Delaying 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.

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. You still only need to have a seven-day break at the end of these two packets.

If you are taking a triphasic or biphasic type of pill then you will need to take the last phase of the pills from the second pack immediately after finishing the first pack. Alternatively, you can change to a fixed-dose pill.

You should see your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are not sure which pill you are taking. The pills most commonly used are fixed-dose. If it is triphasic or biphasic 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. 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.

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 may be advised instead of norethisterone because of it has a lower risk of causing a DVT.

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.