Period delay
Symptoms
- Upcoming event where period would be inconvenient
- Holiday or travel plans
- Sporting events or competitions
- Special occasions
Who this service is for
- Women aged 18 and over
- Those not currently pregnant
- Women not using hormonal contraception
- Those without history of blood clots
This service is not suitable for
- Pregnant women or those trying to conceive
- Those with history of blood clots or stroke
- Women with liver disease
- Those currently using hormonal contraception
When to seek urgent care
Contact your GP or seek emergency care immediately if you experience:
- Missed periods without using period delay tablets
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Symptoms of pregnancy
Treatment information
A period can be postponed with a progestogen tablet started three days before the period is due and continued for up to about three weeks. The period usually arrives two to three days after stopping. It is not a contraceptive and is not suitable for everyone, so your prescriber will check your history, including clotting risk and any hormonal contraception you already use.
Prescription treatment is only supplied following a clinical assessment. If treatment is not clinically appropriate, you will not be charged for medication.
Treatment options
- A progestogen tablet started three days before your period is due; the period usually returns two to three days after stopping.
- Not a contraceptive, and not suitable if you have certain clotting or liver conditions.
- If you already take the combined pill, your prescriber may suggest running packs together instead.
Reviewed by
Anand Sharma
MRPharmS, Independent Prescriber
Superintendent Pharmacist (designate)
Important information
This is a private healthcare service. Prescription medications are only supplied following a clinical assessment by a qualified prescriber. Treatment is not guaranteed and will only be provided where clinically appropriate. Alternative options may be discussed.