Superdrug first high street retailer to launch ‘Period Delay Pill’

Measure introduced to give women more control and choice over their bodies

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Women can now buy the “period delay pill” on the high street at Superdrug.

The pill, known as norethisterone, is a prescription only medicine that was previously only available at pharmacists via online doctor services and had to be ordered in.

Now, the pill that delays menstruation can be purchased on a walk-in basis at any one of Superdrug’s pharmacies in the UK following a consultation with the on-site pharmacist.

The measure was introduced to give women more control and choice over their bodies.

In order to work, the pill needs to be taken three days before an expected period is due to begin, the pharmacy explains. The period will then be delayed for approximately three days. It is not suitable for women who are currently using a contraceptive pill.

Norethisterone itself is the synthetic version of a sex hormone which naturally occurs in the human body. It belongs to a group of hormones called progestogens, which are also found in mini pills and combined contraceptive pills.

Dr Pixie McKenna, a GP who runs her own health clinic in London, said: “The Period Delay Pill offers women more choice when it comes to their periods. Before taking any medication, a patient should always read the patient information leaflet and I’d always recommend talking any concerns or questions through with a healthcare professional. It is, however, not a contraceptive so if you are thinking of having sex, always use a condom.”

Meanwhile, Dr Lucinda Farmer, spokesperson for the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH), tells The Independent that while delaying one’s period might be a desirable option, many contraceptive methods will induce amenorrhoea, a state of no periods, anyway, “so taking norethisterone on top may not be necessary”.

Farmer added: “Contraceptive efficacy is not thought to be affected by concurrent use of norethisterone, so women may safely take norethisterone alongside their usual contraception.”

As for women who are on the combined pill, the NHS advises women wanting to delay their periods to take two packets of their pill back-to-back as opposed to taking a seven day break.

This will not effect how your pill works as a contraceptive, the organisation clarifies on its website.

“If you’re not sure which pill you’re on or which pills in the packet to miss out, speak to your pharmacist, community contraception clinic or GP. Avoid taking more than 2 packs without a break, unless your GP says you can.”