reasons it might not be suitable (such as a history of blood clots)

What we don't do

Long-term menstrual suppression (better managed with ongoing contraception)
Provide controlled drugs

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about period delay starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about period delay

How does period delay work?

Norethisterone is a progestogen tablet. You start it a few days before your period is due and take it until you want your period to come, which usually arrives 2-3 days after you stop.

When should I start taking it?

Usually about 3 days before your period is due. We'll give you exact timing for your dates when we prescribe.

Is it safe?

For most people, short-term use is safe. It isn't suitable for everyone, for example if you have a history of blood clots, which is why a quick assessment is needed.

I'm on the pill, do I still need this?

Often not. If you take the combined pill you can usually delay your period by starting the next pack straight away (no break). We can talk you through it.

See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about period delay?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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