Period Delay
Order a prescription to delay your period
Sometimes you might want to delay your period, like when you go on holiday.
Norethisterone is a prescription medication that is used to delay your period. You can get a prescription online for Primolut N, which is a medication that uses norethisterone as the active ingredient, with Superdrug Online Doctor.
After you have placed your order, our online doctors will determine whether Primolut N is the best option for you. Once your order has been approved, you will get your prescription in the post.
Your Superdrug Online Doctor prescription allows you to buy your period delay tablets at any pharmacy in Ireland.
How to use Superdrug Online Doctor
Delivery options
About Period Delay
How can I delay my period?
There are two ways you can delay your period. The way you choose to delay your period depends on whether or not you're taking the contraceptive pill.
Period delay with a contraceptive pill
If you’re on the contraceptive pill, you can delay your period by skipping the one-week break at the end of the three-week course. This way you’ll be starting a new pack straight away and your period will be delayed until the end of your second pack. Some women may experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting when delaying their period this way.
Delaying your period with norethisterone
If you’re not on the contraceptive pill, you can use norethisterone tablets to postpone your period. Norethisterone is the synthetic version of a sex hormone that naturally occurs in the human body. It belongs to a group of hormones called progestogens, which are also found in mini-pills and combined contraceptive pills. However, taking norethisterone tablets to delay your period will not stop you from getting pregnant, so you’ll still need to use contraception or protection.
To take Primolut N effectively, you need to take one tablet three times a day, beginning three days before you expect your period to start. Each tablet contains 5mg of norethisterone. You should aim to take the tablets at the same time every day, one in the morning, one around midday and one in the evening. If you forget to take a period delay tablet, do not take two tablets to make up for the forgotten dose.
How do I get period delay treatment?
To order a prescription for Primolut N online, the norethisterone tablet we prescribe, you’ll need to first complete a short questionnaire about your health. After you’ve completed your order and paid for your treatment, one of our doctors will review your request and prescribe appropriate treatment if they think it is safe for you. If our doctors do not think the treatment we offer is suitable for you, you will get a full refund.
To order a prescription for a contraceptive pill, visit our page on the pill.
Is period delay right for me?
Period delay might not be the best option for everyone. There are a few cases where you cannot take norethisterone tablets, such as if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- are allergic to norethisterone or any similar hormone
- suffer or have suffered from unexplained vaginal bleeding (other than a period)
- have a family history of blood clots or have had a blood clot in the past
- have liver problems
- have ever had a heart attack or suffer from angina
- have ever had an itchy rash called pemphigoid gestationis or jaundice during pregnancy
- have the blood disease porphyria
- have severe skin itching called pruritus
If you can take norethisterone, there are quite a few cases where delaying your period can be useful. The most common reason to want period delay treatment is because of travel.
How many days can I delay my period for?
The length of time you can delay your period depends on how long you take norethisterone. We prescribe packs of 30, 60 and 90 pills, which last for 10, 20 and 30 days.
Once you stop taking Primolut N, you will usually have your next period within three days. If you do not experience a period and have had sex in the meantime, you should see a doctor to check whether you are pregnant.
Can period delay pills give me side effects?
Primolut N, like any medication, can cause side effects.
The most common side effects are breakthrough bleeding and spotting. It can also cause:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Migraine
If you experience more severe side effects you should contact a doctor immediately.
Can I take period delay pills and drink alcohol?
As long as you don’t forget to take your pill, drinking alcohol should not be an issue. However, it’s also important that you don’t make yourself sick at least 2 hours after you’ve taken the pill, to ensure that you’ve absorbed it.
If you’re planning on drinking, we always recommend moderation.
Does Primolut N interact with other drugs?
Norethisterone can interact with other medications, which is why it is important that you tell your doctor about any medication you are currently taking or have recently taken. Like other hormone-based medications, norethisterone tablets interact with the natural remedy St. John’s Wort.
The tablets also interact with certain antibiotics, HIV medications, certain cancer medications and painkillers. You must also tell your doctor if you have been taking high blood pressure medications, ciclosporin or a medication called Aminoglutethimide before taking norethisterone.