Period Delay Information

Having your period can be inconvenient at times, especially If you’re going on holiday or have a big event coming up, like a wedding or a festival. If you’re thinking of postponing your period but may be worried about the possible impact on your menstrual cycle, we recommend reading this page as we explore the uses and benefits of period tablets, as well as the side effects and effectiveness.

Delay period for holiday

If you are going on holiday or have a special event but are due your period, it’s unsurprising that you might want to skip it! Luckily, there are two recommended ways to delay your period for your holiday or for any other event like a wedding, date night or spa holiday. This comes in two forms, the first is that of the period delay tablet and the second, the contraceptive pill.

How to delay your period

One of the best ways to delay your period is by using period delay tablets, which can cause your period to come later than usual. The other is the contraceptive pill, which you can take without having a break. Women will either take two packs back-to-back of their combined oral contraceptive, or use period delaying tablets.

Period delay tablets are designed to stop you from coming on your period so you can move the menstrual event to a more convenient date. We recommend using period delaying tablets such as norethisterone, or Utovlan, the brand name of norethisterone.

Recommended medication like Utovlan is administered to prevent eggs from being released, subsequently causing your period to be delayed. You will need to take these three times a day, for four days before your period is due for them to be effective.

If you already take the contraceptive pill, you can also carry on taking these instead of having a break. See the contraception pill section at the bottom of the page for further information.

When to take period delay tablets

You should start taking period delay tablets around three to four days before your period is due. They will prevent your period from starting at the normal time, and you will not have your period for as long as you are taking Utovlan or other period delay tablets.

You should continue taking the tablets for the entire cycle in which you wish to not have your period. It will instead occur two to three days after finishing the course of tablets.

Are period delay tablets safe?

Yes, when used correctly, period delay tablets are safe. You should take the tablets three times per day, but be careful not to take more than the recommended dose.

It is also recommended to not take period delay tablets for more than 17 days. Taking this medication for a long time puts you at a higher risk of developing side effects, including blood clots and hormone fluctuations.

You should also not take period delay tablets too often. Once in a while, for a big event, is fine - but every month is too much.

How effective are period delay tablets?

Period delay tablets are very effective, provided you remember the right dosage and start taking them a few days before your period is due. They can easily prevent you from encountering your period with only mild side effects.

How long can I delay my period for?

With Utovlan, you can delay your period for up to 17 days. Any longer puts you at risk of more serious side effects. If you are delaying your period with the contraceptive pill, you can delay for an unspecified amount of time. Most doctors concur that it is safe to take your contraceptive pills without a break.

Period delay tablets side effects

As with all tablets, there are some side effects to period delay tablets. Most people do not experience side effects, but it's important to be aware of those that could occur.

For the people who do have side effects to period delay tablets, these are usually mild and pass on their own. You may experience the following:

• Breast pain
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Abnormal vaginal discharge

If any of these side effects persist or worsen, or if they feel extreme, seek medical care.

There are some more serious side effects to period delay tablets. These include issues with your cervix, hallucinations, liver problems, and jaundice. If you encounter any of these, you should seek medical care immediately.

Both period delay tablets and contraceptive pills put the taker at a slightly higher risk of blood clots. If these are not treated and break off, they can cause heart attacks or strokes. If you are taking medication to delay your period and experience the following symptoms, seek emergency medical care.

• Swelling, pain, and warmth in your lower leg or foot
• Chest pain and shortness of breath
• Quick heartbeat
• Difficulty speaking
• Confusion
• Fainting

People who have certain conditions should avoid taking both period delay tablets and the contraceptive pill. If you have heart or liver conditions, a history of jaundice, a history of blood clots, or experience migraines, speak to your doctor before trying this medication.

Can I buy period delay pills over the counter?

You can purchase the period delay pill from Cloud Pharmacy following a consultation, as long as you aren’t taking medications or have any conditions that could put you at a higher risk of side effects. If you are in any way concerned about this, speak to your doctor before trying period delay tablets.

However, if you are confident that period delay tablets are safe for you, you can purchase them online through the Cloud Pharmacy website following an online consultation. Once it has been approved by one of our UK prescribers we will swiftly and discreetly send your medication through the post.

Can I take my pill for an extra week to delay my period?

If you take the contraceptive pill, another great option is to just take your pill for an extra week. This is considered safe by medical professionals. The benefits of doing this are that you already know how your body reacts to the medication and you do not have to worry about taking another type of pill. If you do this, you will not have a period, and instead will have it when you next have a break.

You can take the whole of your next pack and have the break after you have completed that one, or even take it for longer. You will not get your period until you have a break from the contraceptive pill.

If you do not take the contraceptive pill and do not wish to start taking it, it makes more sense to use Utovlan as a medication to delay your period. For more information about Utovlan, take a look at our ‘What is Utovlan’ page.

For more information about our period delay tablets, please visit the individual treatment pages. To purchase, all you have to do is complete an online consultation which will then be reviewed by our UK regsistered prescribers. If successful, your items will be swiftly sent to you in discreet packaging.