Period Delay Tablets for Holidays: A Guide to Norethisterone

Period Delay Tablets for Holidays: A Guide to Norethisterone

Planning a holiday, wedding, festival, exam, sports event or special occasion can be exciting but it can feel frustrating if your period is due at the same time. For some people, period delay tablets may offer a short-term option to postpone bleeding so they can travel or attend an event with more confidence.

At Pharmulous, requests for period delay treatment are reviewed by a clinician to make sure the medicine is suitable and safe for you. Norethisterone is the only progestogen licensed in the UK specifically to delay periods, but it is not suitable for everyone and should only be used after appropriate screening.

What are period delay tablets?

Period delay tablets are prescription-only medicines used to delay the start of your period for a short time. The most commonly used period delay tablet is norethisterone 5mg. It is a synthetic version of a hormone called progesterone.

Your natural progesterone levels usually fall before a period starts. Norethisterone helps keep hormone levels raised for longer, which can delay the shedding of the womb lining and postpone bleeding.

Can norethisterone delay my period for a holiday?

Yes, norethisterone may be used to delay your period if you are going on holiday or have an important event coming up. It is commonly requested for travel, beach holidays, honeymoons, weddings, religious events, exams and sporting occasions.

To work effectively, norethisterone should usually be started at least 3 days before your period is due. The usual dose for period delay is one 5mg tablet three times a day. Your period will usually start within around 3 days of stopping the tablets, although this can vary between individuals.

When should I start norethisterone before travelling?

You should plan ahead and request treatment in good time before your trip. Norethisterone needs to be started 3 days before your expected period, so it is best not to leave your consultation until the last minute.

For example, if your period is due on a Friday, you would usually start taking norethisterone on the Tuesday before. You would continue taking it for the number of days you want to delay your period, as prescribed.

How long can I delay my period for?

This depends on your individual circumstances and the prescriber’s assessment. NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service guidance states that norethisterone can be taken for up to 3 to 4 weeks if necessary.

At Pharmulous, your clinician will review your consultation and provide an appropriate course length if treatment is suitable for you.

Is norethisterone a contraceptive?

No. Norethisterone is not a contraceptive and will not protect you from pregnancy. You should use a reliable form of contraception, such as condoms, if there is any chance of pregnancy while taking it. The patient leaflet also states that norethisterone must not be taken if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

If your period does not start after completing the course, you should take a pregnancy test and seek medical advice.

Who should not take norethisterone?

Norethisterone is not suitable for everyone. You should not take it if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, have unexplained vaginal bleeding, have current or previous blood clot problems, have a history of heart attack or angina, have liver problems, have porphyria, or have had certain pregnancy-related liver/skin conditions.

You should also tell the clinician if you have migraines, epilepsy, asthma, kidney problems, heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression or low mood, a high BMI, a family history of blood clots, or if you are due to have surgery or will be immobile for long periods. Norethisterone can slightly increase the risk of blood clots, and long-distance travel can also increase clot risk, so this needs to be reviewed carefully.

What are the possible side effects?

Most people only take norethisterone for a short time, but side effects can still happen. Possible side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, bloating, mood changes, acne, changes in bleeding pattern or spotting. The patient leaflet also lists more serious warning symptoms linked to blood clots, liver problems, allergic reactions and mood changes.

You should stop taking norethisterone and seek urgent medical help if you develop symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing blood, sudden severe headache, weakness or numbness, vision changes, difficulty speaking, fainting, or painful swelling/redness in one leg.

Can norethisterone interact with other medicines?

Yes. Some medicines can affect norethisterone or increase the risk of side effects. These include some epilepsy medicines, certain antibiotics such as rifampicin, some HIV medicines, anticancer medicines, St John’s wort, ciclosporin, NSAIDs and medicines for high blood pressure. You should list all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and supplements during your consultation.

How does the Pharmulous period delay service work?

1. Complete a short online consultation with accurate details about your health, periods, travel dates and current medicines.

2. A clinician reviews your answers to check whether norethisterone is suitable.

3. If approved, your treatment is prescribed and dispensed by our regulated pharmacy team.

4. You receive clear instructions on how and when to take your tablets.

FAQs

What is the best tablet to delay my period for a holiday?

Norethisterone 5mg is a commonly used prescription tablet for short-term period delay and is the only progestogen licensed in the UK for delaying periods. Suitability depends on your medical history and current medicines.

How many days before my holiday should I start norethisterone?

You should start norethisterone 3 days before your period is due, not necessarily 3 days before your holiday.

Will my period start straight away after stopping norethisterone?

Your period usually starts within around 3 days after stopping norethisterone, but this can vary.

Can I take norethisterone if I might be pregnant?

No. Norethisterone should not be taken if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. If there is any chance of pregnancy, take a pregnancy test and speak to a healthcare professional before using period delay treatment.

Can I drink alcohol while taking norethisterone?

There is no standard warning that alcohol must be completely avoided with norethisterone, but alcohol may worsen side effects such as nausea, headache or dizziness. Drink responsibly, especially while travelling.

Can I take norethisterone every month?

Norethisterone for period delay is generally intended for short-term, occasional use. If you regularly want to stop or delay periods, speak to your GP or a sexual health clinic about longer-term options.