Common Questions about Period Delay Tablets
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As holidays and summer plans begin, many people will grab the calendar, trying to work out if their period will fall at the wrong time. Luckily, period delay tablets can offer a temporary delay to your period. This can make it easier to enjoy travel, events, or special occasions.
In this guide, we’ll answer your top questions including ‘how do period delay tablets work’ and ‘when to take period delay tablets’. If you’re unsure whether period delay tablets are the right option for you, then you’re in the right place. Discover all you need to know.
How Do Period Delay Tablets Work?
Your period is driven by hormones; mainly progesterone and oestrogen. After ovulation, progesterone levels rise. This helps the womb lining prepare for pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t happen, progesterone levels fall again. This is what triggers your period.
Period delay tablets, such as norethisterone or medroxyprogesterone, contain a man-made version of progesterone. This stops the womb lining from shedding, and so delaying menstruation.
Once you stop taking the tablets, the hormone levels fall again. You usually start your period within a few days of stopping tablets.
These tablets are for short-term only, and should not be taken continuously. They also are not a form of contraception.
Types of Period Delay Tablets
With The Family Chemist, we offer a couple of different options following a quick online consultation.
Often a first choice, norethisterone is often used to delay or manage menstrual cycle timings. Tablets can be taken flexibly to delay periods giving you the flexibility and confidence to attend special events, travel with ease, or delay bleeding for medical needs too.
These tablets can also be prescribed for period delay. This is is ‘off-label‘, meaning that the information on the box and patient information leaflet is not for this use. This is because this medication is not officially approved for period delay by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Medroxyprogesterone is an option if norethisterone or other treatments are not suitable or haven’t worked.
Both norethisterone and medroxyprogesterone options are only available on prescription following a consultation with a clinician or doctor. This is to ensure that tablets are suitable and that you get the best option for you. So, if you’re asking ‘can you get period delay tablets form a pharmacy?’ the answer is yes. But only with a prescription. Many online pharmacies such as The Family Chemist can streamline this process so you’re only filling out one online consultation and we take care of the rest. Safely and discreetly.
When to Take Period Delay Tablets
In order to get the best results from you period delay tablets, it’s important to know how and when to take them.
- Starting at the right time. Both norethisterone and medroxyprogesterone tablets should be started three days before your period is due.
- You should always follow your prescriber’s directions when taking any tablets. For period delay, one tablet is typically taken three times a day.
- Continue taking tablets for each day you wish your period to be delayed. Period delay is for short-term use only. Usually only used for up to two weeks unless you have been advised by a clinician or prescriber otherwise. You should take period delay tablets for no longer than 17 days maximum.
- Stop taking period delay tablets when you are ready; once your trip has finished, or your need to delay is over. Your period usually starts two or three days after stopping.
What are the Side Effects of Period Delay Tablets
Many people will not experience any side effects when taking period delay tablets, but it’s important to be aware of possible side effects in order to protect your health.
Common side effects can include:
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Mild headaches
- Nausea
- Changes in mood
- Menstrual cycle irregularities
Risk factors and what to look out for:
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Blood clots: any pain in the chest, legs, or a severe headache; any stroke-like symptoms, heart palpitations, or sudden shortness of breath.
- Allergic reaction: wheezing, swelling of the face or tongue, or a sudden, intense, itchy skin rash.
- Migraines for the first time.
- Jaundice: yellowing of the skin.
If you experience any side effects that have not been listed and are not listed in your patient information leaflet, then you should discuss these with your doctor, and report these directly via the Yellow Card Scheme.
Who Should Not Take Period Delay Tablets?
For most people, period delay tablets are completely safe when taken appropriately in line with their directions. However, they may not be suitable for everyone.
Period delay tablets may not be suitable for those who:
- Experience any abnormal or undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- Are allergic to norethisterone/medroxyprogesterone or any other ingredients in the tablets
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Have a history of heart attack, or who currently suffer from angina
- Have a history of liver conditions
- Have a condition called porphyria
- Have a history of stroke, blood clots in the legs or lungs, or any other heart-related illnesses
- Have a history of high blood pressure
- Suffer from sickle cell disease
- Have any form of cancer
- Have a history of migraine or severe headaches
When completing a consultation form for any medication or treatment, it is essential that you declare your full medical history, no matter if you think it might not be relevant. This is to ensure that the clinician can prescribe safe and effective medication for you.
Planning and Timing Tips
The best way to get the ideal results from your period delay tablets is to plan ahead.
Track Your Cycle
Using a period tracker or calendar so you know exactly when to start taking period delay tablets.
Don’t Start Too Late
Starting tablets too close to your period could reduce how well they work. You should aim to start three days before you are due to start.
Plan Around Your Holiday
Looking at your holiday plans, consider when those important days and events fall and how long they last for. You can discuss this with a clinician if you are unsure.
The Bottom Line
If you’re jetting off to a holiday in the sun, attending that once-in-a-lifetime festival, or need a temporary pause in periods for medical reasons, we’ve got you. Period delay tablets can offer that control and confidence over your plans.
If you’re considering delaying your period this summer season, simply fill out a quick consultation with one of our clinicians and we’ll take care of the rest. We’ll send your treatment discreetly directly to your door.