Private Period Delay Treatment
If an upcoming holiday, wedding, sporting event or other important occasion coincides with your expected period, temporary period-delay treatment may be an option.
Right Medicine Pharmacy provides a private, confidential Period Delay Service with pharmacist assessment and same-day treatment where clinically appropriate. The pharmacist will review your health, menstrual cycle and current medicines before deciding whether norethisterone is suitable.
Planning ahead is important. Treatment usually needs to begin three days before your period is expected and cannot reliably stop bleeding that has already started.
How Can Norethisterone Delay a Period?
Norethisterone is a prescription-only progestogen medicine. When used for period delay, it temporarily maintains hormone levels that help prevent the lining of the womb from being shed.
The licensed dose for postponing menstruation is usually one 5 mg tablet taken three times daily, beginning three days before the expected period. Your pharmacist will confirm the correct dose, start date and length of treatment for you.
Your period will usually begin within three days of finishing the tablets, although individual experiences can vary. Breakthrough bleeding or spotting can still occur, so the treatment cannot guarantee that you will have no bleeding.
Detailed medicine information is available in the norethisterone patient information leaflet.
What Happens During the Consultation?
The consultation takes place privately with a pharmacist and is designed to establish whether treatment can be supplied safely.
The pharmacist may ask about:
- When your next period is expected
- Whether your menstrual cycle is usually regular
- The length of time you want to delay your period
- Whether there is any possibility of pregnancy
- Your current contraception
- Previous pregnancies and menstrual problems
- Your medical history and current health
- Prescription medicines, non-prescription products and supplements
- Previous reactions to hormonal medicines
- Personal or family history of blood clots
Provide complete and accurate information, even if a health condition or medicine does not appear connected to your menstrual cycle. This allows the pharmacist to assess potential risks and interactions.
If norethisterone is suitable, treatment can usually be supplied on the same day. The pharmacist will explain exactly when to begin, how to take the tablets and what to do if you miss a dose.
Who May Not Be Suitable for Norethisterone?
Norethisterone is not suitable for everyone. Treatment may be unsuitable, or require further assessment, if you:
- Are pregnant or may be pregnant
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Have previously experienced a blood clot
- Have certain heart or circulation conditions
- Have significant liver disease or impaired liver function
- Have or previously had certain hormone-sensitive cancers
- Experience particular types of migraine
- Have an upcoming operation or expect to be immobile for an extended period
- Take medicines that may interact with norethisterone
This is not a complete list. Suitability depends on an individual clinical assessment, and the pharmacist may decline treatment or direct you to another healthcare professional.
Period-delay treatment is intended for predictable menstrual bleeding. If your periods have become unexpectedly irregular, unusually heavy or painful, or you are bleeding between periods, seek medical advice rather than repeatedly delaying the bleeding.
Norethisterone Is Not Contraception
Norethisterone prescribed for period delay does not prevent pregnancy. Continue using an appropriate contraceptive method while taking it.
If you currently use the combined contraceptive pill, progestogen-only pill, patch, ring, implant or another hormonal method, tell the pharmacist. Your existing method can affect the advice you receive, and you should not alter its use without appropriate guidance.
Visit our Contraception Service page if you require confidential advice about contraception or emergency contraception.
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, norethisterone can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Possible effects include:
- Headaches
- Feeling sick
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating or fluid retention
- Mood changes
- Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
- Changes to your next period
Read the supplied patient information leaflet before beginning treatment and speak to the pharmacist if you are concerned about a side effect.
Seek urgent medical help if you develop chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, coughing up blood, painful swelling in one leg, sudden weakness, severe unexplained headache or changes to your vision. These symptoms can indicate a serious problem such as a blood clot.
Will Period Delay Always Work?
Norethisterone is commonly used to postpone menstruation, but no treatment can guarantee complete control of bleeding. Its effectiveness may be reduced if it is started too late or tablets are missed.
For the best chance of delaying your period:
- Arrange the consultation well before your expected period
- Start treatment on the date advised by the pharmacist
- Take each dose at the recommended time
- Follow the instructions if you miss a tablet
- Do not extend treatment beyond the agreed course
If your period has already begun, tell the pharmacist. Norethisterone cannot be relied upon to stop an established period.
Period Delay Prices
The appropriate pack size depends on how long you want to delay your period and the timing of your expected cycle.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Norethisterone – 30 tablets | £25 |
| Norethisterone – 60 tablets | £35 |
The service can provide treatment to delay a period for up to 17 days, subject to the pharmacist’s assessment and directions.
Deposit and Rescheduling Terms
A £10 non-refundable deposit is required to secure the appointment. If medication is supplied, the deposit will be deducted from the treatment cost.
If the pharmacist determines that treatment is unsuitable, the deposit will be retained as the consultation fee and will not be refunded.
Your appointment can be rescheduled when at least 24 hours’ notice is provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I arrange the consultation?
Book before your period is expected. Norethisterone usually needs to be started three days beforehand, so leave enough time for the pharmacist to assess your suitability and supply treatment.
When should my period return?
Your period will usually begin within three days of stopping norethisterone. Contact a healthcare professional if it does not return as expected, particularly if pregnancy is possible.
Can I use period-delay treatment regularly?
The service is intended for occasional temporary use. If you frequently want to delay bleeding or experience ongoing menstrual problems, discuss this with your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Will it affect my future fertility?
A short course is not intended to provide contraception or permanently alter fertility. Your usual menstrual cycle should resume after treatment, although the timing can vary. Seek advice if your period does not return as expected.
What if I am already taking hormonal contraception?
Tell the pharmacist which method you use. Depending on the type of contraception, a different approach may be appropriate. Do not change how you use prescribed contraception without professional advice.
Plan Ahead for Your Period
Arrange your consultation before your expected start date so the pharmacist has time to assess your health and, where appropriate, supply treatment with clear instructions.
Choose a convenient period-delay consultation, or contact Right Medicine Pharmacy if you have questions about timing, suitability or available appointments.