There are 2 reliable ways to delay a period, and the right one depends on whether you already take the combined contraceptive pill. If you take the combined pill, you can usually delay a period by starting your next pack straight away without the usual break, and the NHS advises asking a doctor or pharmacist how to do this for your type of pill, because the method differs between pills. If you do not take the combined pill, a doctor can prescribe norethisterone, a progestogen tablet, usually taken 3 times a day starting 3 days before your period is due, with the period normally following a few days after you stop. Norethisterone is not a contraceptive, and it is not suitable for everyone, including anyone who has had a blood clot, unexplained vaginal bleeding, liver problems, a heart attack or angina, or who might be pregnant. Long-haul flights add to blood clot risk, which is why a proper assessment before a trip matters. The progestogen-only pill, the implant, the injection and the coil do not reliably delay a period. Plan at least a week ahead, and earlier if you would need to start the combined pill. At The Wellness a doctor can assess you by video the same day from £150, and send any prescription to a pharmacy near you. Fees appear further down this page.
Reviewed by the medical team at The Wellness. Last updated 14 October 2026.
Speak to a doctor about delaying your period on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com or call 020 3951 3429.
Key facts about delaying a period
On the combined pill, you can usually delay a period by skipping the break between packs.
Without the combined pill, a doctor can prescribe norethisterone.
Norethisterone is started 3 days before your period is due, according to the manufacturer’s leaflet.
Norethisterone is not a contraceptive, so use condoms if you need contraception.
It is not suitable after a blood clot, with liver problems, or with unexplained bleeding.
The progestogen-only pill, implant, injection and coil do not reliably delay a period.
Option 1. Take the combined pill back to back
If you take a combined pill with 21 active tablets, you can usually start the next pack the day after finishing the current one, without the 7-day break. If your pill has inactive tablets, you skip those. Pills with different hormone doses through the pack, called phasic pills, need specific advice, because taking them back to back works differently.
Breakthrough bleeding or spotting can happen, particularly with longer runs. Guidance from UK sexual and reproductive health doctors supports taking the combined pill with fewer breaks or none, so for many women this is safe for long periods as well as for a single event.
If you do not take the combined pill and would like this method, you need to start it a few weeks before the date, after a doctor has checked that it suits you, including your blood pressure, weight, migraine history and smoking.
Option 2. Norethisterone tablets
Norethisterone is a progestogen that keeps the womb lining stable. The usual regimen is 1 tablet 3 times a day, starting 3 days before your period is due, and continuing until you want your period to start. Your period normally arrives a few days after the last tablet.
It is a short-term option, and a doctor will advise how long is appropriate for you. Common side effects include bloating, breast tenderness, headache and mood changes.
Check whether norethisterone suits you on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.
Who should not use norethisterone to delay a period
According to the manufacturer’s leaflet, norethisterone should not be taken if you are or might be pregnant, have had a blood clot such as a DVT, have had a heart attack or angina, have liver problems, have unexplained vaginal bleeding, or have porphyria. A family history of blood clots also matters.
Part of norethisterone is converted in the body into an oestrogen, which is one reason a doctor checks your clot risk carefully, especially before a long-haul flight. If norethisterone is not suitable, the doctor can discuss alternatives.
Delaying a period for Umrah or Hajj
Many Muslim women ask about delaying a period to perform Umrah or Hajj. The same 2 options apply, and planning is especially important because travel is long and pilgrimage involves long hours on your feet. Starting the combined pill or norethisterone early enough, with a plan for breakthrough bleeding, gives the best chance of success. Our doctors can see you by video, and consultations are available in Arabic.
How far ahead should you plan
At least a week ahead for norethisterone, because it starts 3 days before your period is due and you need time to get the prescription. At least a month ahead if you would need to start the combined pill. Note the first day of your last period and how long your cycle usually is, as the doctor will use these to time treatment.
What about the progestogen-only pill, implant or coil
The progestogen-only pill, the implant, the injection and the hormonal coil cannot be used to delay a period reliably, because bleeding patterns with these methods are unpredictable. Taking norethisterone alongside them is not a reliable fix either. A doctor can advise on the best approach for your situation.
What does a private period delay consultation cost in London
Private gynaecology consultations in central London commonly sit at £250 to £400, and membership practices charge annual retainers running into thousands.
At The Wellness each appointment is a single fee, with any prescription included. The medicine itself is paid for at the pharmacy. All figures are from prices.
Signature Membership, with same-day access to a doctor all year, from £6,950 a year or £610 a month.
Home, hotel or office visit, daytime from £495 and evenings and weekends from £695.
In-person consultation with blood pressure check, from £220.
Same-day video consultation with prescription sent to a pharmacy near you, from £150.
Appointments are available 7 days a week by video, at our London clinics, including Marylebone and Belgravia, or at home.
Why women choose The Wellness to plan a period delay
Because a doctor can see you by video today, so you are ready in time.
Because your clot risk is checked properly, including the flight you are taking.
Because the doctor chooses the right method for you, the combined pill or norethisterone.
Because consultations are available in Arabic for women planning Umrah or Hajj.
And because prescriptions go to a pharmacy near you.
Related reading
Forgot your contraceptive pill while travelling covers missed pills, coil fitting and contraception covers longer-term options, heavy periods covers period problems, and travel clinic vaccinations covers travel health.
Book a video consultation on WhatsApp or call 020 3951 3429.
Frequently asked questions
How can I delay my period
If you take the combined pill, you can usually skip the break between packs. If not, a doctor can prescribe norethisterone, started 3 days before your period is due.
How many days before my period should I take norethisterone
Norethisterone is started 3 days before your period is due, usually 3 times a day, and continued until you want your period to start.
When will my period come after stopping norethisterone
Usually a few days after the last tablet.
Is norethisterone a contraceptive
No. Use condoms or another method if you need contraception while taking it.
Can I delay my period for Umrah or Hajj
Yes, with the combined pill or norethisterone, planned well ahead. Doctors at The Wellness can see you by video, including in Arabic.
How much does a period delay consultation cost
At The Wellness a same-day video consultation with any prescription is from £150. The medicine itself is paid for at the pharmacy.
The Wellness is a doctor-led private healthcare group providing medical care from our London clinics, including Marylebone and Belgravia. All doctors are GMC-registered. Prescriptions are issued only following a consultation and clinical assessment. In an emergency call 999. This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice about your own health.
Enquire now on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com or call 020 3951 3429.
References
Norethisterone 5 mg tablets, information leaflet, electronic medicines compendium
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