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Period Delay

We all have times when we wish we could delay our periods for just a couple of days or weeks. Thanks to the help of hormonal contraceptives and other hormonal supplements this is now a possibility. Period delay, provided it is not done continuously, is normally harmless, and will allow you to enjoy your holiday or any other special occasion without any interruptions.

If you aren't currently using combined hormonal contraception, Norethisterone is an effective way to help you push the start of your period back. Norethisterone is a high dose of progestogen, which is a naturally occurring female hormone that is involved with various processes during your regular menstrual cycle.

Dr Hilary Jones
OnlineClinic Medical Advisor

"It’s not always convenient for your period to start, but there are safe ways to delay your period."

On this page

How does a period delay treatment work?

What are the benefits of period delay?

Is period delay dangerous?

What treatment options are available for period delay?

How does a period delay treatment work?

Period delay involves altering the actions that would normally occur during your menstrual cycle, by the introduction of artificial hormones. If you are taking a combined oral contraceptive such as Microgynon which contains both oestrogen and progestogen, then you are more than likely not experiencing your period as you normally would, because the medication stops ovulation. The bleeding you'd normally experience during your week off is known as a withdrawal bleed, and occurs so that your body can remove the contraceptive hormones from your system. If you want to delay your period while taking a combined oral contraceptive, you simply need to keep on taking your tablets without the week's break between packs. This will delay the withdrawal bleed until it is time for your next break from the pill.

Norethisterone is a prescription period delay option for people who aren't using a combined pill and want to delay menstruation. This high dose progestogen treatment should be taken a couple of days before your period would normally start. It will then delay your period by stimulating the womb lining to grow, where it would normally flourish up until a point and then be shed as your period after ovulation. Norethisterone doesn't provide you with contraceptive cover like the pill would.

What are the benefits of period delay?

Convenience is one of the main benefits of period delay, but there may also be secondary benefits to pushing back the start of your period. Sometimes doctors may recommend delaying your period if you experience periods that are frequent, prolonged, painful or heavy; if you experience breast tenderness, moodiness or bloating before your period; or if you suffer from symptoms of endometriosis, migraines, asthma or epilepsy that tend to worsen when you have your period.

Is period delay dangerous?

It is important that you only use combined oral contraceptives or Norethisterone to delay your period if you are able to use these medications safely. In general, period delay isn't likely to be dangerous. However it is important to avoid doing it regularly, unless you've been advised otherwise by your doctor.

Some women may experience side effects as a result of delaying their period or taking period delay medication. The most commonly reported side effects are bloating, breast tenderness, loss of libido or stomach pains.

What treatment options are available for period delay?

Treatments that can help you delay your period are combined oral contraceptives such as ED, phasic and monophasic versions, and the period delay medication Norethisterone. Unfortunately, progestogen-only contraceptives (mini-pill) can't be taken in a different way to help delay your period; however you may want to speak to your doctor about using Norethisterone.

Phasic combined oral contraceptives – These should be taken as usual, without a break between packs, however ask your doctor for advice to ensure that you start the new pack at the right time.

ED (everyday) versions of the pill – These pills should be taken until you have to start taking the dummy pills. To delay your period a doctor will recommend that you skip the dummy pills and start a new pack straight away.

Monophasic combined oral contraceptives – Simply take these pills until you reach the end of your 21 days and then just carry on with a new pack, without taking a seven day break.

Norethisterone – This treatment should be started three days before your period for a maximum of two weeks. Simply stop taking it when you are ready to start your period and it should start three days after you've stopped taking it.