Sometimes your period picks the worst time to show up—like right before a holiday, a wedding, or that long-awaited beach trip. That’s where period delay tablets come in. These tablets, most commonly containing norethisterone, are a temporary way to postpone your period, giving you a bit of flexibility when timing really matters.
Used properly, they’re a safe and effective option for many women. But as with any medication, how and when you take them makes all the difference. This guide breaks it all down—step by step—so you know what to expect, how to get started, and what to keep in mind along the way.
Consult with a Healthcare Provider
Before you do anything else, it’s best to check in with a healthcare professional. It might seem like a quick fix, but period delay tablets aren’t right for everyone. Your GP or pharmacist will want to know about your medical history—especially if you’ve ever had blood clots, liver problems, or hormone-related conditions.
If you’re taking any regular medication, that could matter too. Some drugs might interact with norethisterone, so a quick review is usually worth it.
You don’t always need a full appointment either—many online services include a short health questionnaire reviewed by a prescriber. But if you’re unsure, a face-to-face chat with your pharmacist is often a good place to start. It’s about making sure you’re using something that’s both safe and suited to you.
Read the Instructions
Once you’ve got your tablets, the first thing to do—before anything else—is read the patient information leaflet tucked inside the box. It’s not the most thrilling read, sure, but it’s where you’ll find everything you need to know about how the medication works, when to take it, and what to watch out for.
Most period delay tablets in the UK contain norethisterone, a type of synthetic progesterone. It works by keeping your body’s hormone levels high enough to stop your womb lining from breaking down. In other words, it delays the drop in hormones that normally triggers your period.
Every brand might explain things slightly differently, so it’s not just about glancing at the dose. Take a few minutes to read it through properly—especially if you’ve never used them before.
Start Taking Tablets Before Your Period
Timing matters more than anything else here. To delay your period successfully, you’ll usually need to start taking norethisterone around three days before your period is due. That gives your body time to respond to the hormone and hold off the natural menstrual cycle.
So, if you’re expecting your period on, say, a Friday, you’d typically start the tablets on the Tuesday. It’s that window—starting too late—that tends to trip people up. Once bleeding begins, it’s pretty much too late for that cycle.
Here’s a quick example:
- Period expected: Friday the 26th
- Start tablets: Tuesday the 23rd
- Continue taking: Up to 17 days (or as advised)
Planning ahead, even just by a few days, makes all the difference. And if your periods are a bit unpredictable, it might be worth tracking them for a couple of months first.
Follow the Dosage Instructions
Period delay tablets aren’t something to freestyle. The typical dose for norethisterone is one tablet, three times a day—spaced evenly throughout the day. You’ll usually take them for up to 17 days, but how long you continue depends on how long you want to delay your period.
Missing a dose, even just once, could cause breakthrough bleeding or make the tablets less effective. So, setting phone reminders or using a pill organiser might help if your days are hectic.
Don’t be tempted to double up if you forget a tablet, either. Taking more than prescribed won’t make them “work better”—it’ll just increase the risk of side effects. If you’re unsure what to do after a missed dose, the leaflet should have guidance, or you can ask your pharmacist.
Stick to the schedule, and you’ll give the tablets the best chance of doing exactly what they’re meant to.
Monitor Side Effects
Most people get on with period delay tablets just fine—but like all medications, they can come with a few side effects. The common ones tend to be mild and manageable: a bit of bloating, a change in mood, breast tenderness, or feeling slightly off. These usually settle once you stop taking the tablets.
That said, there are some things you shouldn’t ignore. If you notice symptoms like sudden leg pain, breathlessness, chest pain, or vision changes, stop taking the tablets and speak to a doctor straight away. These could be signs of a rare but serious reaction, such as a blood clot.
And if the side effects feel too uncomfortable, it’s okay to stop—but do it properly. Don’t just quit mid-course without checking. A chat with your GP or pharmacist can help you stop safely and figure out what to try instead if needed.
Period delay tablets can be a helpful option when timing matters—but only if they’re taken the right way. Start a few days before your period, follow the dosage properly, and keep an eye on how you’re feeling while you’re on them.
The key really is preparation. Give yourself enough time to speak with a healthcare professional, read the instructions, and plan your schedule so you’re not caught out. If anything feels off, speak with us here at WePrescribe for advice and support, or your GP is there to help.
Contact us, they offer a bit of control when you need it most—and that peace of mind can make a real difference.
