1. Period delay tablets, such as norethisterone, which can delay your period for up to 30 days. These are useful for short-term needs, like going on holiday or other occasions when you want to avoid your period.

2. Hormonal contraception, which can stop your periods over a longer period. Some types are more effective than others, but they are generally not for short-term use. Options include:

• The combined contraceptive pill – Can stop periods over time, but you may experience light bleeding (spotting) if you don't take a break every few months. To avoid bleeding altogether, you’ll need to take a 7-day break every 1-3 months.
• The mini pill – May stop periods after 3-6 months of use, but light bleeding (spotting) can still occur.
• The hormonal coil – Can stop periods, but it can take a few months to take effect.
• The contraceptive injection – About 50% of users stop having periods.
• The contraceptive implant – About one-third of users stop having periods, typically after one year of use.

Please note: If a generic product is ordered, we may source it from a variety of manufacturers to ensure consistent service levels.

Yes, you can also go through your GP to get period delay tablets. You'll need to schedule an appointment where your GP will discuss your options and prescribe the most suitable treatment for you. Afterward, you can take the prescription to any pharmacy to get your medication.

Full price or NHS prescription?
Norethisterone and medroxyprogesterone for period delay are not "blacklisted medications," meaning your GP can prescribe them on the NHS. However, not all GPs may be willing to prescribe them for this purpose. If your GP provides an NHS prescription, you'll only need to pay the standard NHS prescription charge. If your GP gives you a private prescription, you’ll need to pay the full price for the tablets.

No, period delay tablets are prescription-only. There are some serious health risks for certain people if they were going to take progesterone medications like period delay pills. So it’s important that a doctor can check to make sure they’re safe for you to take.

Although you need a doctor to check you for period delay treatment, you don’t have to do it face-to-face. With services like Superdrug Online Doctor, you can get checked online instead using a quick and easy healthcare question that one of our doctors checks for you.

Period delay tablets contain an artificial (man made) version of the female hormone progesterone. During your menstrual cycle, your levels of progesterone fall which causes your womb lining to shed and your period to come. Taking period delay tablets stop your progesterone levels from changing, so you do not get your period. This is called delaying your period.

How long do period delay tablets take to work?

You need to take period delay tablets 3 days before your period is due. This is to make sure your levels of progesterone do not fall, giving you the best chance of delaying your period.

How long can you take period tablets for?

We prescribe up to 30 days of period delay tablets at a time. If you need to delay your period for longer than a month, we would suggest asking your doctor about using a combined contraceptive pill instead. This only needs to be taken once a day. The pill may be a better solution if you want to delay your period for longer than a couple of weeks, if you want contraception, or if you want to delay your period more regularly. We recommend discussing the options with your doctor.

Does period delay tablets reset your cycle?

Your period will come 2 to 4 days after you stop taking period delay tablets. Some women report that their cycle changes after taking period delay tablets but this usually settles down. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about changes to your cycle.

Can you get pregnant while taking period delay?

Yes. This is because period delay tablets do not stop an egg from being fertilised (when sperm reaches the egg) in the way that the contraceptive pill does. If you do not want to get pregnant, you must use contraception while taking period delay tablets.

Period delay tablets require a prescription, as they may not be safe or suitable for everyone.

Do not take period delay tablets if you:

• Are allergic to any ingredients in the tablets
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Have or have had blood clotting issues (or a family history of them)
• Have or have had a heart attack or angina
• Have liver problems
• Have experienced jaundice or an itchy rash called pemphigoid gestationis during pregnancy
• Have had severe generalized itching (pruritus)
• Have a condition called porphyria

Inform your doctor if you have:

• Epilepsy
• Migraine
• Asthma
• Heart problems
• Kidney problems

Some medications can interact with period delay tablets, potentially reducing their effectiveness. Always tell your doctor about any other medications, including herbal supplements, you're taking.

Medications that may interact with period delay tablets include:

• Infections treatments
• HIV medications
• Cancer treatments
• Epilepsy medications
• Pain medications such as NSAIDs

Can you take period delay tablets when pregnant?
No, you cannot take period delay tablets if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.

Can you take period delay tablets while breastfeeding?
Consult your doctor about alternative options for delaying your period or breastfeeding if you decide to use period delay tablets.

Can you drink alcohol while taking period delay tablets?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking period delay tablets. However, excessive drinking can lead to vomiting, which may prevent the tablet from being absorbed into your system. Alcohol can also make it harder to remember to take your tablets as prescribed.

Can you take paracetamol with period delay tablets?
Yes, you can safely take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen with period delay tablets.

Can you take antibiotics with period delay tablets?
If you're prescribed antibiotics while taking period delay tablets, inform your doctor, as some antibiotics may interact with the tablets.

You can buy period delay tablets online, but you need a prescription to do so. You should always buy from a registered and reputable online doctor, like Superdrug Online Doctor.

If you are using a website to buy medication, the Government’s online checker can reassure you that the site you are using is operating legally and safely.

You can buy period delay tablets from Superdrug Online Doctor. Simply:

1. Fill in the brief medical questionnaire on our site.
2. Our doctors will then review your answers and make sure it is safe to prescribe you period delay tablets.
3. You then decide how you would like to receive your medication, either as a discreet package through the post or you can ‘Click and Collect’ it from your local Superdrug pharmacy.
4. At any point, you can message our doctors for advice through your Patient Account.

As with any medication, side effects are possible and can vary in severity from person to person.

Seek medical help immediately if you experience symptoms of:

• An allergic reaction
• A blood clot in the lungs or brain
• Deep-vein thrombosis

Refer to the patient information leaflet for specific symptoms related to these serious conditions.

Also seek medical advice if you experience:

• Yellowing of your skin
• A migraine for the first time

While period delay treatments like norethisterone and medroxyprogesterone are generally effective, they may not be 100% effective in all cases. Breakthrough bleeding is a possible side effect during use. To maximize effectiveness, it's crucial to follow the prescribed dosage exactly.

Less serious side effects that have been reported include:

• Breast tenderness
• Changes to your menstrual cycle
• Feeling nauseous
• Headache
• Changes in mood and sex drive
• Breakthrough bleeding

If these side effects cause concern, consult your doctor. It's not recommended to use period delay tablets regularly.

For more detailed information on potential side effects, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet.

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• How can I delay my period? NHS 2019 [Accessed 12th July].