Want To Delay Your Period? Superdrug Has A Pill For That

A pill that can delay your period is now available to buy over the counter at Superdrug pharmacies after an online consultation. Commonly used to prevent periods while you’re on holiday or celebrating a big event, the pill was formerly only available via prescription and had to be ordered in advance through online or in-person doctor services.

How does the pill work?

Named Norethisterone, the pill contains a synthetic hormone called progestin. Mimicking the effects of your natural progesterone, it stops your womb lining from shedding – what we know as a period – by keeping your progesterone levels high. Essentially, just like contraceptives, it tricks your body into thinking you’re pregnant.

Is it a contraceptive?

No, it just contains some of the same hormones found in contraceptives. However, you can absolutely still get pregnant while taking this pill.

How do you take it?

The pill should be taken three times a day, starting three days before you want you want it to start working. Currently, it’s available at Superdrug 10-day, 20 day or 30-day doses – which mean 30 tablets, 60 tablets or 90 tablets respectively.

How much does it cost?

The Superdrug pill starts at £29.00 for a 10-day delay, then goes to £45 for 20 days and £59 for 30. Given the steep price point, it might be worth factoring it into your holiday costs – perhaps the odd tampon string poking out of your bikini isn’t so embarrassing after all?

What are the side-effects of norethisterone?

There are few side-effects when taking norethisterone for this purpose, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) website. In fact, the only common side-effect is an irregular menstrual cycle (big shock there), with uncommon side effects including breast tenderness. You can find out more about this here.

Why are people concerned about it?

As with everything in women’s health, you have to be cautious of how much research has gone into the impacts of this pill on our bodies long-term. With conversations around the pill going into overdrive online, some have reported experiencing side-effects including heavy period pain when coming off it. Of course, there are side-effects with everything, but that’s why it’s worth having a conversation with a pharmacist before taking the pill.

We have seen how little research has gone into a pill millions of women take every day (read: our contraceptive pills) of their lives, and so ultimately it’s important to be cautious about what we’re putting in our bodies. So many of us take pills day in day out unaware of the impact on our physical and mental health – there’s no wonder some are concerned about making it available on the high street.

But with that in mind, it’s worth remembering that you still have to fill in an online consultation before you buy this pill, which will be approved by doctors before picking it up. Plus, there are in-store pharmacists who can talk you through whether this pill is best for you in Superdrug – as it was available before.

Essentially, while yes we all should do our due diligence before picking up pills that switch up our natural hormones, having more choice and better access to medication that can make our periods easier is important. It shows that contrary to the antics of certain world leaders, women can be trusted to make choices about their own health and wellbeing.

How else can I delay my period?

If you’re already on the combined pill, NHS advice dictates that taking two packets back to back should be your first stop. It’s only if you’re not taking the combined contraceptive pill that you may want norethisterone.

Find out more about norethisterone here.

Read more: How the contraceptive pill is impacting your body...