Women's health
How do period delay tablets work for a holiday?
How norethisterone postpones your period for a holiday, and who it is not suitable for.
Planning a holiday and your period is due? If you live in Milton Keynes, a pharmacist can talk you through delaying it with tablets.
Period delay tablets contain norethisterone, which stops the womb lining from shedding. You start them three days before your period is due and keep taking them for as long as you want the delay. Your period usually returns two to three days after the last tablet.
They are not suitable for everyone. They are also not contraception.
How do period delay tablets work?
Norethisterone is a synthetic version of progesterone, a hormone your body makes. Progesterone falls at the end of your cycle, and that drop triggers your period.
While you take norethisterone, the hormone level stays up. The womb lining stays in place, so the bleed is postponed.
When you stop the tablets, the level drops. Your period then usually starts within two to three days.
When do you start taking them?
Timing matters. The tablets need to be in your system before your natural hormone drop.
Start three days before your period is due
Take them as directed through the days you want the delay
Stop on the day you want your period to return
Taking them too late may mean your period starts anyway. If your cycle is irregular, tell the pharmacist, because it is harder to judge the right start date.
How long can you delay for?
The length of the delay depends on your plan and what the pharmacist advises for you. Many people use them for a one or two week holiday. Discuss longer trips in the consultation, so the course can be planned properly.
Are period delay tablets contraception?
No. Period delay tablets do not prevent pregnancy.
If you have sex while taking them, you still need your usual contraception, such as condoms or your regular pill. They do not affect your fertility once you stop.
Who should not take period delay tablets?
Norethisterone is not right for everyone. The pharmacist will ask about your medical history before supplying it.
Tell them if you have had:
A blood clot, in a leg or lung
A stroke
Heart disease
High blood pressure that is not well controlled
Also mention any medicines you take, including ones you bought yourself. Some medicines change how norethisterone works.
If you might be pregnant, tell the pharmacist. Seek personalised advice if you have other long-term conditions.
What are the side effects?
Most people tolerate them well. Some notice:
Nausea
Headaches
Breast tenderness
These usually settle once you stop. Blood clots are a rare but serious risk, which is why your history is checked first. Get urgent medical help for a swollen painful leg, chest pain or sudden breathlessness.
How do you get them from the pharmacy?
The pharmacy offers a private consultation of around 10 to 15 minutes. The pharmacist asks about your health, your medicines and when your period is due. If the tablets are suitable, they are usually supplied the same day.
You must be 18 or over.
Book at least three to five days before you need to start taking them. More time is better if your cycle is unpredictable.
The NHS route is through your GP. Waiting for an appointment can be tight against a travel date, which is why many people choose to pay privately.
Common questions
Can I take them if I am on the pill?
Often there is another route, such as running pill packs back to back. That is a separate decision, so ask the pharmacist which suits you. Do not change your pill without advice.
Will my next period be different?
It may be a little heavier or arrive slightly off schedule for a cycle or two. This usually settles.
What if I miss a tablet?
Tell the pharmacist how the tablets should be taken, and ask what to do if you miss one before you travel. Breakthrough bleeding can happen if doses are missed.
What if I have painful periods anyway?
Delaying only postpones the pain. If your periods are very painful or heavy, mention it, as other treatment may help.
Ready to plan around your holiday?
Kenmakos Medical is a private pharmacy in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, where the pharmacist can usually supply period delay tablets the same day after your consultation.
