Period Delay Pill:

If you have periods, you probably know how frustrating it can be if your period arrives at a rather inconvenient time! It’s completely normal to want to delay your period, especially if a big occasion is coming up or you are heading off on holiday.

Luckily, you can easily do this by requesting a period delay pill treatment. Here, we’re going to take a look at how period delay pills work, how you can use them, and where to get a prescription.

How Do Period Delay Tablets Work?

To understand how period delay pills work, you will first need to understand what triggers a period to start. Then, we can take a look at how this trigger can be delayed.

As you may know, there are many hormones involved in regulating the menstrual cycle, for example, oestrogen and progesterone. The levels of these hormones fluctuate during each cycle and trigger changes, one of which is the start of your period.

Oestrogen is produced by the ovaries and causes the lining of the womb to thicken during the first two weeks of your cycle. After ovulation (when an egg is released from the ovaries), progesterone levels increase and this helps to maintain the lining of the womb in case an egg is fertilised. Typically, this womb lining is maintained for two weeks, in preparation for pregnancy. However, if the egg is not fertilised, progesterone levels drop quickly, causing the lining of the womb to shed i.e. your period.

This is where period delay pills come in! Period delay pills contain a synthetic form of progesterone. Taking these before your period is due can artificially maintain higher levels of progesterone for longer, delaying your period. However, you should note that they will not delay your period indefinitely. There is a limit to how long the thickened womb lining can be maintained. Usually, you will only be able to delay a period for about two weeks after it is due with these tablets.

Although these tablets are quite effective if taken as advised, it is important to be aware that they are not 100% reliable and do not delay periods in every case.

How To Delay Your Period Using Period Delay Tablets?

Through our online service, you can request a Period Delay Treatment. Period delay tablets contain the hormone progesterone. For these to be effective, you will need to start taking them 3 days before your period is due. This helps to prevent your progesterone levels from dipping and your period starting.

You will need to take one tablet 3 times per day for as long as you want to delay your period. Our service can provide treatment to delay your period for a maximum of 14 days (51 tablets in total…..3 days of tablets before the expected date of your period and then up to 14 days to delay your period).

Don’t worry, your period won’t start the second you stop taking them. Typically your period will arrive 2 to 3 days after you stop taking the tablets. However, everybody is different so we suggest being prepared nonetheless! Similarly, the effectiveness of these period delay tablets can vary from person to person. For instance, some people may experience light bleeding or spotting when using this medication.

Please Note Before Taking Period Delay Pills

If you start taking this medication less than 3 days before your period is due to start, it is unlikely to be effective. We understand that keeping track of your period can be tricky sometimes, therefore, we recommend using a period-tracking app.

Many of these apps will have push notifications that will give you a little reminder when your period is due. They’re also a handy way to track your mood, PMS symptoms, and energy levels throughout your cycle!

As mentioned, your period should start within 3 days of stopping this medication. If your period does not start after 3 days and you have had unprotected sex, you should exclude pregnancy and speak with a doctor.

Period Delay Tablets Are Not A Form Of Contraception

Before you start taking period delay treatment, it is very important to note that they will not provide any contraceptive cover. These tablets can only be used to delay your period, they DO NOT prevent pregnancy.

If you don’t have contraceptive cover you will need to use barrier contraception, such as condoms or a diaphragm.

Can I Use Period Delay Tablets If I Am Using A Combined Contraceptive Pill?

If you are using a combined contraceptive pill (pills which contain both oestrogen and progesterone), you don’t need to use period delay tablets to delay your period. You can simply skip your pill-free break and start your next pill packet, taking both packets back-to-back. This will delay your period until your next pill-free break. However, you should note that you may experience some spotting.

If you have any questions about tailored pill-taking, as we mentioned above, we are more than happy to help. Simply make an appointment to speak directly to one of our experienced GPs via online video consultation!

Where Can I Get Period Delay Tablets?

Here at Webdoctor.ie, we can provide a prescription for period delay tablets where clinically appropriate. You can request a prescription via our online Period Delay Pill Treatment service. All you need to do is fill in a short and secure questionnaire. You can do this on your mobile, laptop or tablet. Then, one of our GPs will review your request to make sure the treatment is clinically safe and suitable for you. Once your request has been approved, we will send your prescription directly to an Irish pharmacy of your choice.

As you don’t need to book an appointment with a GP, this prescription service is available 7 days a week and 24 hours a day, so you can fill in the questionnaire at a time that suits you. We’ll notify you once your prescription has been approved and sent to your pharmacy.

Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Period Delay Treatments?

Like all medications, this treatment can potentially cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects include bleeding/spotting, bloating, breast tenderness and nausea. You are more likely to experience these symptoms the longer you take this medication.

If side effects do occur, they usually settle uneventfully when the medication is stopped. When delaying a period, they are only used for a short time so there are no significant long-term side effects.

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