How do period delay pills work?
Our period delay tablets contain Norethisterone which prevents the womb lining from shedding (i.e. delays your period).
It is usually taken as a 5mg tablet, three times a day, starting three days before your period is due.
When you stop taking the tablets, hormone levels drop, and your period usually starts within 2–3 days.
What is Norethisterone?
Norethisterone is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone.
It works by keeping hormone levels high, preventing the natural drop in progesterone that triggers menstruation.
It can also be used to help manage menstrual disorders, or treat conditions like heavy or irregular bleeding, endometriosis, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Do Norethisterone period delay tablets prevent pregnancy?
No, norethisterone does not prevent pregnancy.
Although it’s a hormone similar to those used in some contraceptives, when taken to delay a period, norethisterone is not effective as a contraceptive.
It does not reliably stop ovulation, so you can still become pregnant while taking it.
If you need protection against pregnancy while using norethisterone, you should continue using your usual method of contraception, such as condoms or the contraceptive pill.
Do I need a prescription for period delay tablets?
Yes, period delay tablets like norethisterone require a prescription in the UK.
Our pharmacists at Smarta Healthcare can prescribe period delay tablets following a consultation and review of your current health and medications.
You can receive your period delay tablets at an in-clinic consultation, or we can arrange for the tablets to be delivered to your address in the UK, following an online consultation.
How should I take period delay tablets?
You should start taking norethisterone 3 days before your period is due.
It is usually taken three times a day for up to 10–14 days, depending on how long you want to delay your period.
Our pharmacist will explain how to take the tablets and answer any questions you may have during your consultation.
How reliable are Norethisterone period delay tablets?
Norethisterone is generally very reliable for delaying your period when taken correctly.
Most people who take it as directed — one 5 mg tablet three times a day, starting three days before their period is due — will successfully delay their period until they stop the tablets.
In rare cases, some women may still experience light spotting or irregular bleeding.
Overall, when used correctly and prescribed appropriately, norethisterone is a safe and effective option for short-term period delay.
Who can take period delay tablets?
Most healthy women can take norethisterone, but it’s not suitable for everyone.
It may not be recommended if you have a history of blood clots, liver disease, breast cancer, or are currently pregnant.
The Smarta Healthcare pharmacist will assess your suitability for period delay tablets during your consultation.
Where can I get period delay tablets?
Following a consultation by a qualified Smarta Healthcare pharmacist, either online or in-clinic, we can prescribe and provide period delay tablets.
We can also arrange delivery of the tablets to your home or work address.
How much do period delay tablets cost?
