Medically reviewed by Dr Sheraz Gondal
A period delay pill can give you a short break from your period when the timing doesn’t suit you. You might have a wedding, a festival, an exam or a holiday coming up and want to enjoy it without worrying about bleeding. If so, you may be wondering whether you can postpone your period safely.
The period delay pill contains norethisterone, and only a doctor can prescribe it. You can get the period delay pill in Ireland online by completing a consultation with an Irish-registered GP. This guide explains how the tablets work, who can take them and how to order them online.
What is the period delay pill?
The period delay pill is a prescription medicine that temporarily postpones your period. In Ireland, a doctor registered with the Irish Medical Council needs to assess you before prescribing it. The tablets contain norethisterone, a synthetic version of progesterone, the hormone that helps regulate your menstrual cycle.
Each month, your hormone levels change to prepare your body for a possible pregnancy. If you don’t get pregnant, your progesterone level drops and your period starts. Norethisterone keeps progesterone levels up, which supports the womb lining and delays your period.
The period delay pill is not a contraceptive and does not prevent pregnancy. Keep using condoms or your usual contraception. You can read about the types of contraception on the HSE website or discuss your options with an Eirdoc doctor online.
How does the period delay pill work?
Your period starts when progesterone levels fall at the end of a cycle in which you haven’t become pregnant. This drop causes the womb lining to shed. Norethisterone keeps hormone levels steady, so the lining stays in place and your period is postponed. The process works like this:
- A doctor checks whether norethisterone is suitable for you and explains how to take it.
- You take the tablets as prescribed to postpone your period.
- Your period usually starts 2–3 days after your last tablet.
The treatment doesn’t guarantee that you won’t bleed at all. Some people have spotting or breakthrough bleeding while taking it, so it’s wise to plan ahead, especially for an important event.
How to take the period delay pill
The usual dose is one norethisterone 5mg tablet three times a day, starting 3 days before your period is due. Your prescribing GP will tell you exactly how to take it.
Follow your GP’s instructions
Norethisterone is a short-term treatment. Your doctor will tell you the maximum length of time you can take it, based on your situation. Always follow your doctor’s advice rather than general advice online.
Order early, so you can start the tablets at least 3 days before your period is due. If you start too late, the tablets may not delay your period.
What if you miss a dose?
Your doctor will give you clear instructions when they prescribe the period delay pill. If you miss a dose, follow those instructions, and contact your GP if you’re unsure what to do. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Remember that norethisterone does not prevent pregnancy, so keep using your usual contraception. If you need it, Eirdoc also offers a contraceptive pill service and emergency contraception.
Planning a trip, event or exam? Order period delay tablets in Ireland online from an Irish-registered GP.
Who can take the period delay pill?
Tablets to delay your period are only prescribed after a doctor has reviewed your medical history. Your GP will also check any medicines you’re taking, in case they interact or add risks.
Who it may suit
Norethisterone tablets may suit you if you want to delay your period for a holiday, wedding, exam or other event, and you have enough time to start the tablets before your period is due.
However, wanting to delay your period isn’t enough on its own. Your doctor decides whether to prescribe period delaying tablets based on your menstrual cycle, the chance of pregnancy and your medical history.
Who should not take it
Your doctor is unlikely to prescribe medicine to postpone your period in these situations:
- pregnancy, or a chance you might be pregnant
- a past blood clot, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism
- breast cancer or another hormone-sensitive cancer, now or in the past
- liver disease, now or in the past
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
- porphyria (a rare blood condition)
Your doctor will also consider factors that raise the risk of blood clots, such as smoking, a high BMI, recent surgery, reduced mobility or a long-haul flight. If you’re not sure whether it’s right for you, speak to an online GP.
Period delay pill side effects
Like any prescription medicine, norethisterone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. The most common norethisterone side effects include:
- breast tenderness
- nausea
- headache
- bloating
- mood changes
- spotting or unexpected bleeding
If you notice any other side effects, contact your GP for advice.
When should you seek urgent medical care?
Hormonal medicines can slightly increase the risk of blood clots. Get urgent medical help straight away if you develop:
- pain or swelling in one leg
- chest pain
- sudden breathlessness
- a sudden, severe headache
You should also contact a doctor if you have heavy or unusual bleeding, abdominal pain or any symptoms that feel serious.
Can I delay my period with my contraceptive pill instead?
It depends on which pill you take. If you take a combined contraceptive pill, you can often delay your period by skipping the pill-free break and starting the next pack straight away. Check with a doctor or pharmacist first, as this depends on the type of combined pill you use. You can read more in our guide to the combined pill.
The progestogen-only pill works differently. It’s taken every day without a break, so you can’t use it to delay your period in the same way. You may still notice spotting or breakthrough bleeding, so always check the instructions for your pill.
If you’re unsure whether to use your contraceptive pill or the period delay pill, an Eirdoc online doctor can advise you.
How to get the period delay pill online in Ireland with Eirdoc
Getting the period delay pill in Ireland through Eirdoc is simple. A doctor reviews your details and prescribes the medicine only if it’s suitable for you. Here’s how it works:
- Complete the online questionnaire. Answer questions about your health, your current medicines and your medical history.
- An Irish-registered GP reviews your answers. The doctor checks whether norethisterone is safe and appropriate for you.
- Collect or get it delivered. If the treatment is approved, your prescription is sent to your chosen pharmacy, or your tablets are delivered to your door.
Order at least a week before your period is due, so you have time to start the tablets 3 days beforehand.
Planning a trip or event?
Don’t let your period get in the way of your plans. Order the period delay pill online. An Irish-registered GP reviews your answers, and you can collect from a pharmacy or have it delivered.
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Do I need a prescription for the period delay pill in Ireland?
Yes. Norethisterone tablets are a prescription-only medicine in Ireland, so you can’t buy them over the counter. A doctor needs to check your medical history first. With Eirdoc, you can complete a short online consultation, and an Irish-registered GP will prescribe it if it’s suitable for you.
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How many days before my period should I start norethisterone?
You usually start norethisterone 3 days before your period is due. Starting later makes it less likely to work, because your period may already be on its way. Order a week or more before your expected period, so your prescription arrives in good time.
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How long can I delay my period for?
Norethisterone is a short-term treatment, and your period usually starts 2–3 days after your last tablet. How long you can take it depends on your situation, so your doctor will confirm the maximum length for you. Always follow the prescribed course and don’t extend it on your own.
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Can I delay my period with the pill if I’m on the contraceptive pill?
If you take a combined pill, you can often delay your period by skipping the break between packs. This doesn’t work with the progestogen-only pill. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which applies to you before changing how you take your pill.
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How quickly can I get the period delay pill online?
With Eirdoc, you complete a short online questionnaire and an Irish-registered GP reviews it, often on the same day. Once approved, you can collect your tablets from a pharmacy or have them delivered to your door. Order early so they arrive before you need to start.