Delay your period safely and simply

Get clear advice and safe period delay tablets from your local South Ealing pharmacist before holidays, trips or important events.

  • Plan holidays with confidence
  • Reduce period related worry
  • Safe short term option
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South Ealing Pharmacy

How period delay tablets work

Period delay tablets are a type of hormone tablet that can temporarily hold back a period. The most commonly used medicine contains norethisterone, which is a man made version of the progesterone hormone your body naturally makes. 

During a usual cycle, a drop in progesterone levels triggers the womb lining to shed, and your period starts. Norethisterone keeps progesterone levels higher for a short time so the lining is not shed, which delays bleeding until you stop taking the tablets. 

For people who are not already using the combined pill, norethisterone can be prescribed in a short course. Official information explains that treatment usually starts about three days before your period is due and continues for a limited number of days agreed with a clinician. 

Most guidance suggests that your period will usually return within about two to three days once you finish the course. This approach is meant for occasional use around specific events such as holidays, exams or family occasions, not as a regular way to manage periods. 

You do not usually need a GP appointment for period delay when it is for non medical reasons. Recent information explains that community pharmacies are now the main place to access this type of treatment after a safety check and consultation. 

At South Ealing Pharmacy, your pharmacist will go through your medical history, current medicines and any risk factors before deciding whether period delay tablets are suitable for you. You will always receive clear instructions on how and when to take them.

South Ealing Pharmacy

When to start and how long you can delay

To work properly, period delay tablets need to be started before your period is due. Official sources advise starting at least three days before the expected start of bleeding for the best chance of success. 

You agree a start date and planned duration with the pharmacist based on your usual cycle and travel or event dates. Periods usually begin again within a few days after the tablets are stopped. 

Key points to remember

  • Have your consultation well before your trip dates
  • Know the first day of your last period and usual cycle length
  • Take the tablets exactly as instructed on the label
  • Contact a health professional if you miss tablets or have unexpected bleeding

Who may not be suitable for period delay tablets

Period delay treatment is not right for everyone. Norethisterone is usually avoided in people with certain conditions such as previous blood clots, some heart or circulation problems, serious liver disease or some types of migraine. 

Your pharmacist will ask about your medical history, including any family history of clotting problems, your smoking status, weight and blood pressure. They will also ask about any current hormonal contraception so that advice is consistent and safe.

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South Ealing Pharmacy

Plan your next trip with confidence

Talk to a South Ealing pharmacist about safe, short term period delay so you can plan holidays and events with fewer worries.

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How it Works

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  • Attend your consultation

    Enjoy a one-to-one consultation. Our experienced pharmacists will listen, answer every question and design the right care for you.

  • Receive treatment

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Testimonials

What Our Patients Say

I needed to delay my period before flying to see family and the pharmacist explained everything clearly. The tablets worked exactly as described and I felt properly looked after.

Amrita

The consultation was straightforward and private, and I never felt rushed. I left feeling confident about how to take the tablets and what to expect.

Kirsty

I was nervous about changing my cycle but the pharmacist talked through my medical history and checked everything carefully. It made my summer holiday much less stressful.

Sophie

Very kind and approachable staff. I appreciated the clear advice about safety and side effects, not just a quick yes or no. I would use this service again.

Nadia

I liked that they asked detailed questions about my health before prescribing anything. It felt safe and professional, and I could get back to planning my trip.

Hannah

Testimonials

What Our Patients Say

I needed to delay my period before flying to see family and the pharmacist explained everything clearly. The tablets worked exactly as described and I felt properly looked after.

Amrita

The consultation was straightforward and private, and I never felt rushed. I left feeling confident about how to take the tablets and what to expect.

Kirsty

I was nervous about changing my cycle but the pharmacist talked through my medical history and checked everything carefully. It made my summer holiday much less stressful.

Sophie

Very kind and approachable staff. I appreciated the clear advice about safety and side effects, not just a quick yes or no. I would use this service again.

Nadia

I liked that they asked detailed questions about my health before prescribing anything. It felt safe and professional, and I could get back to planning my trip.

Hannah

I needed to delay my period before flying to see family and the pharmacist explained everything clearly. The tablets worked exactly as described and I felt properly looked after.

Amrita

The consultation was straightforward and private, and I never felt rushed. I left feeling confident about how to take the tablets and what to expect.

Kirsty

I was nervous about changing my cycle but the pharmacist talked through my medical history and checked everything carefully. It made my summer holiday much less stressful.

Sophie

Very kind and approachable staff. I appreciated the clear advice about safety and side effects, not just a quick yes or no. I would use this service again.

Nadia

I liked that they asked detailed questions about my health before prescribing anything. It felt safe and professional, and I could get back to planning my trip.

Hannah

I needed to delay my period before flying to see family and the pharmacist explained everything clearly. The tablets worked exactly as described and I felt properly looked after.

Amrita

The consultation was straightforward and private, and I never felt rushed. I left feeling confident about how to take the tablets and what to expect.

Kirsty

I was nervous about changing my cycle but the pharmacist talked through my medical history and checked everything carefully. It made my summer holiday much less stressful.

Sophie

Very kind and approachable staff. I appreciated the clear advice about safety and side effects, not just a quick yes or no. I would use this service again.

Nadia

I liked that they asked detailed questions about my health before prescribing anything. It felt safe and professional, and I could get back to planning my trip.

Hannah

Frequently Asked Questions

South Ealing Pharmacy

  • What are period delay tablets?

    They are short term hormone tablets, usually containing norethisterone, that temporarily hold back the womb lining from shedding. This delays your period until you stop the tablets.

  • How far in advance should I see the pharmacist?

    It is best to speak to the pharmacist at least one week before you want to delay your period so there is time to assess you and agree a safe start date.

  • How long can I delay my period for?

    Official information suggests norethisterone can be used to delay a period for up to around three to four weeks in suitable people, but this is decided case by case. It is intended for occasional use around special events.

  • Is this the same as contraception?

    No, period delay tablets used in this way are not contraceptives, so you can still become pregnant. You will need to use another method such as condoms to prevent pregnancy.

  • What side effects should I look out for?

    Some people notice bloating, breast tenderness, mild mood changes, headache or feeling sick, and some have spotting or light bleeding. Most side effects are mild and settle once the course is finished.

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