Planning a holiday, special event or sports competition and worried your period might get in the way? You’re not alone. Many people look for safe and reliable ways to delay their period for a short time—and period delay tablets can offer a practical solution. At Townhead Pharmacy, we provide trusted access to period delay treatment through our online prescribing service. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how these tablets work, when to take them, and what to expect.

What Are Period Delay Tablets?

Period delay tablets are a form of hormonal medication used to temporarily postpone your period. The most commonly prescribed option in the UK is norethisterone, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone.

By taking norethisterone, you maintain higher levels of progesterone in your body. This delays the drop in hormones that would normally trigger your period—essentially putting it on pause until you’re ready for it to arrive.

When Might You Use Them?

People choose to delay their period for all sorts of reasons. Some of the most common include:

• –> Going on holiday
• –> Attending weddings or festivals
• –> Competing in sports events
• –> Religious occasions or ceremonies
• –> Managing periods around exams or travel
• –> Needing short-term control due to heavy or painful periods

Whatever your reason, it’s important to plan ahead so you can start the tablets at the right time.

How Do You Take Period Delay Tablets?

To delay your period, you’ll usually take norethisterone tablets three times a day, starting 3 days before your period is due. You’ll continue taking them until you’re ready for your period to return—up to a maximum of 17–20 days.

Your period will usually begin 2 to 3 days after stopping the tablets. Always follow the instructions provided with your prescription, and check with a pharmacist or prescriber if you’re unsure about timing or dosage.

Do Period Delay Tablets Affect Fertility or Hormones Long-Term?

No. Period delay tablets don’t impact your fertility or cause long-term hormonal changes. They’re used short-term and are designed to delay menstruation temporarily—not to stop it altogether or interfere with your cycle permanently.

That said, they’re not a form of contraception. You’ll still need to use another method of protection if you want to avoid pregnancy while taking them.

Are They Suitable for Everyone?

Most people can take norethisterone safely, but there are a few exceptions. You may not be able to use period delay tablets if you:

• –> Have a history of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• –> Have liver disease or certain types of cancer
• –> Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• –> Use certain types of hormonal contraception (e.g., the mini pill)

During your online consultation, we’ll check your medical history to ensure period delay treatment is safe for you. If it isn’t suitable, we’ll let you know and recommend other options where possible.

What Are the Side Effects?

As with any medication, side effects are possible—but not everyone gets them. The most common include:

• –> Bloating or mild stomach discomfort
• –> Breast tenderness
• –> Spotting or light bleeding
• –> Mood changes or headaches
• –> Feeling slightly nauseous

These effects are usually mild and temporary. If you’re concerned or feel unwell while taking the tablets, speak to a pharmacist or GP.

What If I’m Already Using Hormonal Contraception?

If you’re using the combined contraceptive pill, you may be able to delay your period by skipping the usual break between packs. This is often simpler than using norethisterone, but it depends on the type of pill you’re on.

If you’re on the mini pill (progestogen-only pill), period delay tablets aren’t usually recommended. Let your prescriber know what contraception you use so they can offer the best advice for your situation.

Can I Get Period Delay Tablets from Townhead Pharmacy?

Yes—we offer a simple and discreet way to access period delay tablets through our online prescribing service.

Here’s how it works:

Complete a short online consultation

Answer a few health-related questions so we can check it’s safe for you.

Our prescriber reviews your answers

If approved, your prescription will be issued quickly.

Receive your medication at home

We’ll deliver your tablets in discreet packaging, with clear instructions. We’re a fully regulated pharmacy and always put patient safety first.

Book Your Consultation Today

Whether you’re going on holiday, attending a big event or just want a break from your cycle, period delay tablets can offer short-term control without the need for extreme measures.

At Townhead Pharmacy, we make the process easy, discreet, and safe—so you can focus on what matters, not your period. Contact us or book your online consultation today and get the support you need to take control of your cycle, your way.

This blog was written on behalf of Townhead Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.