For some women, with heavy periods and painful cramps, delaying a period is not a choice but a necessity. And although there is no guarantee that a period will be delayed, it is important to know your options. As long as you have approval from your doctor, there is no reason why you should not be able to delay your period.
If you have heavy monthly bleeds and are looking forward to an important event which unfortunately falls on your time of the month, know that you don’t have to suffer through it.
Don’t worry period healthcare is in the British National Formulary, so there will be several appropriate options for you to delay your period.
Want to learn more about period delays, scroll down for more information.
Can I purposely delay my period?
Yes, you can delay your period through birth control and norethisterone, a synthetic form of progesterone.
As there are many different options for delaying your period and several potential side effects, it is best that you first seek the advice of your GP.
Your GP will note down what other prescriptions you already have, and if the period delay medicine is safe to take alongside them.
Once you get the ok from your GP, they will be able to prescribe you the period delay pills, unless you prefer buying them online like through Boots Online Doctor.
There are different options you can choose from depending if you want to delay your period for a week or as long as 17 days.
How does norethisterone work?
Norethisterone when prescribed by a doctor is supposed to be taken three times a day. But before you take it, make sure to note down how long your cycle was for the past few months so you know when your next period should be.
Then take your norethisterone pills three days before your next period is due.
Keep taking the pills for as long as you are ready to have your next period.
After you stop taking your period delay pills your period should start within 2-3 days.
Why use period delay
Period delay allows you to choose when you want to have your period. Maybe you have a wedding to go to or a long-awaited holiday that is on the same day as your period.
The main reason for taking period delay tablets is because your period is due at an inconvenient time.
If your periods are consistently very heavy and affect your day-to-day life, consider long-term options to help you manage your period.
Other ways to delay your period
If period delay doesn’t work it might be best to consider using birth control to delay your period. Birth control like the pill, implants, and IUDs, could be effective in delaying your period. However, make sure to first speak with your doctor to help you find the best option for you. Your doctor will fill you in on all the potential side effects and will ask you what medicines you take, as some will interfere with the birth control.
Also, birth control takes your body a few months to get used to, so it wouldn’t be helpful if you were looking to delay your period for an event that is less than a few months away.
What are the side effects?
Side effects will differ from person to person. Some may experience little to nothing, while others might have a light period. Other known side effects include low mood, low sex drive, cramps, nausea, headaches, acne, and breast tenderness.
Some women have reported more painful cramps after their period returns, and some may experience a heavier period in their next cycle. Please be aware that you might experience mood changes similar to PMS (premenstrual syndrome), and many of your symptoms could mimic a period.
Final thoughts
Norethisterone can be an effective way to delay your period. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have. Make sure to seek medical advice if you are worried or in severe pain.
Be careful to follow the instructions for taking period delay tablets. Do not take more pills than recommended per day. If you have forgotten to take your pills more than once that day, do not try to catch up by taking them all at once. They are intended to be taken at intervals throughout the day.
So, if you are going on holiday or have another upcoming event, it might be sensible to explore period delay options.
