Period Delay Treatment in Northern England
Many people choose to delay their period for travel, holidays, events or personal reasons. At Your Pharmacy Clinics, we offer a safe and discreet in-clinic period delay service across Northern England, including Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham. This service is delivered under an approved Patient Group Direction (PGD), allowing a trained clinician to carry out a face-to-face assessment and supply Norethisterone when clinically appropriate.
Norethisterone is a licensed medicine used to delay menstruation for short periods. It works by maintaining higher levels of a hormone that prevents the menstrual cycle from triggering a period. Treatment is supplied only after a full in-clinic review to ensure suitability and safety.
This service is designed for adults who need short-term support in delaying their period. It is not a form of contraception and cannot be used as a regular method of menstrual control. The clinician will explain how the medicine works, how to take it and what to expect while using it.
Understanding Period Delay Medication
Period delay medicine such as Norethisterone contains a synthetic version of progesterone. When taken correctly, it prevents the lining of the uterus from shedding, which effectively postpones the period until treatment is stopped. Once the course ends, most people experience a withdrawal bleed within several days.
The medicine is used for temporary period delay and should not be taken continuously. Safe and appropriate use depends on your medical history, current medications and overall health. These factors are assessed during your in-clinic appointment to determine whether treatment is suitable under the PGD.
Who Can Use Period Delay Treatment
Norethisterone may be suitable for adults who need to temporarily delay their period for occasions such as holidays, weddings, travel, sports events or religious commitments. It is generally taken for short durations and is not intended for long-term cycle management.
This medicine is not appropriate for everyone. It may be unsuitable for those who:
- are pregnant or may be pregnant
- have a history of blood clots
- have certain liver conditions
- have hormone-sensitive conditions
- take some types of medication that interact with Norethisterone
During your appointment, the clinician will review your medical background, allergies, medication history and menstrual health to confirm whether treatment is safe. If Norethisterone is not suitable, alternative advice will be given.
How Norethisterone Is Taken
Norethisterone is usually taken three times a day, starting at least three days before your expected period. Treatment continues for as long as you need to delay your period, up to the recommended limit explained during your consultation.
Stopping the medicine normally results in a period within two to four days. The clinician will explain your dosing schedule and answer any questions during your appointment.
The medicine provided under this service is for personal use only and must not be shared with others.
What Happens During Your In-Clinic Appointment
Pre-consultation form
Before attending, you must complete a secure pre-consultation form through your online account. This allows the clinician to review important information in advance and ensure a safe and efficient appointment.
Face-to-face assessment
At the appointment, the clinician will review your form, discuss your medical history, confirm your expected period date and ensure that treatment is appropriate under the PGD. They will check for any conditions or medicines that could affect suitability.
Supply under PGD
If treatment is appropriate, the clinician will supply Norethisterone during the same appointment. You will receive clear instructions on dosing, when to start treatment, how long you can take it and what to do if you miss a dose. Possible side effects will also be discussed to ensure safe and confident use.
Follow-up advice
Although follow-up appointments are not always required, patients are encouraged to contact the pharmacy if they have any questions, concerns or side effects while using the medicine. The clinician may also offer general menstrual health advice where appropriate.
Safety, Side Effects and Important Information
All medicines can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common effects of Norethisterone may include changes in mood, breast tenderness, mild headaches or slight changes in bleeding patterns. These usually settle once the medicine is stopped.
You will be advised on when to seek medical advice and when treatment should not be used. For example, patients who develop symptoms such as calf pain, breathing difficulties or severe headaches must seek urgent medical attention, as these can indicate conditions unrelated to the medicine but requiring assessment.
Norethisterone does not act as a contraceptive. Patients requiring contraception must continue using their usual method while taking this medicine.
Locations Served Across Northern England
This service is available at Your Pharmacy Clinics clinics across Northern England. Patients can access appointments throughout:
- Northumberland
- Tyne and Wear
- County Durham
Each clinic follows the same PGD-approved process, ensuring safe and consistent care at every branch.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Please bring information about your current medicines, any relevant medical conditions, past menstrual health concerns and your expected period date. Accurate information helps ensure safe assessment under the PGD.
Arriving promptly allows the clinician to complete the consultation and supply treatment during the same visit where appropriate.
Booking a Period Delay Appointment
Appointments can be booked online with Your Pharmacy Clinics at any of our Northern England clinics. Once booked, you will need to complete the pre-consultation form through your secure account before attending. This ensures the clinician has all the information needed to carry out a safe and efficient PGD assessment.
Period delay treatment is supplied only after a face-to-face consultation confirms that it is clinically appropriate. All medicines are issued in line with national guidance to ensure safety, appropriateness and consistent care.
