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Original poster

Period delaying tablets

36 replies

spinningplates68 · 18/04/2024 08:44

I want to delay my period for a holiday. I've never done it before and I'm not on the pill but I understand there are tablets you can get as a one off thing to delay it. Has anyone used them and do they work? Where about in your cycle do you need to take them? And did they mess your cycle up afterwards?

Thank you.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 18/04/2024 08:47

I've used norethisterone. You start them 3 days before your period is due and keep taking them until you want your period to arrive. Your period should arrive a few days after you stop taking them.

toomuchfaster · 18/04/2024 08:48

Online GP will be the best and easiest way to get them.

ChimpyChops · 18/04/2024 08:48

Took them for my holiday last week. Started taking them 3x daily, 3 days before I was due on.

Stopped them after 10 days which was Sunday and I started my period yesterday.

No side effects, still had some period cramping while away.

Gardenlady543 · 18/04/2024 08:48

It's noresthisterone, but your GP will need to assess you to decide if it's right for you.

Cygnetmad · 18/04/2024 08:49

i used it a few times (norethisterone). Started a few days before my period was due. It arrived usually 2-3 days after stopping. My periods afters were beyond awful. But also have severe endometriosis and never had normal periods anyway. But at least I could enjoy the hols. Heavy pay off afters though.

Birch101 · 18/04/2024 08:49

Used them as a teenager for my holidays don't remember issues might need to start again 😊

ChimpyChops · 18/04/2024 08:49

I did an online form to my GP and the prescription was sent the same day. Just had to provide a BP and BMI.

Funfuninthesunsun · 18/04/2024 08:50

I used them for our recent holiday, no issues, I had less PMS than usual but the daily cocktails might have helped that too. I ordered them from superdrug's online pharmacy.

OnTheSeaShore · 18/04/2024 08:52

I've used them once but suffered horrible PMS for the whole duration of my holiday and in retrospect would have preferred to just have my period. Ask your GP for guidance

Original poster
spinningplates68 · 18/04/2024 08:52

My period can sometimes arrive a day or two earlier than expected so if I didn't take them in time (3 days before) would they not work?

OP posts:
JanewaysBun · 18/04/2024 08:55

Ive used them less than 3 days before and it was fine, ive used them loads and apart from occaisionally feeling a bit bloated - no side effects

dementedpixie · 18/04/2024 10:05

I bought mine online rather than using a GP. I wouldn't think it would make a difference if you start them a bit earlier. My periods were fine afterwards but my cycle did shift so that I counted from the delayed period to work out the next period.

Invisablepanic · 18/04/2024 10:14

I got some from boots online a few years ago but they didn't agree with me. I had severe mood issues while taking them, so much that wouldn't consider then again.

On the other hand they didn't mess up my cycle or have any effect on my periods after.

user1471457354 · 18/04/2024 10:20

I would try it before going on holiday. I took them on holiday once and the side effects were a lot worse then just having my period. I had insomnia and severe headaches which totally ruined the trip. After 4 days of putting up with it, I stopped them and my next period was horrendous.

mitogoshi · 18/04/2024 10:22

I've used them to alter my cycle by 2 weeks rather than taking them on holiday, but you need to be fairly regular to make this happen

ramron · 18/04/2024 10:28

I got some from the boots online pharmacy recently, you give some medical info and then they decide the type you’re best suited for.

my cycle varies each month but my average had me starting on a Wednesday, I started taking them the Thursday before to cover all bases.

i had cramps and a bit of spotting but it stayed away and came 3 days after I stopped taking the tablets - a little lighter than usual

FuckoffeeBeforeCoffee · 18/04/2024 10:28

I'm starting some this week if you want me to report back.

Ineedanewsofa · 18/04/2024 10:29

I’ve had norethisterone and they worked (started taking them 3 days before and kept them up until last day of hol) but they had serious impact on my mood so I’ll now only use them for a short time (period due on last day of hol for example)
I’ve also used Provera which had zero side effects - it didn’t quite stop my period but made it super light with no pain.
Both messed with my cycle afterwards

SallySilly · 18/04/2024 10:30

I have regularly used on holiday. Last year I developed acne after taking on a summer holiday. May have been a coincidence, but it is a noted side effect. I wouldn't take again now.

Original poster
spinningplates68 · 18/04/2024 10:38

FuckoffeeBeforeCoffee · 18/04/2024 10:28

I'm starting some this week if you want me to report back.

That would be really helpful thank you.

Sounds like the effects vary from person to person. FWIW I've always been ok with hormonal contraception which I know this isn't, but it's hormone related so hopefully I will be one of the lucky ones who doesn't get too many side effects. I can't use tampons and really don't want to be unable to use the pool etc while we're away.

OP posts:
bryceQ · 18/04/2024 10:45

I always used when I was younger and no side effects for me. They were great

Greenqueen40 · 18/04/2024 10:45

I have used it a few times but it makes me so moody I don't bother now. Also the period after is pretty horrendous - very very painful and I don't usually get much period pain. It's a toss up, having a period on holiday is pretty awful. You may be fine though.

Beigetrenchcoat · 18/04/2024 10:49

Contrary to PP, I requested them from my GP & they refused and told me I could buy them from an online pharmacy 🙄 which was about 24 quid as opposed to the prescription charge!

MyHusbandisRonWeasley · 18/04/2024 10:57

Boots have a service for this and if your period is sometimes a few days early then start taking a week before you are due (this was advice from GP).

3boysonemum · 31/05/2025 11:21

I'm a constant bleeder due to implant would I be ok to take them? I'm going away for 10 days and my bleeding is driving me insane it's been constant for months since having it fitted I really want it to stop for ny holidays gp prescribed me the mini pill for 2 weeks they didn't work at all. Any advice please it's Saturday so I don't no how the online GPS work will I get them in time for Wednesday? Thanks in advance

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