Period Delay
There may be times that you wish to delay your period for example due to a holiday, a religious pilgrimage or that special day…your wedding!
Our pharmacist will ask you a few questions in our consultation room, ensuring your privacy and to make sure that the tablets prescribed are safe for you to take.
How can I delay my period?
The Pill
If you’re taking the combined contraceptive pill, you can delay your period by taking 2 packets back-to-back. How this is achieved depends on the medicine you have been prescribed. Our pharmacist can advise you on how to do this but it is important to speak to your GP first.
You cannot delay your period by taking 2 packets back-to-back with the progestogen-only contraceptive pill. If you’re not sure which pill you are taking then our pharmacist can advise you.
Norethisterone
If you’re not taking the combined contraceptive pill you may be able to take a medicine called norethisterone. Norethisterone is not a contraceptive and you can still get pregnant. Therefore, you will need to use a different type of contraceptive like a condom.
The tablet is usually taken three times a day 3 to 4 days before your period is due. Once stopped you can expect a period within 2 to 3 days. Norethisterone is not suitable if you have a history of blood clots and how well it works in delaying your period can vary.
Some common side effects experienced in women include,
- headache
- nausea
- breast tenderness
- changes in mood and sex drive
Norethisterone is a prescription-only medicine but at City Pharmacy you may be able to purchase norethisterone following a consultation with our pharmacist. The pharmacist will need to ask you some questions to ensure the medication is safe for you to take.