Period Delay Tablets

The main ways to stop your period are by using period delay tablets, or by taking hormonal contraceptives like the combined pill.

Period delay tablets

Period delay tablets contain an artificial version of the female hormone progesterone. Your period starts when the level of progesterone in your body begins to drop. Taking period delay tablets stops your progesterone levels from falling, which stops your period from starting.

Hormonal contraceptives

Hormonal contraceptives can also delay your period, though they are generally not very consistent and not a short-term solution.

Combined contraceptive pills can be used to delay your period over a longer period of time, as well as prevent pregnancy. The combined pill will usually be prescribed with a pill-free week every month which causes a period-like withdrawal bleed, but you can skip this bleed by continuing to take the pill. Some women may experience light spotting or breakthrough bleeding during this time.

Other combined hormonal contraceptives that may be used to delay your period include the combined patch (such as Evra) or a vaginal ring. Progesterone-only pills, or the ‘mini pill’, can stop periods in some people, but this is not consistent, so it’s difficult to predict whether this method will work for you.

Period delay tablets are medications that are designed to temporarily stop your period from starting. They mimic the hormone progesterone to prevent your womb lining from shedding. Period delay tablets can be used for up to 30 days and must be started 3 days before your period is due.

Types of period delay tablets

Norethisterone is an unbranded period delay tablet. It’s also sold under the brand name Utovlan. Both contain norethisterone as their active ingredient.

Provera is a different period delay tablet, containing the active ingredient medroxyprogesterone acetate. It is usually used to treat or manage period problems, such as heavy periods. When used to delay periods, it’s known as ‘off-label’ use which means it’s not being prescribed for what it’s licensed for in the UK. Your doctor can still safely prescribe it to delay your period, as long as it is suitable for you.

Although they contain different active ingredients, period delay tablets all work in the same way – raising progesterone levels to stop your period from starting. They are prescription-only, so a doctor will make sure your chosen tablet is safe and suitable for you before prescribing.

Period delay tablets work by keeping your progesterone levels high, which stops your period from starting. Your progesterone levels naturally decline when your period is about to start, which causes your womb lining to shed. You start taking period delay just before your period is expected to start, which stops your progesterone levels from decreasing.

This means your womb lining will not shed and your period will be delayed until you stop taking them. Period delay tablets start working straight away and must be taken 3 times a day. Your period will usually start 2 to 3 days after you finish your treatment course.

Can you get pregnant while taking period delay tablets?

Yes, period delay tablets are not hormonal contraceptives and cannot prevent pregnancy. You should still use an additional form of contraception if you want to prevent pregnancy, like a condom. If you do not have your period after 3 days of stopping your tablets, take a pregnancy test and speak with your doctor.

You should not take period delay tablets while using the combined pill, but you can if you’re taking the mini pill.

1. Start your treatment 3 days before your period is due. Provera can also be taken 2 days before.
2. Take 1 tablet, 3 times a day.
3. Space the doses evenly throughout the day, such as morning, lunch, and evening.
4. Take each tablet with a glass of water, with or without food.
5. Continue taking your treatment until all the tablets are gone. You’ll usually come on your period within 3 days of stopping treatment.

How long can you take period delay tablets for?

You can take period delay tablets to safely delay your period for up to 30 days at a time.

If you would like to delay your period for longer than a month, then you should speak to your doctor about longer-term methods of period delay or prevention such as the combined contraceptive pill.

What should I do if I forget to take my period delay tablet?

If you forget to take any period delay tablet, take the missed tablet as soon as possible. If your next dose is already due, skip the missed dose and continue taking them as normal. Do not take a double dose.

Missing period delay tablets increases the chance of breakthrough bleeding, so it's important that you continue taking your treatment 3 times a day, evenly spaced throughout the day.

Can you take period delay tablets if your period has started?

No, period delay tablets work by preventing your womb lining from shedding. If you are already bleeding, it cannot reverse this process so they will not work.

You can buy period tablets with a prescription from a doctor. You can do this through online providers, such as ZAVA, or you may be able to get them through your GP.

Can I buy period delay tablets online?

Yes, you can buy period delay tablets online. Period delay tablets are a prescription-only medication, so you will need a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional before you can buy them.

Make sure to only request period delay tablets online from trusted doctor services like ZAVA. We are monitored and regulated so you can be sure you’re receiving safe and genuine medication.

Getting period delay tablets with a prescription from ZAVA is simple and convenient, and there’s no need for a face-to-face appointment.

1. Complete a quick online medical questionnaire – Share details about your health and medical history so our doctors can ensure period delay tablets are right for you.
2. Order and pay online – Sign in or create a ZAVA account, select your chosen period delay tablets, and securely make payment.
3. Doctor review and approval – A UK-licensed doctor will check your health information and approve your prescription request if period delay tablets are safe and appropriate for you.
4. Fast and discreet delivery – If approved, your period delay tablets will be delivered discreetly to your address, or a local post office for collection.

Can I buy period delay tablets over the counter?

No, all period delay tablets are prescription-only, so you need to speak with a doctor to get them. There are over-the-counter mini pills available but these may not reliably stop your period.

Can I get period delay tablets on the NHS?

Yes, usually norethisterone is prescribed for period delay on the NHS. You’ll need to schedule an appointment with your GP to get a prescription for them.

When taking any period delay tablet, there’s a small risk of having a severe allergic reaction, which is a medical emergency. Someone should call 999 straight away if you get any of these symptoms while taking your tablets:

• feeling faint
• difficulty breathing
• wheezing
• swelling of the face, tongue, hands, or feet
• an intense, itchy skin rash

Other serious side effects of period delay tablets include:

• the risk of a blood clot, which can cause severe pain, discolouration of the skin, shortness of breath, or collapsing
• jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes)

Common and uncommon side effects of period delay tablets include:

• headaches
• changes to your menstrual cycle
• nausea (feeling sick)
• unexpected vaginal bleeding
• a change in mood, such as depression, anxiety, or nervousness
• a change in sex drive
• trouble sleeping
• dizziness
• acne
• hair loss
• rash or itchy skin
• vaginal discharge
• breast tenderness or pain
• fever
• tiredness
• weight increase

How long do period delay tablets side effects last?

Most period delay tablet side effects are mild and should go away within a few days to a few weeks. Any side effects you do get should wear off once you finish taking the medication. If at any time, you get any serious or persistent side effects, speak with a doctor straight away.

Period delay tablets are medications that are also used to treat a range of other conditions. Some side effects are more likely with continued use of the medication and are less likely when only taking them for a few days or weeks to delay your period.

What to do if you get period delay tablets side effects

Serious side effects must be reported to a doctor straight away. Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency.

See if mild side effects go away once your body adjusts to the treatment. Headaches can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers, good hydration, and rest. If you get nausea, try taking your tablets with a meal, instead of on an empty stomach.

Period delay tablets may not be the right fit for everyone. Certain conditions or certain medications can interact with period delay tablets, making them less effective, or potentially unsafe.

You cannot take any period delay tablet if you are pregnant or taking a combined contraceptive, like the pill or patch. Breastfeeding women should speak with their doctor for personalised advice.

You should not take Provera if you have:

• an allergy to medroxyprogesterone acetate, or any non-active ingredients in the tablets
• ever had breast cancer or blood clots
• liver problems
• porphyria, a rare blood disorder

You should not take norethisterone or Utovlan if you have:

• an allergy to norethisterone, or other ingredients in the tablets
• ever had blood clots or unexplained vaginal bleeding
• angina, or have ever had a heart attack
• liver problems
• had a pregnancy where you had jaundice or pemphigoid gestationis (an itchy rash)
• pruritus, which is a severe itching all over your body
• porphyria, a rare blood disorder
• migraines with aura
• high blood pressure

If you have any other health conditions, speak to your doctor before taking period delay tablets.

Certain medications may also stop period delay tablets from working effectively, so speak to your doctor if you take any other medications, especially:

• phenobarbital for epilepsy
• aminoglutethimide for Cushing’s syndrome
• blood thinners, such as warfarin
• HIV and AIDS treatment
• any medication to treat an infection
• a herbal treatment called St John’s wort
• anticancer medication
• ciclosporin, a medication used to suppress the immune system
• high blood pressure medication, such as beta-blockers
• anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen