Norethisterone
Norethisterone
Norethisterone
- Can delay your period for up to 17 days
- Take 1 pill 3 times a day
- Period should start 2 to 3 days after finishing course
Taking Norethisterone
Take 1 tablet 3 times a day starting 3 days before you are expecting your period.
Norethisterone should be taken for no longer than 20 days. you my take it for less if do not wish to delay your period for the 17 days.
Once you stop taking Norethisterone your period should occur within 2 to 3 days and your cycles should continue as usual after this. If you do not get your period you should do a pregnancy test and contact your GP.
Side effects
Side effects can include nausea (feeling sick), breast tenderness, tiredness, bloating, reduced sex drive or headache.
Rarely, it can cause a worsening of some chronic diseases, but our clinicians will advise you on this. For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.
Effectiveness
Norethisterone should be taken 3 days before you expect your next period to begin, and should become effective immediately. It can delay your period by up to 17 days if all 20 days worth of pills are taken. It requires you to take 3 pills a day, and once you stop taking them, your period should start after a couple of days.
In-pharmacy checks and collection
To ensure your safety, this treatment is only available for in-store collection. When you visit the pharmacy to collect your treatment, your blood pressure, height and weight will be checked to make sure this pill is safe for you to take. These checks are free and quick, and will take place in a private consultation room.
For women with results outside safe limits, Norethisterone may not be suitable due to the increased risk of serious side effect such as bloods clots.
More info about Norethisterone
How it works
Norethisterone is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. Rather than allowing for the natural fall in progesterone during your period, Norethisterone keeps your progesterone levels up. This delays the shedding of your womb lining, and therefore delays your period.
Important information about Norethisterone
Norethisterone when taken in the manner needed for period delay will not act as a contraception and you should therefore ensure alternative suitable contraception is used.
You should not take Norethisterone if you are already taking the combined contraceptive pill. It is not suitable if you have a history of blood clots.
It is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Safety: taking other medicines
You will not be suitable to take Norethisterone if you are already taking the combined contraceptive pill.
Norethisterone can be used alongside other medicines, but as with all medication there may be interactions with certain types. It is therefore important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Norethisterone safely.
Alternative treatments
Norethisterone is the only period delay treatment we offer. Another alternative method is use of the combined pill back to back, this method should be discussed with a pharmacist, contraceptive service or doctor, as the method varies with different pills. You can also talk to your GP for other alternative treatments which are now available.
