Period Delay Tablets
Norethisterone period delay tablets are available privately after a pharmacist or prescriber consultation, typically £15-£30. Compare your options safely.
Period delay tablets (norethisterone) can postpone a period for events such as holidays, weddings, or exams. Norethisterone is a prescription-only medicine, so a consultation with a prescriber or pharmacist is always required — it's supplied privately through GPhC-registered online pharmacies after a clinical questionnaire, or in person at some pharmacies operating under a patient group direction. It's usually started about three days before your period is due and taken three times daily; your period normally starts two to three days after you stop. Private services typically cost £15-£30 (indicative — compare providers and check current prices). Importantly, norethisterone used this way is not a contraceptive and gives no protection against pregnancy. It isn't suitable for everyone — a history of blood clots, certain migraines, liver problems, or possible pregnancy can rule it out — which is why the clinical consultation matters. GPs occasionally prescribe period delay on the NHS at their discretion, but the usual route is private. See our answer on delaying your period with tablets for the full picture.
Who shouldn't take norethisterone?
It may be unsuitable if you have a history of blood clots, certain liver conditions, unexplained vaginal bleeding, certain migraines, or if you could be pregnant. That's why the consultation with a prescriber or pharmacist is essential — be honest about your medical history and any medicines you take.
This Pick My Pharmacy page is a directory of GPhC-registered premises that list period delay among their services. It is not the pharmacy’s booking system and not medical advice.
A service flag on this snapshot can lag behind what the counter offers. Call ahead for clinics, vaccinations, and Pharmacy First if you cannot wait.
How much does Period Delay typically cost?
Private period delay typically starts from £15 (often up to £30). Confirm the live fee, what is included, and whether a consultation is extra.
These figures are editorial typical ranges across UK pharmacies, not a quote. A cheaper headline may exclude the consultation, a second ear, extra vaccine doses, or delivery. NHS prescriptions remain £9.90 per item in England; free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland where they apply — private service fees are separate.
How do I find a pharmacy that offers Period Delay?
Use the GPhC-registered sample below, Compare, or the directory. Then confirm the service is offered today and match the premises number on pharmacyregulation.org.
Opening hours are only shown when we have them — we never invent a timetable. Ratings appear only with verified reviews; we never invent scores.
If the cards say none yet, the service is still explained here so you know what to ask a local pharmacist. Use Compare with your postcode rather than assuming a nearby branch is listed for this slug.
How do I check the pharmacy is legitimate?
Search the GPhC premises number on pharmacyregulation.org and match the address before you send ID, start a consultation, or pay.
Great Britain community and internet pharmacies must be on that register. Online prescribing services in England should also be CQC-registered. A website that sells prescription-only medicines with no consultation is not a legitimate pharmacy service.
Pick My Pharmacy is an independent directory. We do not supply medicines.
Typical cost
£15 – £30
0 pharmacies with period delay confirmed on their profile
We do not yet have GPhC-registered pharmacies tagged for period delay in this snapshot. The education on this page still applies — ask a local pharmacist, or use Compare. A missing card is not proof the service does not exist nearby.
We only list a pharmacy here when the service is confirmed on its profile, so this is not every pharmacy that offers it. To check a pharmacy near you, open your town or city page and phone ahead.
Ratings and rankings are our editorial opinion, based on our publishedmethodology — they are not medical advice and pharmacies cannot pay to change a score. Where a pharmacy has no reviews we show "Not yet rated" — we never invent scores.Listings labelled Featured orReferral partner are paid placements; payment affects visibility only, never ratings or match results. We may receive a fee when you send a private-service enquiry.Private service prices are indicative — always confirm directly with the pharmacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription for period delay tablets?▼
Yes — norethisterone is a prescription-only medicine, so a consultation with a prescriber or pharmacist is always required. Online pharmacies provide it after a clinical questionnaire reviewed by a prescriber, and some high-street pharmacies supply it under a patient group direction. Compare providers rather than looking to 'buy' it directly.
How do period delay tablets work?▼
Norethisterone is a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. Taken three times daily from about three days before your period is due, it keeps hormone levels steady so the womb lining doesn't shed. Your period usually arrives two to three days after you stop taking it.
Will period delay tablets stop me getting pregnant?▼
No. At the doses used for period delay, norethisterone is not a contraceptive and provides no protection against pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. If you need contraception, see our contraception service page or speak to a pharmacist.
Who shouldn't take norethisterone?▼
It may be unsuitable if you have a history of blood clots, certain liver conditions, unexplained vaginal bleeding, certain migraines, or if you could be pregnant. That's why the consultation with a prescriber or pharmacist is essential — be honest about your medical history and any medicines you take.
Can I get period delay tablets on the NHS?▼
Sometimes, at your GP's discretion — but the usual route is a private pharmacy or online pharmacy service, typically £15-£30 (indicative). If you take the combined contraceptive pill, running packs back-to-back can sometimes delay a period instead; ask your GP or pharmacist whether that's an option for you.
How do I check a pharmacy offering period delay is GPhC-registered?▼
Open the listing, copy the premises registration number, and search it on pharmacyregulation.org. Match the name and address before you send ID, start a consultation, or pay. Pick My Pharmacy is a directory — we do not supply period delay.
Does Pick My Pharmacy provide period delay?▼
No. We compare GPhC-registered pharmacies. The pharmacy you choose supplies the service after its own clinical checks. Paid placements are labelled and never change a rating.
Related guides
Sources
- NHS: period delay · checked 2026-09-01
- Pick My Pharmacy methodology