Online period-delay consultations
🌸 Plan with more confidence
Planning travel, a holiday or a special event? Arrange an online period-delay consultation in advance with a UK pharmacist independent prescriber. We will review your medical history, current medicines and timing to assess whether treatment is suitable. A prescription cannot be guaranteed.
About period delay tablets
Period delay tablets contain a synthetic form of the hormone **progesterone**, which prevents your period from starting while you take them. They are commonly used to delay menstruation for short-term reasons such as holidays, travel, weddings, or sports events
Your period will normally return within a few days after you stop taking the tablets.
Treatments we prescribe
We follow national guidance and our internal clinical protocol. All treatments are prescription-only and individually assessed.
**Norethisterone (Utovlan)**
• Active ingredient: Norethisterone 5 mg
• Typical dose: 1 tablet three times daily
• Licensed in the UK for period delay. Start at least 3 days before your expected period.
**Medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera)**
• Active ingredient: Medroxyprogesterone 10 mg
• Typical dose: 1 tablet two to three times daily
• Off‑label alternative used when norethisterone is unsuitable. Mild breakthrough bleeding can occur.
Key Factors
Plan ahead: Arrange your consultation before your expected period. The timing depends on the treatment prescribed.
Duration: Your prescriber will advise how long to take the medicine. Follow your prescription instructions and do not extend treatment without advice.
Return of period: Bleeding usually returns within a few days after stopping treatment, although timing varies.
Contraception: Tablets prescribed specifically for period delay do not prevent pregnancy. Discuss suitable contraception during your consultation.
Who can use this service
Our period delay consultation is suitable for **adults aged 18 and over** with regular cycles who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
We may not be able to prescribe if you have:
– A personal or family history of blood clots (DVT, PE, stroke, or heart attack)
– Liver disease or unexplained vaginal bleeding
– Hormone‑sensitive cancers (e.g. breast cancer)
– Migraine with aura, high blood pressure, or other risk factors increasing clot risk
 Possible side effects
Most people tolerate period delay tablets well. Common effects may include:
– Mild headache, nausea, tiredness
– Breast tenderness or bloating
– Light spotting or breakthrough bleeding
**Seek urgent medical help** if you experience:
– Pain or swelling in one leg
– Sudden chest pain or breathlessness
– Severe headache or visual changes
Frequently asked questions
When should I arrange a period-delay consultation?
Arrange your consultation before your expected period. Norethisterone needs to be started at least three days before the expected period. The advice depends on the treatment selected and your circumstances; treatment may not be suitable if bleeding has already started.
How long can I delay my period?
Your prescriber will advise on a suitable duration for the medicine prescribed. Do not extend treatment beyond the instructions you receive.
Does period-delay treatment prevent pregnancy?
No. Medicines prescribed specifically to delay a period are not a substitute for contraception. Discuss your current contraception and pregnancy risk during your consultation.
When will my period return?
Bleeding usually returns within a few days after stopping treatment, but timing varies with the medicine and the individual.
For other medicine questions, explore our online pharmacist consultations. Read about your pharmacist prescriber and our consultation FAQs.
Consultation fee
Online consultation: £30
Prescription (if suitable): Issued electronically
Medicine cost: Payable at the dispensing pharmacy (price depends on brand and quantity)