How to Delay Your Period While Travelling

Planning a holiday but worried your period will land at just the wrong time? Whether you're heading to a beach break, going backpacking, or preparing for a special occasion abroad, there are safe and effective ways to delay your period if needed.

Here’s everything you need to know about delaying your period for travel – including which options are available, how they work, and when to speak to a healthcare professional.

🩸 Why Delay Your Period?

Periods are a natural part of life, but they can sometimes arrive at inconvenient times — especially during:

• Long-haul flights

• Adventure holidays or hikes

• Weddings or events abroad

• Religious pilgrimages (such as Hajj or Umrah)

Luckily, there are medical options that can help temporarily delay your menstrual cycle.

💊 Option 1: Norethisterone Tablets

One of the most common medicines for delaying a period is norethisterone. It’s a synthetic hormone that works in a similar way to progesterone, helping to maintain the lining of the uterus and prevent bleeding.

How to take norethisterone:

• Take 1 tablet (5 mg) three times a day

• Start 3 days before your period is due

• Continue taking it until you want your period to start

Your period will typically start 2–3 days after stopping norethisterone.

🔐 Important: Norethisterone does not act as a contraceptive. If you’re sexually active, you’ll still need to use additional contraception.

⚠️ Is Norethisterone Safe for Everyone?

Norethisterone is generally safe for short-term use, but it isn’t suitable for everyone. You should speak to a clinician if you:

• Have a history of blood clots or clotting disorders

• Are taking other hormonal medications

• Have liver disease or certain types of cancer

You can read more in the Norethisterone 5mg SPC (Summary of Product Characteristics).

At Ready Health, we’ll assess your individual health history to make sure it’s safe and appropriate for you.

💊 Option 2: Taking the Combined Pill Back-to-Back

If you're already on the combined contraceptive pill, you may be able to delay your period simply by skipping the pill-free break between packets. This method:

• Is usually safe for most women

• May not work with all brands of pill

• Might cause spotting (breakthrough bleeding) in some cases

📞 Always speak to your GP or prescribing nurse before doing this — not all pills are suitable for continuous use.

💬 When to Get Medical Advice

If you’re thinking about delaying your period, particularly for the first time or while travelling abroad, it’s best to speak to a healthcare professional.

At Ready Health Clinic in Standish, we offer:

• Pre-travel health consultations

• Private prescriptions for norethisterone (subject to suitability)

• Advice on contraception and menstrual health

📍 Serving Wigan, Chorley, Bolton, Horwich and surrounding areas
📅 Book an appointment online or call us on 01257 676001