How to take period delay tablets
Period delay tablets can be very convenient, helping you to put off your menstrual bleed for a short time. Often, people explore this option if they’ve got a big event coming up, such as a wedding, an important week at work or a holiday, so that they can focus on what they’re doing without having to worry about leakage, cramps or heavy bleeding.
Whatever the reason behind your wish to delay your period, there are medications available that can do it. But knowing how to use these medications safely and responsibly is key to achieving the desired outcome and avoiding increased risk of unwanted side effects.
When to take period delay tablets
The most common medication used for period delay in the UK is norethisterone, and this is partly because it’s a much more agile option than the alternative, the combined contraceptive pill. By ‘agile’, we’re referring to the amount of notice needed in order to successfully delay your period.
When taking the combined pill for contraception, it usually involves a number of ‘dummy’ pills which contain no hormones or a prescribed break in taking the medication. This is the time where you would typically experience a period-like bleed. Most users of this type of hormonal contraception can achieve a period delay by skipping the dummy pills or the break – although it’s recommended to consult a pharmacist before doing this to ensure that it’s safe to choose this method.
Since the combined pill method involves medication you already have, it can be a popular choice, though it’s not suited for everyone. Notably, if you’re not already taking the combined pill, then you would need to start taking it around three weeks in advance of your expected period in order to achieve the desired effect, which requires forethought and preparation. It’s also the case that those who are using another form of contraception may not be willing or able to switch just so they can delay their period.
In contrast, norethisterone requires much less notice, as you can delay your period by taking the first tablet three days before your period is expected to start. You should then take a single tablet three times a day for the duration of the desired delay, up to a maximum of 20 days, including the three pre-period days. So, you can delay your period for a total of 17 days, but if you’d prefer a shorter delay, just stop taking the tablets earlier. Your period should return within two or three days.
Can you buy period delay tablets over the counter?
There can be unfortunate side effects if you take norethisterone alongside other hormonal medications, including the combined pill. For this reason, you can’t simply buy norethisterone off the shelf. However, you can request a consultation with your local Day Lewis pharmacist to buy the medication in store. You’ll go through a short consultation with the prescribing pharmacist to check that the medication is suitable for you before your order is dispensed.
If you’d prefer to use the combined contraceptive pill to delay your period, you can access it from a wide range of healthcare providers, including pharmacies, sexual health clinics and GP surgeries. Unlike norethisterone, the combined pill is free on prescription, and it will also provide protection against falling pregnant. Unfortunately, though, the combined pill isn’t suitable for everyone. You might be advised against taking it if you smoke, have a history of heart problems or you’ve previously had migraines with aura symptoms.
Whether you’ve used period delay medications before or this is your first time, ensuring you know how to take them safely is the best way to keep yourself healthy and avoid unwanted side effects. If you’re at all unsure about your chosen method of period delay, speak to a qualified pharmacist for advice and information to help you make the right choices for your health.
