Women's health service
Period delay tablets
Planning a pilgrimage, holiday, wedding or important event and want to avoid your period? Our travel clinic offers a quick, confidential private consultation and prescription for period-delay tablets in Timperley, Manchester.
What it is
Take control of your cycle when it matters most
Sometimes your period falls at the worst possible time — during Hajj or Umrah, a long-awaited holiday, your wedding, a big exam or a sporting event. Period-delay tablets are a safe, well-established way to postpone your period for a short time so you can carry on without interruption.
At Altrincham Travel Clinic our team will check that it's suitable for you in a short, confidential consultation, then provide the right tablets and clear instructions on exactly when to take them. The most commonly used medicine is Norethisterone. This page is general information, not a prescription — suitability is always confirmed by our prescriber.
Plan ahead
Start a few days before your period is due
Because period-delay tablets are started before your period would normally begin, it's best not to leave it to the last minute. Book a consultation a couple of weeks before your event or travel so we have time to confirm it's suitable and get your timing right.
Travelling for Hajj, Umrah or a holiday that also needs vaccines? We can handle your period delay and your travel vaccinations in a single appointment.
How it works
How do period-delay tablets work?
Period-delay tablets contain a progestogen hormone (usually Norethisterone). Your period normally starts when progesterone levels fall, so keeping the level up keeps the womb lining in place and holds your period off until you stop taking the tablets.
- Norethisterone is usually taken three times a day, starting about 3 days before your period is due
- Keep taking it for as long as you want to delay your period — typically up to around two weeks
- Your period usually returns 2–3 days after you stop the tablets
- It is not a contraceptive and does not protect against pregnancy or STIs
Hajj & Umrah
Delaying your period for Hajj or Umrah
During menstruation, women are unable to perform certain rituals of the pilgrimage, such as Tawaf around the Kaaba and the formal prayers. Many women travelling for Hajj or Umrah choose to delay their period so they can complete their pilgrimage without interruption.
- We'll work out the right tablet and timing around your exact travel and pilgrimage dates
- Best arranged a few weeks ahead, as the tablets are started before your period is due
- We can sort your Hajj & Umrah vaccinations (including the required Meningitis ACWY certificate) at the same visit
Suitability
Is period delay right for you?
Period-delay tablets suit most healthy women, but they aren't right for everyone. That's why we always start with a short, confidential consultation to check your medical history before prescribing.
- Not usually suitable if you have a history of blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism), or certain heart, liver or hormone-sensitive conditions
- We'll review your medical history, any medicines you take, and your travel or event dates
- If period delay isn't suitable, we'll talk through other safe options
- Everything is private and confidential, with no judgement
When people use it
Common reasons to delay a period
Whatever the occasion, we can help you plan ahead so your period doesn't get in the way.
Hajj & Umrah
So you can perform Tawaf, prayers and the full pilgrimage without interruption.
Holidays & travel
Enjoy the beach, the pool and your trip without your period getting in the way.
Weddings & special events
Your own wedding, honeymoon or a big celebration you don't want disrupted.
Exams & work
Stay comfortable and focused for important exams, interviews or deadlines.
Sport & competitions
Compete and train at your best without timing worries.
Medical or comfort reasons
Simply to avoid heavy or painful periods at an inconvenient time.
FAQ
Period delay — frequently asked questions
The most commonly used medicine is Norethisterone, a progestogen tablet usually taken three times a day. Our prescriber will confirm the right option and dose for you after a short consultation.
Norethisterone is usually started about 3 days before your period is due. You then keep taking it for as long as you want to delay your period. Because it's started before your period begins, it's best to plan a couple of weeks ahead.
Period-delay tablets are intended for short-term use — typically up to around two weeks. If you need to delay your period for longer or more regularly, we'll discuss the safest approach with you.
Yes — this is one of the most common reasons women ask about period delay. Menstruation prevents you from performing certain pilgrimage rituals, so many women choose to delay their period to complete Hajj or Umrah without interruption. We'll set the tablet and timing around your travel and pilgrimage dates, and can arrange your Hajj & Umrah vaccinations at the same time.
Your period usually returns 2 to 3 days after you stop taking the tablets.
For most healthy women, period delay is safe for short-term use. It is not usually suitable if you have a history of blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism), or certain heart, liver or hormone-sensitive conditions. We always check your medical history in a short consultation before prescribing.
Side effects are usually mild and may include bloating, breast tenderness, nausea, headaches or changes in mood. They settle once you stop the tablets. We'll go through what to expect during your consultation.
No. Period-delay tablets do not prevent pregnancy and do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. If you also need contraception, let us know and we can advise.
Yes. Period-delay tablets are prescription-only. We provide a quick, confidential private consultation to make sure they're suitable for you, then supply the tablets with clear instructions — often the same day.
Want to delay your period for your trip or event?
Book a quick, confidential consultation at our Timperley clinic near Manchester. Travelling for Hajj, Umrah or a holiday? We'll sort your period delay and any travel vaccinations together.