Period Delay Policy

Policy Statement

This practice does not routinely prescribe medication solely for the purpose of delaying menstruation when the request is for personal, social, lifestyle, or convenience reasons under NHS-funded services.

Rationale

The NHS provides healthcare based on clinical need. Medication to delay periods (such as norethisterone or other hormonal treatments) is considered appropriate when there is a medical indication, including but not limited to:

• Management of heavy menstrual bleeding
• Treatment of endometriosis
• Management of severe dysmenorrhoea
• Control of symptoms related to gynaecological conditions
• Clinical situations where menstruation would adversely affect health

Requests made purely for non-medical reasons (e.g. holidays, special events, religious observance, sporting activities) do not meet NHS prescribing criteria, as they do not constitute treatment of illness or disease.

Clinical Considerations

Medications used to delay menstruation:

• Are hormonal treatments with potential side effects
• May not be suitable for all patients
• Require individual clinical assessment
• May carry risks in certain groups (e.g. those with clotting risk factors)
• Prescribing without medical necessity is not considered an appropriate use of NHS resources.

Alternative Options

Patients requesting period delay for non-medical reasons may:

• Seek advice from community pharmacies where private services may be available
• Access private prescriptions where clinically appropriate

These services are outside NHS funding and may incur a charge

Equality and Fairness

This policy ensures:

• Consistent prescribing practice
• Appropriate use of NHS resources
• Prescribing based on clinical need rather than lifestyle preference