Period delay tablets in London: how norethisterone works and how to get it
A wedding, a holiday, a long-haul flight or a big event landing exactly when your period is due: wanting to delay it is one of the most common requests a GP hears, and there is a safe, well-established way to do it. Norethisterone is a prescription tablet that postpones a period reliably when started at the right time, and a private GP can assess whether it suits you and prescribe it the same day, sent straight to your local pharmacy. At The Online GP by The Wellness, the whole thing can be handled discreetly by phone or video.
How period delay with norethisterone works
Your period starts when progesterone levels fall at the end of the cycle. Norethisterone is a synthetic form of progesterone: taken three times a day, it keeps those levels up, so the period does not start. You begin taking it three days before your period is due, and the period arrives about two to three days after you stop. Most women delay for a few days to around two weeks, which covers a holiday or event comfortably. It has been used for this purpose for decades and, for the right person, is a routine prescription.
The important things to know first
It is not a contraceptive. Norethisterone for period delay does not prevent pregnancy, so usual contraception is still needed. If you already take the combined contraceptive pill, running two packets back to back without the break is usually the better option, and your doctor can confirm how to do that with your specific pill.
It is not right for everyone. Women with a personal or strong family history of blood clots, certain liver or heart conditions, or unexplained vaginal bleeding should not take it, which is exactly what the consultation screens for. Your doctor also checks your medicines and whether your cycle is regular enough to time the start correctly.
Side effects are usually mild. Some women notice bloating, breast tenderness, mild nausea or mood changes, and spotting can occur. Serious side effects are uncommon at short courses, and your doctor will tell you plainly what to watch for.
How an online GP can help
With The Online GP by The Wellness, you can speak to a doctor the same day, without taking time off for a surgery appointment. Your doctor confirms norethisterone is safe for you, works out the exact start date from your cycle, prescribes electronically to a pharmacy you choose, and tells you what to do if spotting occurs or plans change. If you are on the contraceptive pill already, you will leave with clear instructions instead of a prescription. A phone consultation is £59 for 15 minutes, a video consultation is £150, and an in-person appointment at our Marylebone clinic is £220. Message us on WhatsApp for a free triage and we will help you choose the right appointment.
Plan ahead where you can
Norethisterone must start three days before the period is due, so the earlier you arrange the consultation the better. Booking a week or more ahead gives time for the prescription and any questions; booking the day before the period is due is usually too late. If your dates are already tight, still get in touch, because the combined-pill option or other timing may still work.
What does period delay treatment cost?
With The Online GP by The Wellness, a phone consultation is £59 for 15 minutes, a video consultation is £150, and an in-person consultation is £220. Private walk-in clinics in London commonly charge £100 to £250 for the same short appointment before any prescription costs. Your prescription is sent to a normal pharmacy, where you pay the pharmacy's own price for the medicine.
Why choose The Online GP by The Wellness
Every consultation is with a UK-registered, GMC-registered doctor, not an automated questionnaire. Same-day appointments run seven days a week, the conversation is discreet by phone or video, prescriptions go straight to your chosen pharmacy, and safety screening comes first: if norethisterone is not right for you, your doctor tells you and offers the alternatives. You can also read about our same-day private GP appointments, doctor-led travel clinic, and evening and weekend appointments.
To arrange period delay, call 020 3951 3429, email team@thewellnesslondon.com or book an appointment online.
Frequently asked questions
Can an online GP prescribe period delay tablets?
Yes. A doctor can assess you by phone or video, confirm norethisterone is safe for you, and prescribe it electronically to a pharmacy you choose, with exact instructions on when to start and stop.
How do I take norethisterone to delay my period?
Start three days before your period is due and take it three times a day for as long as you need the delay, usually a few days up to around two weeks. Your period arrives about two to three days after you stop. Your doctor confirms the exact schedule for your cycle.
Is norethisterone a contraceptive?
No. Used for period delay it does not prevent pregnancy, so you still need your usual contraception. If you take the combined contraceptive pill, running packets back to back is often the better route, and your doctor can advise.
Is period delay safe?
For most women a short course is safe and well tolerated, but it is not suitable for everyone: a history of blood clots, certain liver or heart conditions, or unexplained bleeding means it should not be used. That screening is what the consultation is for.
How far in advance do I need to book?
Norethisterone must start three days before the period is due, so arrange your consultation at least a few days before that, ideally a week or more. Same-day appointments mean last-minute requests can sometimes still be accommodated if your dates allow.
How much does period delay treatment cost in London?
At The Online GP by The Wellness, a phone consultation is £59 for 15 minutes, a video consultation is £150 and an in-person appointment is £220. The prescription is sent to a local pharmacy, where you pay the pharmacy price for the medicine.
This article is for information and does not replace personal medical advice. Written by The Wellness Team and medically reviewed by The Wellness Clinical Team. Last updated October 2026.