What are period delay tablets?
You can delay your period with period delay tablets. This way, your plans will not be interrupted or spoiled, due to the arrival of your period.
These tablets are incredibly popular amongst women that are jetting off on holidays, so that they can enjoy the sun, sea and the beach without having to worry about their period.
How do period delay tablets work?
Period delay tablets, or norethisterone, which is the generic drug in period delay tablets, can be prescribed by a GP or online pharmacy. This can delay your period for up to 17 days.
The usual dose is three tablets a day, and they should be taken 3 to 4 days before your period is due to start. The standard dose is 30 tablets taken for 10 days. Once you stop taking the tablets, most women will get their period around 3 days after.
What is Norethisterone?
Norethisterone is a progestogen, which are artificial versions of the female hormone progesterone. Norethisterone can be taken to manage heavy periods, painful periods, irregular periods, premenstrual tension, and endometriosis.
Progesterone levels dip just before the start of your period, so these tablets work by keeping the progesterone levels in the body higher for longer. This will delay the end of the natural cycle, subsequently delaying the period.
Norethisterone is also sold under the band name Utovlan.
Are there other ways to delay your period?
If you are taking the combined contraceptive pill, then you may be able to skip your period. You can do this by taking your pill packets back-to-back. Instead of having a 4 or 7 day break, and a breakthrough bleed, you can start your next pack of pills.
This is a popular choice for many women, as it will not impact the effectiveness of the pill, and it may be able to help with other PMS symptoms, such as period pains.
You should always consult your GP or a pharmacist before doing this, to make sure that it is okay for you. Also, this is not possible with progestogen-only pills (the mini pill).
If you do not take the combined contraceptive pill, that’s where period delay tablets will come in handy! That way, you don’t have to worry about your period interrupting your plans.
Are there any risks or side effects?
With all medication, there can be some risks and side effects. The most important thing to remember if you are considering taking period delay tablets, is that it is not a contraception, so you will not be protected against pregnancy. Similarly, you will not be protected against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you will need alternative protection, such as condoms.
You should also consult your GP or a pharmacist if you are taking progesterone-only contraception, before taking period delay tablets.
Norethisterone can cause some side effects. The most common side effects are:
- Acne
- Spotting and light bleeding
- Low mood
- Loss of libido or reduced sex drive
- Breast pain or discomfort
- Nausea
Period delay tablets are not suitable for everyone, this includes women that could be pregnant, women that have just given birth, and women that are breastfeeding. Norethisterone can increase the chances of blood clots developing, which is the same as most contraceptive pills, so women that have a higher risk of blood clots may not be able to take norethisterone.
How can I get period delay tablets?
If you have decided you would like to take period delay tablets to delay your period, you can complete a short consultation form with Be Well.
This consultation form will cover some simple health questions, which one of our dedicated medical professionals will review, and then you will be able to select a product and complete your purchase.
The convenience of being able to delay your period with norethisterone every once in a while has made it a popular choice, especially in the summer months.