Period Delay Treatment
Got a holiday, wedding, exam or special occasion coming up? Our private period delay service lets you postpone your period with norethisterone tablets, supplied after a confidential consultation with our pharmacist here in Raynes Park.
How to get started
There is no need for a GP appointment. Speak to our pharmacist and, if the treatment is suitable for you, we can supply it the same day.
Book your appointment
Choose a time that suits you using our online booking form, or call us on 020 8946 6282.
Private consultation
A short, confidential chat with our pharmacist in our private consultation room.
Collect your tablets
If suitable, your tablets are supplied straight away with full instructions.
Book your appointment online
Pick a date and time below. If you would rather book over the phone, call us on 020 8946 6282.
Please plan ahead. Treatment needs to start three days before your period is due, so please come and see us in good time before your trip or event. Supply is also subject to stock availability, so do call ahead to check.
Pricing
We charge 70p per tablet, and you only pay for the tablets you need. The exact number depends on how long you want to delay your period, which we will work out with you during your consultation.
You take three tablets a day, starting three days before your period is due. As a guide:
| Length of delay | Tablets needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days | 24 tablets | £16.80 |
| 7 days | 30 tablets | £21.00 |
| 10 days | 39 tablets | £27.30 |
| 14 days | 51 tablets | £35.70 |
Figures include the three days of tablets taken before your period is due. Your final quantity and price are confirmed at your consultation.
Who can use this service?
This service may be suitable for you if:
- you are 16 years of age or over;
- you want to delay your period for a specific occasion, such as a holiday, wedding or exam;
- you want to delay your period for up to 4 weeks; and
- you are looking for occasional rather than regular use.
Already using hormonal contraception?
If you take the combined pill, the progesterone-only pill, or use a patch, implant, injection or hormonal coil, this treatment is not given alongside it. With the combined pill it is often possible to delay your period by running packs together instead — speak to us or your GP and we will point you in the right direction.
When this treatment would not be suitable
We will not be able to supply the tablets if you:
- are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding;
- have had period delay treatment in the last 6 months (we would refer you to your GP or family planning clinic);
- have ever had a blood clot, such as a DVT or a clot on the lung;
- have or have had heart problems such as angina or a heart attack, or are at high risk of them;
- have unexplained vaginal bleeding;
- have breast cancer now, or have had a hormone-related cancer;
- have a history of porphyria, or of severe itching or jaundice during pregnancy; or
- are allergic to norethisterone or any of the other ingredients.
Tell us about your health
Please mention any medical conditions and all medicines you take, including anything bought over the counter or herbal (St John’s wort in particular). Our pharmacist will take extra care, and may need to speak with your GP first, if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, migraines, lupus, kidney or liver problems, a history of depression, or if you take anticoagulants (blood thinners). This list is not exhaustive — the consultation is there so we can check everything properly with you.
How the tablets are taken
You take one 5mg tablet three times a day, starting three days before your period is due to begin. You keep taking them for as long as you want to delay your period, and your period will usually start within about three days of your last tablet.
Good to know: this treatment can be used for up to around 3–4 weeks. It is not a contraceptive and will not protect you from pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, so please continue to use your usual precautions. How well the delay works can vary a little from person to person.
Side effects
Most people take norethisterone without any trouble, but as with any medicine there can be side effects. The more common ones include:
- changes to your cycle, such as spotting or breakthrough bleeding;
- breast tenderness;
- headaches, or feeling low in mood;
- tummy upset such as nausea, constipation or diarrhoea; and
- acne or other skin reactions.
A full list is in the leaflet supplied with your tablets. If something concerns you, we are always happy for you to come back and speak to us.
Stop taking the tablets and get medical help straight away if you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a swollen or painful leg, as these can be signs of a blood clot. Also seek advice promptly if you get sudden problems with your vision, double vision, or an unusually severe migraine.
Why choose Trident Pharmacy?
- No GP appointment needed — speak to our pharmacist directly.
- Private and confidential — consultations take place in our private room.
- Pay only for what you need — simple 70p per tablet pricing.
- Convenient — we are easy to reach at 211 Worple Road, Raynes Park.
Ready to book your consultation?
Book online in a couple of clicks, or give us a call.
How to find us
| Address | 211 Worple Road, Raynes Park, London, SW20 8QY |
| Phone | 020 8946 6282 |
| Opening hours | Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 7:00pm Saturday: 9:00am – 2:00pm Sunday: Closed |
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
70p per tablet, and you only pay for the tablets you need. For example, delaying your period by a week works out at around £21.00.
How do I book?
Use the online booking form on this page to pick a date and time, or call us on 020 8946 6282. Booking ahead means we can make sure the tablets are in stock for you.
How far in advance should I come?
You need to start the tablets three days before your period is due, so come and see us with a few days to spare — ideally a week or two before your trip or event.
How long can I delay my period for?
Up to around 3–4 weeks. This treatment is intended for occasional use rather than every month.
When will my period come back?
Usually within about three days of taking your last tablet.
Is it a contraceptive?
No. Norethisterone used this way does not prevent pregnancy, so please keep using your usual contraception.
Can I use it if I’m on the pill?
Not alongside it. If you take the combined pill you can often delay your period by taking packs back to back instead. Speak to us and we will talk you through the options.
Is my consultation private?
Yes. We use a private consultation room, and everything you tell us is treated confidentially.
Contact us
Have a question about our period delay service? Our team is here to help.
This is a private service and is not available on the NHS. Treatment is supplied under a Patient Group Direction following a consultation, and is only provided where our pharmacist assesses it as clinically appropriate for you. We reserve the right to decline treatment where it would not be safe or suitable. This page is for general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice — if you have specific health concerns, please speak to our pharmacist, your GP, or call NHS 111.