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Period Delay
We offer clinically approved period delay treatments, including Norethisterone, to help you safely and effectively manage your menstrual cycle. Our secure online consultation ensures you receive personalised advice and the right treatment for your needs.
Delay your period with confidence, with discreet, fast and professional support from start to finish.
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Period Delay treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
Can period delay tablets affect my fertility?+−
Norethisterone can affect the reproductive system. The tablets can cause anovulation, which occurs when ovulation does not occur during a cycle.
How quickly do period delay tablets work?+−
Period delay tablets should be taken 3 days before your expected period. You must take one tablet three times a day for the medicine to be effective.
Do period delay tablets interact with other medications?+−
If you take any of the following medicines, they may alter the effects of norethisterone tablets:
Medicines to treat epilepsy - phenytoin, carbamazepine, etc.
Antibiotics - Tetracyclines, rifampicin, co-trimoxazol,e etc.
Antivirals - Ritonavir, nelfinavir
Anticancer medication
Herbal preparations containing St. John's Wort
Aminoglutethimide
Ciclosporin
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treating pain and inflammation
Medications that treat high blood pressure
Are period delay tablets safe to use?+−
Period delay tablets are generally considered safe for use. They do have side effects, as do all medicines. If you have any queries or concerns, please call us on 0121 628 5318.
What are the side effects of period delay tablets?+−
There are a few side effects of period delay tablets that are important to be aware of.
Side effects can affect various systems, including the reproductive system, breasts, nervous system, stomach, intestines, skin, hair, heart, and circulation. For an extensive list of side effects, please see the patient information leaflet.
Norethisterone can cause:
Changes in sex drive
Weight gain
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Increased facial or body hair, etc.
Do I need a prescription for period delay tablets?+−
Our team at Quick Meds provide a prescription for you, which is dispensed via our pharmacy and delivered to you by post.
Can anyone use period delay tablets?+−
There are specific criteria a patient must meet to be safely prescribed these tablets.
When should I start taking period delay tablets?+−
The treatment should be initiated three days before the expected onset of menstruation.
What should I do if I miss a dose of my period delay tablets?+−
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue the other doses at their normal time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Are there natural ways to delay my period?+−
There are natural ways to delay your period that you may find suitable, but there is no scientific evidence to confirm their effectiveness.
Can period delay tablets be used as a regular method of contraception?+−
Women should not take period delay tablets as regular contraception. Norethisterone does not act as a contraceptive, and there is a possibility of pregnancy.
How often can I use period delay tablets?+−
Period delay tablets should not be used on a regular basis.
Can I use period delay tablets if I'm already on contraceptive pills?+−
If you take a combined contraceptive pill, you must not take norethisterone tablets. You may take period delay tablets if you take the mini pill (progesterone-only pill).
How long can I delay my period using period delay tablets?+−
Using our service here at Quick Meds, you can delay your period for up to 30 days. You can purchase a box of 30, 60 or 90 tablets, to be taken 3 days before your expected period and continued until you would like your period to be delayed.
What are the alternatives to period delay tablets?+−
Alternatives are the combined contraceptive pill. This can be taken back to back, omitting the pill-free interval to prevent withdrawal bleeding. Your GP must prescribe these.
What Are Period Delay Tablets?
Period delay tablets contain a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. Norethisterone is a type of progestogen contained within these tablets.
Typically, during a woman's cycle, progesterone levels drop after ovulation, and this drop triggers the onset of menstruation. Period delay treatment maintains a high level of hormones and therefore delays the menstrual phase of the cycle.
There are many reasons why a woman might want to delay her period, but the most common are holidays, pilgrimages, or her wedding.
How Do Period Delay Tablets Work?
There are four phases of a menstrual cycle: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase. Menstruation is the phase during which a menstrual period occurs. The hormone progesterone peaks during the luteal phase of the cycle and then declines, triggering the onset of menstruation.
Norethisterone period delay tablets are taken 3 days before a period is due to start. By taking this synthetic hormone, the levels of progesterone in the body do not fall, which in turn prevents menstruation from being triggered.
The ingredients in norethisterone period delay tablets are:
Norethisterone 5mg
Lactose
Maise starch
Magnesium Stearate
Ingredients are dependent upon the brand available at the time but are commonly the same. For a full list of ingredients, please see the patient information leaflet.
If you are allergic or hypersensitive to any of these ingredients, please do not take norethisterone.
Do not take norethisterone if:
You are allergic to norethisterone or similar hormones or any ingredients in this medication
You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
You have now or have ever had vaginal bleeding that was not a period
You have had or currently have a family history of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis
You have had a heart attack
You have liver problems or liver disease
You have had a pregnancy where you had jaundice or an itchy rash known as pemphigoid
You have pruritus
You have porphyria
Your doctor may choose to stop treatment if you have very high blood pressure.
What Are the Different Types of Period Delay Tablets?
The two most popular forms of period delay are norethisterone and medroxyprogesterone. If you believe Medroxyprogesterone is more suitable for you, please see your GP.
Norethisterone 5mg could be the right period delay treatment for you if you wish to delay your period for an event such as a holiday or pilgrimage.
Norethisterone does, unfortunately, have its drawbacks - it can alter your next period. Your next period may be later than usual and may also be lighter or heavier.
If used correctly, norethisterone can delay your period for up to 17 days with our service here at Quick Meds. Depending on the brand, Norethisterone tablets can also be prescribed for up to 30 days.
What Are the Benefits of Using Period Delay Tablets?
In life, we have many important events where we feel it would be great to experience them without having to worry about period pains or constantly having to change your sanitary towel or tampon. This big event could be a holiday, your wedding, a pilgrimage or a sporting event.
The tablets are a short course that depends on how long you would like to delay your period. They can provide physical and emotional benefits during big occasions in your life by relieving you of your menstruating phase at such an important time.
Risks and Side Effects of Period Delay Tablets
As with all medication, there are risks and side effects associated with period delay tablets.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you must stop taking norethisterone immediately:
Severe allergic reaction - Norethisterone rarely causes severe allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening. However, if you notice the following symptoms: wheezing, difficulty breathing, feeling faint, swelling of the face or tongue, swelling of the hands and feet, and an intensely itchy skin rash, it is essential to stop taking the medication immediately.
Thrombosis (blood clots) - The symptoms of a blood clot include sudden, intense, sharp chest pain, coughing up blood, sudden shortness of breath, and a rapid heartbeat.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - Intense pain, tenderness or swelling in the calf, ankle or foot, purple discolouration of the leg's skin or the skin turning red and warm to the touch.
If you experience any of the following, it is important that you seek medical advice:
Jaundice - yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
Migraine - a migraine headache for the very first time
Norethisterone tablets can also have side effects on different areas of the body. Below are a few; see the patient information for a complete list.
Effects on the reproductive system and breasts:
Bleeding and spotting in between periods
Absence of periods (amenorrhoea)
Unexpected or unusual vaginal bleeding
Changes in discharge from the cervix
Cervical erosions (may be seen when having a smear test)
Cycles where ovulation is absent (anovulation)
Breast pain and breast tenderness
Milky discharge from the breast when not pregnant or breastfeeding (galactorrhoea)
Contact your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you experience any side effects.
It is essential to inform your GP or relevant healthcare professional that you will be taking these tablets.
How To Use Period Delay Tablets
You can buy norethisterone online through our service at Quick Meds. We offer next-day delivery, so you will receive your medication promptly.
How to take Norethisterone:
Take one tablet three times a day. Tablets must be started three days before your expected period. Approximately three days after you stop taking the tablets, you will have your period. Norethisterone works effectively when the instructions are adhered to.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue the other doses at their normal time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Norethisterone is for occasional use only. It is not to be used consistently and can be used for up to 30 days with our service.
Are There Alternatives?
If you currently take a combined contraceptive pill, you should not take a period delay tablet.
A better way of delaying your period, if you are already taking the combined pill, is to use it back to back without a break. By taking the combined contraceptive pill back to back, you will not experience the withdrawal bleed. When you stop your combined pill for your 7-day break, the withdrawal of hormones allows the womb lining to break down so you have a period-like bleed. This also applies to the contraceptive patch and ring.
If you take a Progesterone-only pill (mini pill), you may take norethisterone.
Please make our practitioners aware if you are taking any hormonal contraception.
There are many home remedies available that claim to shorten or stop your period. These natural methods have no scientific backing, but may be something you want to try if you do not want to take medication. These natural remedies include:
Exercising regularly can have an impact on the length of a menstrual period. Regular exercise may shorten your period as well as lighten the flow.
Not using tampons - Tampons can stop the internal flow of menstrual blood, which can make your period longer. Try sanitary towels instead.
Where Can You Purchase Period Delay Tablets Safely Online?
Our period delay service here at Quick Meds is efficient and confidential. We can provide the most suitable treatments for you. We are a fully regulated pharmacy, and our GPhC information is on our website if you wish to review it.
It is extremely important to purchase medication from a reputable and trustworthy source. Medication used to stop periods can be sold online through non-pharmacy websites. These items may not be actual pharmaceutical products, and it is best to avoid purchasing non-genuine products. These could go on to cause harm to your body and make you feel unwell. They could also have no effect on you at all, as they may be dummy products.
Tips to avoid counterfeit medication:
Buy medication from pharmacies that have their GPhC information available, and you can verify that they are a legitimate pharmacy
Check the registration status of the pharmacist
Always get your medication from a reputable outlet
Ensure the medication is being prescribed against a prescription
Pay attention to the smell and appearance of the medication if you have already purchased it. Medication should not have a strange odour or appearance and should not break apart or crack easily. The packaging should be intact.
Be aware of 'too good to be true' promises made by pharmacies, such as 'cures all' or 'limited supply - buy in advance or large amounts'.
Check prices against big-name brands. If the product is significantly cheaper, it may be fake.
How to Purchase Period Delay Tablets from Quick Meds
Buying period delay tablets from Quick Meds is simple and discreet. Start by completing our short online consultation, which is reviewed by a qualified prescriber to ensure the treatment is safe and suitable for you. Once approved, your medication is dispensed by our UK-registered pharmacy and delivered quickly in plain packaging for your privacy. No GP appointment or face-to-face visit needed.
Conclusion
Norethisterone tablets are available from our online service here at Quick Meds. We offer safe and fast delivery via Royal Mail, which discreetly gets your medication to you in time for your event or occasion.
Norethisterone is available as 5mg tablets in a pack size of 30 tablets (7-day period delay), 60 tablets (17-day period delay) and 90 tablets (27-day period delay)
If you believe this service is suitable for you, please fill out the questionnaire so we can provide it to you.
Call us on 0121 628 5318 if you have any queries or concerns.
