Many people want to delay a period for a short time.

This can be for travel, sport, exams, religious events or a special occasion.

Menstrual postpone tablets are medicines that can delay bleeding for a limited period.

They are usually prescribed for short term use.

When used correctly under medical supervision, they are considered safe for many people.

They are not suitable for everyone, so a proper health check is important.

South Ealing Pharmacy offers a local period delay service for people in South Ealing, Ealing, Acton, Hanwell, Brentford and across West London.

What Are Menstrual Postpone Tablets

Menstrual postpone tablets are prescription medicines used to delay a period.

The most commonly used medicine is called norethisterone.

Norethisterone is a type of progestogen.

Progestogen is similar to the natural hormone progesterone made by the ovaries.

These tablets work differently from standard contraceptive pills.

They are used for short term control of bleeding, not as regular contraception.

Combined oral contraceptive pills and progestogen only pills are taken every day for contraception.

Menstrual postpone tablets are usually taken only around the time of an expected period.

How Do Menstrual Postpone Tablets Work

In a natural cycle, levels of progesterone fall before a period.

This drop in hormone level triggers the womb lining to shed.

Norethisterone keeps progestogen levels higher than they would be normally.

This can prevent the womb lining from breaking down.

As a result, bleeding is delayed until the medicine is stopped.

When you stop taking the tablets, hormone levels fall again.

Most people will have a period after a few days.

For many this is between two and four days after the last tablet.

Who Are Menstrual Postpone Tablets For

These tablets are often used for specific short term situations.

Common examples include:

• Holidays
• Weddings and important family events
• Religious observance such as fasting or pilgrimage
• Competitive sports or dance performances
• Exams or work commitments where bleeding would be very inconvenient

They are usually considered for adults with regular periods.

People with irregular bleeding or ongoing problems may need review by a doctor first.

You should always speak to a pharmacist or doctor before using these medicines.

A full medical history is needed to check if they are safe for you.

How to Take Menstrual Postpone Tablets

When to Start Taking Them

You usually need to start tablets several days before your period is due.

This gives time for the medicine to act on the womb lining.

There is a maximum length of time that is considered safe for continuous use.

Your prescriber will explain how long you can take them for your situation.

Dosage and Directions

The usual schedule involves taking tablets several times each day.

They should be taken regularly and spaced out evenly.

Try to take your tablets at the same times every day.

Setting reminders can help keep the pattern consistent.

If you miss tablets or take them late, you may get spotting or a bleed.

What Happens When You Stop

When you stop taking the tablets, your hormone levels fall again.

A period usually starts within a few days.

If your period does not come back within about a week, you should seek medical advice.

A pregnancy test may be needed in some cases.

Are Menstrual Postpone Tablets a Contraceptive

These tablets do not protect against pregnancy.

They are not a contraceptive.

If you are at risk of pregnancy, you still need reliable contraception.

Barrier methods such as condoms can be used during treatment.

Standard contraceptive pills are designed to prevent ovulation and pregnancy.

Period delay tablets mainly work by keeping the womb lining stable for a short time.

Side Effects and Safety

Common Side Effects

Some people notice mild side effects, such as:

• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Bloating
• Slight mood changes
• Nausea

These effects are usually short lived.

If they are persistent or worrying, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

Serious Side Effects When to Seek Help

Very rare but serious side effects can occur, especially in people at higher risk.

You should seek urgent medical help if you notice:

• Sudden chest pain or shortness of breath
• Pain or swelling in a leg
• Severe headache with visual problems
• Sudden weakness on one side of the body

These could be signs of a blood clot or another serious problem and need immediate assessment.

Who Should Not Take Menstrual Postpone Tablets

These medicines are not suitable for everyone.

You should not take them without specialist review if you have:

• A history of blood clots in the legs or lungs
• Certain types of migraine, especially with aura
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Serious liver disease
• Hormone sensitive cancers such as some breast cancers

They are also not suitable if you might be pregnant.

A pregnancy test may be required before treatment.

Anyone with complex medical conditions should have a full review with a doctor.

Interactions With Other Medicines

Some medicines can affect how norethisterone works.

Others can increase the risk of side effects.

Examples include certain treatments for epilepsy, tuberculosis and HIV.

Some herbal products such as St Johns wort may also interact.

Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about every medicine and supplement you take.

Bring an up to date list when you attend South Ealing Pharmacy or your GP.

How to Get Menstrual Postpone Tablets

You can obtain these tablets through GP services, some private clinics and registered pharmacies.

At South Ealing Pharmacy you can complete a structured consultation for period delay.

This may be in person or through an online form, followed by a review with a prescriber.

The clinician will check your medical history, medicines and risk factors.

If it is safe, a prescription can be supplied by the pharmacy team.

Using a registered UK pharmacy helps ensure correct storage, supply and record keeping.

Look for clear registration details and contact information.

If you live in South Ealing, Ealing, Acton, Hanwell, Brentford or wider West London, you can book online, visit the pharmacy or call for advice. ✅

FAQs About Delaying Your Period

How long can I safely delay my period for?

This is usually limited to a short period of continuous use.

Your prescriber will advise based on your health and travel or event dates.

Can I use these tablets every month?

Regular repeated use is usually not recommended without specialist review.

If you feel you need frequent delay, a different long term option may be better.

What if I forget a dose?

Take it as soon as you remember if it is not too close to the next one.

If you miss more than one dose, you may get spotting or a bleed.

Seek advice if you are unsure what to do.

Can I drink alcohol while taking them?

Moderate alcohol intake is not known to directly affect the tablets.

If you feel unwell or dizzy, avoid alcohol and seek advice.

What if I get spotting or breakthrough bleeding?

Light spotting can happen, especially with missed tablets.

If bleeding is heavy, painful or continues, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

When to See a Doctor Instead

You should see a doctor rather than use period delay tablets if you have:

• Very heavy periods
• Irregular bleeding or bleeding between periods
• Severe period pain that is getting worse
• Signs you might be pregnant or are trying to conceive

These situations may need investigation before any hormone treatment.

Summary

Menstrual postpone tablets offer a short term way to delay a period for specific events.

They use a progestogen hormone similar to the body’s own hormones.

They are not contraceptives and they are not suitable for everyone.

A safety check with a pharmacist or doctor is essential before use.

If you are considering delaying your period and you live in South Ealing, Ealing, Acton, Hanwell, Brentford or West London, you can book online, visit South Ealing Pharmacy or call for personalised advice on whether these tablets are suitable for you.