How to delay a period

There are times when some women may want to delay their period. For example, their period may be due at a time that would not be convenient for them, such as when they are going on a special holiday, or they are taking an exam, etc. If this is the case, you can ask a healthcare professional how to delay a period - this will usually involve taking period delay tablets.

Women taking the combined oral contraceptive pill

If you are taking a fixed-dose combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill (often just called 'the pill') then simply start the next pack without the usual seven-day break. Taking two packs back-to-back in this way is safe if it is done occasionally and it is now recommended as a standard way to take the pill - this is known as tailored pill taking. A woman can take two or three packets back to back and then just have a four day break, or can take the pill continuously. Whilst this is not within the licence of the drug, it is commonly recommended and is called a 'tailored regime'. This is not generally advised with multiphasic pills (where not all the pills in a pack have the same dose of hormones). Multiphasic pills are not commonly used in the UK. If it is multiphasic, usually the colour of the pill or the packet will not be the same throughout the month.

How does this work?

Women taking 'the pill' do not have normal periods, caused by the hormone changes in the menstrual cycle. Rather, they are withdrawal bleeds which occur when the oestrogen in the pill is not taken. The hormones in the pill help to sustain the lining of the womb (uterus). The withdrawal bleed will not normally occur until the pill is stopped and the level of hormone in the body falls (usually once a month in the seven-day break between pill packs).

If you are not already taking 'the pill' then you may consider starting it if it is likely to be a suitable contraceptive for you in the future. You will have to start it a few weeks before your holiday though to ensure you do not have a period when you are away. You will need to see a healthcare professional to start the pill (this can be in person or remotely) - they will check your medical history and will need to know your blood pressure, height and weight. Some women cannot take the combined pill for safety reasons, this includes smokers aged over 35 and those who have a particular type of migraine called migraine with aura. This is because taking combined hormonal contraception in these circumstances gives an unacceptably high risk of blood clots.

Everything that we have said about the combined pill also applies to the combined contraceptive patch and vaginal ring.

Women not taking the combined oral contraceptive pill

If you are not taking the COC pill ('the pill') then a hormone tablet (progestogen) called norethisterone can be prescribed. The dose is one tablet (5 mg) three times a day. You start three days before a period is due. It can be continued until you want to have a period. Your period will then normally begin 2-3 days after stopping it. It can be taken for up to 3-4 weeks if necessary. This is only for use on an occasional basis for special events, rather than something to be taken regularly.

Norethisterone is normally safe to take. However, if you have an increased risk of having a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) this method may not be suitable for you. Your doctor will be able to discuss this with you. Some women have side-effects such as bloating, stomach upset, breast discomfort and reduced sex drive (libido).

A different hormone (progestogen) medicine called medroxyprogesterone acetate may be advised instead of norethisterone because of it has a lower risk of causing a DVT. Many doctors now use medroxyprogesterone as a first-line medication to delay periods, instead of norethisterone.

How does this work?

Norethisterone is a progestogen hormone. Progestogens are hormones that sustain the lining of the womb (uterus). Normally at the time before a period there is a fall in the level of progestogen hormone in the body. When it falls below a certain level, the lining of the womb is shed as a menstrual period. By taking norethisterone tablets (progestogen) the lining of the uterus is sustained until the tablet is stopped. Note: norethisterone taken in this way is not a contraceptive.