Delay Menses Pills
Your period is a natural part of life, but sometimes the timing can feel inconvenient. You might be preparing for a long-awaited holiday, attending a wedding or running a marathon, and the last thing you want to worry about is your menstrual cycle.
A delay menses pill is a doctor-prescribed medication that allows you to safely and temporarily postpone your period. These tablets to delay your period offer reassurance, convenience and control, without long-term effects on your health or fertility.
At Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic, we provide discreet and dependable care through timely consultations, prescriptions and follow-up. We are here to listen, understand, support your choices and empower you to live on your own terms.
Choosing where to seek care for your reproductive health is a deeply personal decision. We believe you deserve care that not only treats your needs, but also understands your priorities, your time and your privacy.
Rapid and Convenient
Your time and peace of mind matter. This is why we make access to care as smooth and stress-free as possible. We aim to give you timely access to care in a way that suits you best, either through telemedicine or an in-clinic visit.
Licensed Medical Professionals
Every consultation is handled by Singapore-registered doctors with experience in women’s health. You’ll be guided step by step—from understanding your options to receiving your prescription and follow-up support when needed.
Different options are available to help you safely delay menses. The most suitable choice depends on your health profile, upcoming plans and how long you wish to postpone menstruation.
Norethisterone (Primolut N)
Norethisterone is a commonly prescribed progestogen that temporarily delays your period. It works by maintaining higher levels of the hormone progesterone, which prevents the natural shedding of the uterine lining.
To be effective, you should start taking these meds to delay period a few days before your expected period. It can delay bleeding for up to about 17 days, depending on your doctor’s advice.
Combined Oral Contraceptives (e.g., Microgynon, Yasmin)
For some individuals already using combined oral contraceptive pills, simply continuing the active pills without a break can be a useful way to skip a period. This method works by preventing the hormone withdrawal that normally triggers menstruation. Your doctor will provide clear guidance on how to use your specific brand of pill to achieve a safe and successful delay.
Personalised Plans
Every woman’s body and schedule are different. Our doctors take the time to understand your medical history, current health and personal lifestyle. This allows them to recommend the most appropriate medication and dosage, ensuring that your period delay is a safe and well-suited solution that aligns with your needs.
How It Works—Mechanism & Timing
Understanding how period delay pills work can give you peace of mind. The process is both simple and rooted in a natural hormonal response.
Mechanism
Your menstrual cycle is regulated by a delicate balance of hormones. Normally, a drop in progesterone and estrogen levels triggers the shedding of your uterine lining, which is your period.
Delay menses pills work by introducing a steady, sustained level of these hormones into your system. This tricks your body into thinking it’s not time for the uterine lining to shed, thereby postponing your period. Once you stop taking the medication, these hormone levels will drop and allow your period to return naturally within a few days.
Timing
Precision is key to a successful delay. Our doctors will give you clear, personalised instructions, but here is a general guide:
Norethisterone
For the medication to work as intended, you should begin taking it 3 to 4 days before your expected period begins. You can continue taking the pills for up to two weeks, or as directed by your doctor. Your period will typically resume 2 to 3 days after you stop the medication, allowing you to get back to your regular cycle.
Continuous Contraceptive Packs
For those already using combined oral contraceptives, delaying your period can be done by continuing with the next pack immediately instead of taking the usual pill-free break. This keeps hormone levels stable and naturally delays bleeding.
As the approach may vary depending on the specific pill, it’s important to follow your doctor’s guidance for safe use.
Safety & Side Effects
Your well-being comes first, which is why period delay medication should always be used under medical supervision. While most women tolerate it well and only take it for a short time, you should understand the possible side effects and know when to seek medical advice.
General Safety
When prescribed appropriately, period delay pills are generally safe for short-term use. They are commonly used by healthy women for occasions when adjusting the menstrual cycle is needed. Safety depends on correct timing, dosage and medical suitability, which is why consultation with our doctors is important before starting.
Common Side Effects
Most women tolerate the medication well, but some may experience temporary symptoms while taking it. These usually improve once the course is completed.
- Nausea or bloating
- Breast tenderness or mild enlargement
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Mood swings
Serious Reactions (Rare)
While extremely uncommon, it is important to be aware of the signs of a more serious reaction. Medical attention is required immediately if any of the following appear:
- Allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing)
- Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath or coughing up blood (possible clot)
- Severe headache, vision changes or speech difficulties
- Skin or eye whites turning yellow (jaundice)
When to Seek Medical Advice Before Use
Some health conditions increase the risks of hormone-based medications. Speak to a doctor before starting if you:
- Are pregnant or planning to conceive soon
- Have a history of blood clots, stroke or clotting disorders
- Have heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure or liver problems
- Have certain hormone-sensitive cancers (such as breast or uterine cancer)
- Experience unexplained vaginal bleeding
A proper medical consultation helps determine whether period delay pills are appropriate for you and, if so, which option is safest.
Pricing & Accessibility
At Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic, we believe healthcare should be accessible, transparent and tailored to your individual needs.
Although the exact cost of period delay medication may vary depending on the type prescribed and the duration of use, our team will always explain the pricing upfront before you begin.
Medication Cost
The price of period delay medication depends on factors such as the specific drug prescribed and the length of time you wish to delay your period. Your doctor will provide a tailored prescription, and the costs will be clearly outlined during your consultation.
Delivery
For added convenience, you may choose to receive their medication through direct delivery after consultation. This saves you the time and effort of visiting a pharmacy and allows you to access treatment discreetly. In cases where delivery is not suitable, in-clinic collection remains available.
Flexibility
We provide flexible consultation options — including telemedicine appointments and in-clinic visits — so you can access care in the way that feels most comfortable for you. Medication plans are also tailored to your personal timeline, giving you the freedom to plan ahead with ease.
FAQ
How far in advance should I start the pills?
For norethisterone, it’s usually recommended to begin 3–4 days before your expected period. This timing allows the medication to raise hormone levels and prevent the uterine lining from shedding. Your doctor will confirm the best schedule based on your cycle and health background.
Can I delay longer than 17 days?
Norethisterone is generally prescribed for up to about 2 weeks. Extending beyond this period is not usually advised, as it may increase the risk of side effects. If you need a longer delay, your doctor may discuss alternative options, such as adjusting oral contraceptives, to suit your plans safely.
Will delaying affect my fertility?
No, period delay medication does not have a lasting effect on fertility. Your menstrual cycle should return to its normal rhythm once you stop taking the medication, and you can expect your next period to arrive as it normally would.
Can I still get pregnant while on delay menses pills?
Yes. Period delay pills like norethisterone are not contraceptives. They delay bleeding but do not prevent ovulation or protect against pregnancy. If you are sexually active and want to avoid pregnancy, you should use contraception such as condoms or birth control pills.
Can I use natural methods to delay?
There are no scientifically proven natural methods that can reliably delay your period. Herbal remedies, dietary changes or supplements may be mentioned in anecdotal sources, but they lack medical evidence and can sometimes interfere with your cycle in unpredictable ways.
For safe and consistent results, medical guidance is strongly recommended.