When to Start Taking Pills to Delay Your Period?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), hormonal methods can be used to safely and effectively skip or delay a menstrual period. If you're wondering when to start taking pills to delay your period, the correct timing depends on the specific type of medication and your current contraceptive regimen. This guide provides essential information on timing, medication types, and safety precautions for postponing your period.

Quick Summary

The ideal time to start period delay medication, such as Norethisterone, is typically three days before the expected start date. For individuals on a combined oral contraceptive pill, skipping the placebo week and starting the next pack immediately is the recommended method. The timing varies by method and requires a doctor's consultation to confirm suitability and ensure efficacy.

Key Points

Norethisterone Timing: For those not on a combined pill, begin taking Norethisterone at least three days before your expected period starts.
Combined Pill Timing: If you use a combined oral contraceptive pill, skip the hormone-free break or placebo pills and start a new packet immediately to delay your period.
Start Time Criticality: Starting Norethisterone too late (less than three days before) may not be effective and can cause spotting.
Not a Contraceptive: Period delay pills like Norethisterone do not prevent pregnancy, and a separate form of contraception is necessary.
Medical Consultation is Key: Always consult a doctor before starting any period delay medication to ensure it is safe and suitable for your health profile.
Breakthrough Bleeding: Be aware that continuous use of hormonal pills to delay a period can sometimes cause unpredictable breakthrough bleeding or spotting.
Follow Administration Exactly: For Norethisterone, follow the prescribed schedule carefully, as missing a dose can affect its efficacy.

Understanding Period Delay Medications

There are two main methods for using pills to delay your period: taking a specific period delay medication like Norethisterone, or for those already on it, adjusting the schedule of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill. Both approaches work by manipulating hormone levels to prevent the shedding of the uterine lining, which is the process that causes menstruation. Choosing the right method and timing is crucial for success and depends on whether you currently take hormonal contraception.

The Role of Progestogen

Most period delay tablets contain a synthetic version of the female hormone progesterone, known as a progestogen. A natural drop in progesterone levels in the body triggers a period. By taking extra progestogen, you keep these hormone levels artificially high, which prevents the uterine lining from shedding and postpones your period until you stop taking the medication.

When to Start Taking Norethisterone Tablets

For individuals not already using a combined contraceptive pill, Norethisterone (or norethindrone) is a common prescription medication used for short-term period delay.

The Golden Rule: The most crucial aspect of using Norethisterone successfully is timing. You must begin taking the tablets at least 3 days before the first day your period is expected to begin.
Administration Frequency: Norethisterone is typically taken multiple times a day as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
What if you start late?: Starting the medication later than 3 days before your period is due significantly increases the chance that it will not be effective and may lead to spotting or breakthrough bleeding. If your period has already started, Norethisterone will not be able to stop it.
How long can you delay?: Treatment duration can vary, typically up to around three weeks. Your period should then start within a few days of stopping the pills.
Not a Contraceptive: It is critical to remember that Norethisterone is not a birth control pill. You must use an alternative form of contraception, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication.

When to Delay with Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC) Pills

If you are already taking a combined oral contraceptive pill, you can delay your period by altering your pill-taking schedule. This method is not suitable for those on the progestogen-only pill (mini-pill), as it does not reliably control your cycle in the same way.

For 21-day packs: Skip the 7-day pill-free break after finishing your current pack. Start the next packet immediately on the day after you take your last active pill.
For everyday (ED) packs: Skip the 7 inactive (placebo) pills in your pack. Instead, start taking the active pills from a new pack immediately after finishing the active pills from your current one.
How long can you delay?: You can take packs back-to-back, though some doctors recommend not extending for more than a few cycles without a break. The risk of breakthrough bleeding tends to increase with prolonged continuous use.
Contraceptive Protection: This method provides continuous contraceptive protection, assuming the pills are taken correctly.
Consult a professional: For specific advice on phasic pills, which have varying hormone levels, or for extended use, you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Comparison: Norethisterone vs. Combined Pill Method


Feature	Norethisterone (Progestogen)	Combined Contraceptive Pill Method
Best For	Those not on hormonal contraception who need to delay a single, short-term period.	Individuals already taking a combined oral contraceptive pill.
Timing to Start	At least 3 days before the expected period begins.	After finishing the last active pill of the current pack, skipping the break.
Contraception?	No. It does not provide contraception. An alternative method is required.	Yes. Contraceptive protection continues as long as pills are taken correctly.
Duration	For occasional, short-term use, typically up to three weeks. Not recommended regularly.	Can be used continuously or for extended cycles, but breakthrough bleeding may occur.
Side Effects	Can include bloating, nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and mood changes.	Spotting, breakthrough bleeding, and bloating are possible, especially initially.
Professional Oversight	Requires a prescription and consultation with a doctor.	Should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist, particularly for long-term or extended use.

Side Effects and Risks to Consider

While generally safe for short-term use, period delay medication can have side effects. Common side effects for Norethisterone include mood swings, nausea, headaches, and breast tenderness. In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, such as blood clots (thromboembolism), and a medical professional will assess your risk based on your medical history. People with a history of blood clots, liver problems, or certain types of cancer should not take Norethisterone.

When using the combined pill method, breakthrough bleeding or spotting is a common side effect, especially in the first few months of continuous use. This often decreases over time as your body adjusts.

The Importance of Medical Consultation

Regardless of your chosen method, consulting a healthcare provider is essential. They can confirm the correct timing and dosage based on your individual cycle and health. An online doctor service is a convenient option for a consultation and prescription if you are not already on a combined pill. Regular or frequent period delay is not recommended, and a doctor can discuss longer-term alternatives like a hormonal IUD or continuous birth control pill regimens if needed. A medical assessment is especially important if you have a history of irregular periods, as the medication may be less effective.

Conclusion

Knowing when to start taking pills to delay your period is critical for achieving the desired effect. For individuals not on hormonal birth control, beginning Norethisterone three days before your period is due is the standard practice. For those already using a combined pill, skipping the placebo pills is the appropriate method. In both cases, timing is crucial for success, and a healthcare professional's guidance is indispensable to ensure the chosen method is safe and appropriate for your health profile.

For more information on menstrual suppression and birth control options, you can visit authoritative sources like the Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to start taking Norethisterone is at least three days before your period is expected to start. Starting later than this may reduce its effectiveness and could lead to spotting.

If you are on a combined oral contraceptive pill, you can delay your period by skipping the 7-day break (or the placebo pills) and starting the next pack of active pills immediately. This works by maintaining high hormone levels.

No, if your period has already begun, Norethisterone will not be able to stop it. The medication works by preventing the uterine lining from shedding, a process that has already been initiated once bleeding starts.

No, Norethisterone is not a contraceptive. It does not provide protection against pregnancy, and you must use a separate barrier method, like a condom, if you are sexually active while taking it.

Norethisterone can delay your period for up to around three weeks. For those on a combined pill, it can be done for longer, but the risk of breakthrough bleeding increases the longer you postpone it.

Common side effects can include mood changes, headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, and bloating. For some, spotting or breakthrough bleeding can also occur, particularly with continuous use of hormonal contraceptives.

Yes, period delay pills like Norethisterone are prescription-only medications. You must consult a doctor or pharmacist to ensure it is safe and suitable for your health, and to obtain a valid prescription.

No, the mini-pill is not suitable for delaying a period by skipping breaks, as it is taken continuously. It is recommended to use Norethisterone or switch to a combined pill under medical supervision if you need to delay your cycle.