Period Delay

Women's Health

At SwiftMedi, we know there are times when delaying your period can make life that little bit easier - whether for a holiday, special occasion, or important event. With safe and effective prescription options, you can plan ahead with confidence and peace of mind.

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About Period Delay

Overview


Sometimes, life’s most important moments don’t align with your natural menstrual cycle. Whether it’s a holiday, wedding, religious occasion, or a once-in-a-lifetime event, many women choose to safely delay their period so they can feel comfortable, confident, and free to enjoy the moment without interruption.

Period delay is a common and medically recognised option, usually achieved with prescription tablets that temporarily adjust hormone levels. These medicines don’t stop your period permanently — they simply help you manage timing, so you can feel in control of your body and your schedule.

At SwiftMedi, treatment suitability is always assessed by a UK-registered prescriber following a secure online consultation.


Symptoms


Period delay isn’t about symptoms, but rather about choice and convenience. Women seek period delay if they want to avoid:

  • Heavy bleeding or discomfort during important events
  • Period pain (cramps, backache, fatigue) interfering with plans
  • Difficulty managing periods while travelling
  • Religious or cultural reasons for avoiding menstruation at certain times



Diagnosis


No physical tests are usually required. Instead, period delay is considered suitable after reviewing your:

  • Medical history
  • Menstrual cycle details
  • Current medications
  • Any history of blood clots, migraines, or liver conditions


A simple online consultation with a SwiftMedi prescriber ensures safe and appropriate use.


Treatments


The most common treatment for period delay is:

  • Norethisterone tablets: a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, taken three times daily starting 3 days before your period is due. It can delay bleeding for up to 17 days (sometimes longer, depending on medical advice).
  • Other options may include certain combined contraceptive pills if used in a specific way, but norethisterone is the most widely prescribed and reliable method in the UK for short-term delay.


Prevention


Since period delay is not about preventing a condition, this section focuses on planning ahead:

  • Speak to a prescriber at least a week before your period is due.
  • Keep track of your cycle using an app or diary.
  • Order treatment in good time, especially before holidays or big events.



Misconceptions


“Period delay is unsafe.”
When prescribed appropriately, norethisterone is a safe and effective option.

“It will affect my future fertility.”
No — once you stop taking the tablets, your period will return to its normal cycle.

“It’s the same as contraception.”
Not true — period delay tablets are not contraceptives. You will still need protection if you want to prevent pregnancy.

“Only women with medical problems use it.”
Many women without health issues choose period delay for convenience or personal reasons.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is period delay and how does it work?

    Period delay means taking a short course of hormonal tablets to prevent your next period from starting. It is commonly used for holidays, travel, events, sports or personal preference. Treatments like norethisterone temporarily keep your progesterone levels higher, which stops your period until the tablets are stopped.

  • Is delaying your period safe?

    Yes. For most people, delaying a period for a short time is safe when assessed by a clinician. It does not affect future fertility or long-term health. Your prescriber will check your medical history, clotting risks and medicines to ensure the treatment is suitable for you.

  • How do period-delay tablets like norethisterone work?

    Norethisterone works by raising progesterone levels, preventing the drop that normally triggers a period. Once you stop the tablets, hormone levels fall and a withdrawal bleed starts a few days later. The treatment only delays the period; it does not reset your cycle or cause long-term changes.

  • Who can use period-delay treatment?

    Period delay is suitable for many women who are not on hormonal contraception and who have regular cycles. A clinician will check if norethisterone is appropriate based on factors such as migraines, clotting risk, smoking status, medical conditions and medicines that may interact.

  • How long can I delay my period for?

    Most people delay their period for up to two to three weeks using norethisterone. Some may be able to delay slightly longer depending on clinical advice. The tablets must be taken three times a day, to be started 3 days before expected onset.

  • Are there side effects when delaying a period?

    Some people experience bloating, breast tenderness, mood changes or mild cramping while using norethisterone. These effects are usually temporary and settle once treatment stops. Breakthrough spotting can also occur, especially if tablets are not taken consistently.

  • When should I avoid or not use period-delay tablets?

    You should avoid norethisterone if you are pregnant, have a history of blood clots, severe liver problems, hormone-related cancers or certain types of migraines. A proper consultation ensures the treatment is safe and appropriate based on your health history.

  • Can I use period-delay tablets if I’m on the pill?

    It depends on your pill type. If you take the combined pill, you may be able to run packets back-to-back instead. If you take the mini pill, norethisterone might still be needed. A clinician will advise on the safest option based on your contraception and cycle pattern.

  • Will period delay affect fertility or future cycles?

    No. Period delay does not affect fertility, egg health or long-term cycle patterns. Your next cycle usually returns to normal after the withdrawal bleed. Some people experience slight timing changes for one cycle, but this settles quickly.

  • How quickly will my period start after stopping norethisterone?

    Most people have a withdrawal bleed two to four days after stopping norethisterone. It may be slightly earlier or later depending on your cycle and how long you took the tablets. This bleed is normal and signals that your natural hormones are returning to baseline.

  • Can period-delay tablets fail or cause breakthrough bleeding?

    Yes, although most people get reliable delay. Breakthrough bleeding can occur if tablets are missed, taken late, taken with interacting medicines or if your cycle was already irregular. Consistent timing improves effectiveness.

  • Can I delay my period for holidays, travel or religious events?

    Yes. Period delay is commonly used for holidays, weddings, honeymoons, sports events, long-haul travel and religious occasions such as Hajj or Umrah. It allows you to plan comfortably while maintaining control over your cycle.

  • Can I drink alcohol while using period-delay tablets?

    Yes, alcohol does not affect norethisterone directly. However, drinking heavily may worsen bloating or mood changes, which some people already experience while delaying a period. Moderate drinking is generally fine if you feel well.

  • Can period-delay treatment help with heavy, painful or irregular periods?

    Period delay is not designed to treat heavy or painful periods long term, though some people notice temporary relief. If these symptoms are ongoing, you may need assessment for other treatments such as hormonal contraception, NSAIDs or further investigation.

  • What should I do if I get symptoms like cramps or spotting during delay?

    Mild cramping or light spotting can happen, especially if your natural period was due soon. Continue taking the tablets as prescribed unless bleeding becomes heavy. If symptoms are concerning, speak with a clinician for advice or alternative options.