Back to Blog

Period Delay Medication: Taking Control of Your Cycle

Pulteney Pharmacy
womens-healthperiod-delaytravel
Period Delay Medication: Taking Control of Your Cycle

Whether it's your wedding, a holiday, or an important event, sometimes you need to delay your period. Learn about safe and effective period delay medication.

Period Delay Medication: Taking Control of Your Cycle

Your wedding day. A beach holiday. A marathon. An important exam. Life doesn't always align with your menstrual cycle—but sometimes, you need it to.

At Pulteney Pharmacy, we offer period delay medication through a quick and confidential consultation, helping you take control of your cycle for those important moments.

What is Period Delay Medication?

The most commonly used period delay tablet is Norethisterone, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. It works by maintaining hormone levels that would naturally drop before your period, preventing menstruation from starting.

How Does It Work?

During a normal cycle, progesterone levels fall, triggering your womb lining to shed (your period). Norethisterone keeps progesterone levels elevated, delaying this process until you stop taking the tablets.

Who Can Use Period Delay Medication?

Period delay tablets are suitable for most healthy women. However, they may not be appropriate if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have a history of blood clots
  • Have certain liver conditions
  • Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
  • Have breast cancer or hormone-sensitive cancers
  • Have severe circulatory problems

Our pharmacist will assess your suitability during your consultation.

How to Take Norethisterone

  • Start: 3 days before your expected period
  • Dose: One 5mg tablet, three times daily
  • Duration: Up to 17 days of continuous use (delays period for up to 20 days)
  • Your period: Usually starts 2-3 days after stopping

Important Notes

  • Not a contraceptive—use additional protection if needed
  • Take at regular intervals (e.g., morning, afternoon, evening)
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember

Common Uses for Period Delay

Holidays

No one wants to worry about their period while lounging on a beach or exploring a new city. Period delay gives you freedom to enjoy your holiday fully.

Weddings

Whether you're the bride, a bridesmaid, or a guest, you want to feel your best on the big day without period-related discomfort.

Sporting Events

Marathon runners, swimmers, and athletes often prefer to delay their period for major competitions.

Religious Observances

Some religious practices have specific requirements during menstruation. Period delay can help manage timing.

Medical Procedures

Certain medical procedures may be easier without menstruation occurring at the same time.

Possible Side Effects

Most women tolerate Norethisterone well, but possible side effects include:

  • Breast tenderness
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Mood changes
  • Bloating
  • Spotting or breakthrough bleeding

These are usually mild and temporary.

Getting Period Delay Medication at Pulteney Pharmacy

Our service is quick, confidential, and convenient:

  1. Book a consultation (or walk in)
  2. Private discussion with our pharmacist
  3. Health assessment to ensure suitability
  4. Same-day supply if appropriate

No need to see your GP—we can help you today.

Plan Ahead

For best results, book your consultation at least 2-3 weeks before your trip or event. This ensures:

  • Time to assess suitability
  • Ability to start tablets at the right time
  • Flexibility if questions arise

Take Control of Your Cycle

Don't let your period dictate your plans. Speak to our team about period delay medication.

📞 01225 466454 | 📍 35 Great Pulteney Street, Bath

Book your consultation

Your body, your choice, your timing.