During your online assessment you’ll need to share recent blood pressure readings. We’ll also need your height and weight so our clinicians can check your BMI. This allows us to make sure this period delay treatment is safe for you to take.

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. 

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.

When taking Norethisterone to delay your period, it will not act as contraception.  You should make sure suitable alternative contraception is used. You should not take Norethisterone if you are already taking the combined contraceptive pill.

There are certain conditions which mean norethisterone won’t be suitable for you, these include if you have a history of blood clots, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It’s not safe 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 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. 

Norethisterone is the only period delay treatment we offer. Another alternative method is taking the combined pill back-to-back. This method should be discussed with a pharmacist, contraceptive service or doctor. As it can vary depending on the pill you’re taking.

You can also talk to your GP for other alternative treatments which are now available.