Bristol Road: Mon to Fri 9am to 6pm, Sat 9am to 5pm · Campus: Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm ● NEW Selly Pharmacy in Campus ● 0121 472 0155
Selly Pharmacy

About period delay

Period delay tablets contain a hormone that postpones your period. They are usually started three days before your period is due and taken for as long as you need to delay it, for up to around 17 days.

Your period normally starts a few days after you stop taking the tablets.

Treatment options

Norethisterone

A prescription tablet containing a progestogen hormone, used to delay periods. It is usually started three days before your period is due.

Your combined contraceptive pill

If you already take a combined pill, you may be able to delay your period by taking packs back to back. Ask us for advice before doing this.

This is general information about the options available. Your pharmacist will advise which option, if any, is suitable for you after your consultation.

Who it is for

  • People who want to postpone their period for a planned event or trip
  • Those who are not pregnant and have no history of blood clots or certain other conditions
  • Suitability is always checked by a pharmacist

How it works

  1. Book online and complete the health pre-screen
  2. A pharmacist reviews your answers and checks you are suitable
  3. Collect your tablets from Bristol Road or our campus branch

Good to know

  • Book at least a week before your period is due so you can start on time.
  • Period delay tablets are not a contraceptive. Use your usual contraception.
  • If you use hormonal contraception, you may be able to delay your period with that. Ask us for advice.

Related services

Private services involve a consultation with a pharmacist. Treatment is only supplied where it is safe and clinically appropriate, and not everyone will be suitable. Fees apply and are shown when you book. If you feel very unwell, call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

Period Delay questions

Common questions

How long can I delay my period?
Usually for up to around 17 days. Your pharmacist will explain how to take the tablets.
Are there side effects?
Some people notice bloating, breast tenderness or mood changes. Your pharmacist will talk you through these.
Next step

Ready to book?

It only takes a few minutes. Choose a time, complete your pre-screen and we will see you at Bristol Road or Selly Pharmacy in Campus.

Visit us

On Bristol Road, in the heart of Selly Oak.And on campus, in the heart of the University of Birmingham.

Right on Bristol Road, directly opposite Tesco Express and the Esso petrol station, two minutes from Selly Oak station, opposite the University of Birmingham campus, with on-street parking nearby. Walk in, or call ahead, we're easy to find and easier to talk to. You can now also find us on the University of Birmingham campus, inside the University Centre: behind Costa Coffee, opposite the Co-op.

Bristol Road branch
Unit 2, 480 Bristol Road,
Selly Oak, Birmingham,
West Midlands, B29 6BD
Campus branch · New
Selly Pharmacy in Campus
University Centre,
University of Birmingham Campus,
Birmingham, B15 2TT
Behind Costa Coffee, opposite the Co-op
Opening hours

Two branches, open when you need us

Bristol Road branch
Monday
9:00–18:00
Tuesday
9:00–18:00
Wednesday
9:00–18:00
Thursday
9:00–18:00
Friday
9:00–18:00
Saturday
9:00–17:00
Sunday
Closed
Campus branch · University Centre
Mon–Fri
9:00–17:00
Sat–Sun
Closed
On a Saturday? Visit our Bristol Road branch, open 9am to 5pm.
Closed Sundays and bank holidays. For urgent out-of-hours care, please call NHS 111 or visit nhs.uk for your nearest open pharmacy.