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.
Period Delay Tablets in Ealing
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

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.
Treatments we offer
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.


Your local pharmacy team
South Ealing Pharmacy is a community pharmacy and trusted healthcare partner. For over a decade we have delivered personal, professional care from the same shop on South Ealing Road: prescription dispensing including electronic repeats, travel vaccinations, general immunisations, private health checks, and a collection and delivery service.
Whether you need everyday advice or a specific treatment, you can walk in and talk to a pharmacist, or book a clinic appointment online in about a minute.
What our patients say
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before you visit.
Speak to our friendly pharmacy team, we are happy to help, no appointment needed.
Call 020 8560 3532Contact usThey 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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186 South Ealing Road, London W5 4RJ
2 min walk from South Ealing station (Piccadilly line) ยท free parking nearby
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