What is period delay?
Period delay is a simple, short-term way to postpone your menstrual period around a specific occasion — a holiday, a wedding, an exam, a sporting event or a religious observance. It uses a prescription tablet containing a progestogen, which keeps hormone levels up so your period is held off until you stop taking it. At our Sheffield clinic, you can talk it through face to face with a pharmacist, who will check that period delay is safe and suitable for you before supplying anything. The whole conversation is private and unhurried, and we’ll give you a clear schedule for exactly when to start and stop the tablets so the timing works around your plans. With same-day appointments and free parking in Highfield, it’s a discreet, convenient option for women across Sheffield who want a little control over their cycle for an important date.
How it works at our clinic
- Book an appointment. Come in a week or so before your period is due — same-day slots are usually available.
- Confidential consultation. Our pharmacist checks your health and confirms period delay is suitable for you.
- Clear schedule. If appropriate, we supply your tablets and explain exactly when to start and stop.
When to start and how long it lasts
Period delay tablets are usually started three days before your period is due and continued for as long as you wish to delay, up to around 17 days. Your period normally returns within two to three days of the last tablet. Because timing matters, it’s best to visit in good time rather than at the last minute.
Is it right for me?
Most healthy people can use period delay occasionally. It may not be suitable if you have a history of blood clots or certain other conditions, which is why we always check first. Period delay tablets are not a contraceptive and offer no protection against pregnancy. If period delay isn’t right for you, we’ll explain why and discuss alternatives.
In Sheffield or online
Prefer to sort it from home? Our online period delay service offers the same confidential consultation with discreet next-day delivery across England. For more background, see our guides on how to delay your period safely and norethisterone side effects.