Period Delay

For some women, having their period at the wrong time can be a major inconvenience. Whether it's an important event, a vacation, or a romantic getaway, menstruation can interfere with the things you don't want to miss. Fortunately, there are options available for period delay, and this article will explain when and how to use them effectively.

When is Period Delay Useful?

There are several situations where period delay can be useful, such as:

• Honeymoons or romantic getaways
• Holidays or important events
• Sports competitions or physical activities
• Medical conditions like endometriosis or painful periods

Can You Take Period Delay Pills Abroad?

If you are planning to take period delay pills with you when travelling abroad, you should check whether they are allowed in the country you are visiting. In most cases, you can store your medicine in your carry-on luggage or hold luggage. For more information on taking medicine abroad, click here.

Methods of Period Delay:

There is no guaranteed way to delay your period, but if you are already taking contraceptive pills, you can achieve a delay in your period by following these steps:

• Norethisterone period delay: Norethisterone is a clinically effective medication for period delay. Our prescribers can prescribe Norethisterone to delay your period for up to 10 days. This will offer you the flexibility of postponing your period safely and effectively.
• Combined pill: you will generally take one pill a day for 21 days, and then have a ‘rest’ of seven days before starting up again. If you continue to take the pills during the time you would normally have a break, you can delay your perio

More information can be found in the NHS article 'How Can I Delay My Period'

Norethisterone Period Delay:

If you are not taking any oral contraceptives, a prescriber may recommend a synthetic progestogen called Norethisterone or Utovlan. Norethisterone is a clinically effective medication for period delay, and it offers the flexibility of postponing your period safely and effectively for up to 10 days. Here are some important things to note:

• Norethisterone delays your period effectively without protecting against pregnancy.
• If you are using the contraceptive pill, you will be protected from pregnancy even if you use it in a manner to delay your period. Speak to your prescriber regarding this to maintain protection.
• For more information, read our article Does Norethisterone Reset Your Cycle

Pregnancy and Period Delay:

If you are pregnant, you should not take Norethisterone to delay your period. In fact, if you miss a period, you should take a pregnancy test. Here's what to keep in mind: -

• Norethisterone delays your period without protecting against pregnancy, so you should use condoms if you have sex during this time.
• If you are using the contraceptive pill, you will be protected from pregnancy even if you use it to delay your period. Speak to your prescriber regarding this to maintain protection.

How Long is it Safe to Delay Your Period?

For healthy women with no predisposing conditions, it is safe to delay your period for up to two weeks with Norethisterone unless otherwise stated by your Doctor. Here are some important things to keep in mind: -

• If you have certain conditions like endometriosis or abnormal or painful periods, your prescriber may recommend medication to provide relief using Norethisterone or oral contraceptives.
• Taking tablets to delay periods is for occasional use only and should not be requested more than once in three months (four times per year).

Is Period Delay Dangerous?

It is generally safe to delay your menstruation for short durations of time with Norethisterone. However, it is not recommended to delay your period for more than two weeks with Norethisterone. Here's what to keep in mind: -

• Delaying your period for too long may cause irregular bleeding or other side effects.
• If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects

Delaying your period can be useful for special occasions and our prescribers can provide medication and expert advice for period delay. If you are taking medication abroad, it is important to check if it is allowed in the country you are traveling to. Norethisterone is a clinically effective medication for period delay that can be prescribed by our prescribers for up to 10 days, but it does not protect against pregnancy. The consensus is to delay your period for up to two weeks with Norethisterone unless otherwise stated by your Doctor. It is generally not dangerous to delay your menstruation for short durations of time with Norethisterone, but it is not recommended to delay your period for more than two weeks with this medication. If you have any concerns or questions, our prescribers are available to provide further advice and reassurance.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the effect of Norethisterone last?

It can take three to four days after stopping Norethisterone to experience your menstrual period. Your next period may be heavier, but this is generally uncommon. You can always contact your prescriber for further advice and reassurance.

How does Norethisterone work for period delay?

Norethisterone is a synthetic progestogen which is similar to the naturally occurring hormone progesterone. It is clinically effective for period delay and can be prescribed by our prescribers to delay your period for up to 10 days. This offers flexibility in postponing your period safely and effectively. Is period delay dangerous?

How long is it safe to delay your period?

The consensus for healthy women with no predisposing conditions is to delay your period for up to two weeks with Norethisterone, unless otherwise stated by your doctor. If you have certain conditions such as endometriosis or abnormal or painful periods, the prescriber can recommend medication to provide relief using Norethisterone or oral contraceptives.

Is period delay safe during pregnancy?

Norethisterone delays your period effectively without protecting against pregnancy. It is advised that your male partner uses condoms. If you are using the contraceptive pill, you will be protected from pregnancy even if you use it to delay your period. However, it is advised to speak to your prescriber regarding this to maintain protection.

Additional Information

Which contraceptive pill is best for me?

Which Contraceptive Is Right For You?

Tips for Traveling with Medication.

How To Delay Your Period

Pills to Stop Menstruation Immediately

Authored & Reviewed By

Dr Giuseppe Aragona

Doctor

This content has been written and checked for quality and accuracy by Dr. Giuseppe utilises his extensive experience in general practice to ensure the accuracy and safety of the website's content.

Published on: 18/01/2017 Reviewed on: 11/05/2023