Delay your period — on your terms

How can I delay my period?

A short course of a progestogen tablet, taken in the days leading up to your expected period and continued for as long as you need the delay, can reliably postpone your bleed. Your period usually returns within a few days of stopping the tablets. This is a well-established, safe approach used by many women for holidays, exams, sporting events and other occasions.

The tablet is taken three times a day, starting three to four days before your period is due, and continued for as long as you need the delay (up to 20 days). Once you stop, your period will typically arrive within a few days.

Is period delay safe?

For the vast majority of healthy women, a short course of period delay tablets is considered safe and well tolerated. It is not a contraceptive and does not prevent pregnancy, so it should not be used as one.

It is not suitable during pregnancy, if you have liver problems, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or certain other conditions. The consultation checks for these. Common side effects include breast tenderness, headache, and some changes to mood, but most women tolerate a short course without significant problems.

What if I am already on the combined pill?

If you already take the combined contraceptive pill, you can delay your period by running two packs together without a break — there is no need for a separate period delay prescription. Tell us in the consultation what contraception you currently use and the prescriber will advise the most appropriate approach for you.

Ordering period delay treatment through NewGen

NewGen Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered community pharmacy in Stratford, and our online clinic is run by the same registered team. You complete a short confidential consultation, a UK prescriber reviews your answers, and if treatment is appropriate your tablets are dispensed and posted in plain, discreet packaging — or you can collect from our Stratford branch.

How the online consultation works

The consultation takes around three to five minutes. We ask about your cycle dates (so we can confirm timing), whether you are pregnant or think you might be, and any health conditions or medicines that could affect whether period delay is suitable. Once approved, orders are dispatched the same working day.

If you are already on the combined pill and simply want to run packs back to back, or if the prescriber feels your situation needs a GP review first, we will tell you clearly what to do next.

When to see your GP instead

See your GP rather than using an online period delay service if you have irregular or unexplained bleeding, if you are trying to conceive, if you have liver disease, or if you are unsure whether you might be pregnant. For any urgent health concerns, call NHS 111.