Period Delay Options Compared

A comparison of the tablets and methods — including the brand names you may have seen — so you can see which fits your situation.

Part of our complete guide to period delay.

There's more than one way to delay a period. This guide compares the tablets and methods so you can see which fits your situation.

At a Glance

Norethisterone (Utovlan, Primolut N)

The standard tablet for occasional period delay. One 5mg tablet three times daily, started 3 days before your period, for up to 20 days (up to 17 days' delay). "Utovlan" and "Primolut N" are simply brand names for the same norethisterone — if you've been prescribed either before, it's the same medicine. See the full norethisterone guide.

Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)

Medroxyprogesterone is another synthetic progestogen used to postpone periods, working on the same progesterone principle. It's a useful alternative for women who don't get on with norethisterone or where a prescriber prefers it. Dosing differs from norethisterone and is set by the prescriber. Available at Access Doctor from £16.99.

Combined Pill Back-to-Back

If you already take the combined pill, you can skip the withdrawal bleed by running packs together — no separate prescription needed. Best for people already on the pill rather than starting it just to delay one period. See how to delay your period on the pill.

Longer-Term Options

If you want to control your cycle regularly rather than for one event, the hormonal coil (e.g. Mirena), the Depo injection, or extended-cycle pills reduce or stop periods over time. These are contraceptives too — worth discussing with a prescriber if repeated one-off delays are becoming a pattern.

What About Natural Methods?

Lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, gram lentils and vigorous exercise are widely shared but have no reliable evidence for delaying a period. Hormonal methods are the only proven route. See how to delay your period naturally: what the evidence says.

Which Should You Choose?

• One-off delay, not on the pill: norethisterone (Utovlan/Primolut N) is the usual first choice.
• Norethisterone doesn't suit you: ask about medroxyprogesterone.
• Already on the combined pill: run packs back-to-back.
• Want ongoing control: consider a long-term contraceptive method.

Your prescriber confirms what's appropriate at consultation.

Whichever option suits you, Access Doctor's pharmacist independent prescribers can assess you through a short online consultation and, where appropriate, prescribe with discreet next-day delivery.