Important, please read!
At a glance
Medical treatment can be used to delay the start of your period. You can start taking the medication 2 to 3 days before your period is due, taking one tablet three times per day, and continue taking the tablets for up to two weeks. You will usually experience your period bleed 2 to 3 days after stopping the medication, however this may be longer in some cases.
Women currently taking a contraceptive pill should not use this medication to delay their periods. For women who take a "fixed dose" combined oral contraceptive pill, the same effect can be achieved by starting the next pack of the pill immediately without the normal seven-day break. Taking two packs "back-to-back" in this way is safe if done occasionally. It is not advisable to link more than two packs without allowing a period.
A similar approach can be taken by women on bi-phasic or tri-phasic contraceptive pill by taking the last "phase" of the pills from the second pack immediately after finishing the first pack. Please consult your pharmacist if you are uncertain of the type of pill you are taking.
Symptoms
No symptoms apply.
Treatments
Your HealthHero GP can prescribe medication to delay your period for up to 17 days. If period delay of less than 17 days is required, the tablets are taken for fewer days as needed.
This medication is for occasional use only and should not be requested more than once every 4 months. If you find yourself requiring more frequent treatment or you need to delay your period by more than 14 days, you should arrange a consultation with a GP. This treatment is not a contraceptive and will not prevent pregnancy.
If you are taking any regular medication from the list below, you should consult with a GP before ordering this treatment:
- Medication for high blood pressure
- Medication for epilepsy (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine)
- The antibiotics minocycline, doxycycline, lymecycline, rifampicin or co-trimoxazole
- Herbal preparations containing St. John"s Wort (hypericum perforatum)
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for treating pain or inflammation
- Aminoglutethimide
- Ciclosporin
- Treatment for HIV
- Treatment for cancer
