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    Norethisterone

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    Norethisterone is a period delay medication that can allow you to delay your period for up to 17 days.

    How to take Norethisterone

    You should take the first table three days before your period starts.  Then take one tablet three times a day for no more than 20 days. You can take Norethisterone for less time if you don’t want to delay your period for the full 17 days.

    Once you stop taking Norethisterone your period should start within two to three days. Your menstrual cycles should continue as usual after this first period.  If you do not get your period, you should do a pregnancy test and contact your GP.

    Norethisterone side effects

    Side effects can include:

    • Nausea (feeling sick)
    • Breast tenderness
    • Tiredness
    • Bloating
    • Reduced sex drive
    • Headaches 

    Rarely, it can cause symptoms of some chronic diseases to get worse. Our clinicians will advise you on this once you’ve completed your online assessment. We’ll also need a recent blood pressure reading to make sure this treatment is safe for you.

    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 of Norethisterone

    Norethisterone should be taken three days before you expect your next period to begin. It should become effective immediately at delaying your period for up to 17 days (if all 20 day’s worth of pills are taken).

    To be effective you need to take three pills a day. Once you stop taking them, your period should start after a couple of days.

    Norethisterone is not a form of contraception. It cannot be used to prevent pregnancy. When taking Norethisterone you should use alternative contraception such as condoms.  

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      Norethisterone FAQs

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      Additional checks

      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. 

      How Norethisterone 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

      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.

      Who is Norethisterone not suitable for?

      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.

      Safety: taking other medicines

      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. 

      Alternatives treatments for delaying your period

      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.

      Find the right period delay treatment for you
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      How our service works

      1. Complete our simple, confidential online consultation

        5 mins

      2. One of our clinicians confirms your suitability and notifies you by email

        About 30 mins (Mon-Sun 9am-5pm)

      3. Choose delivery or collection

        Next day delivery

        Collect in your local ParcelShop​​​​​​​

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      Delivery & collection information

      • Standard delivery

        Free

        Delivered within 2-3 working days.

      • Next-day delivery

        £4.95

        Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive within 1-2 working days. Orders approved between 5pm Friday and 12pm Sunday will usually arrive on Monday or Tuesday.

      • Standard ParcelShop collection

        Free

        Collect from 7000+ convenient ParcelShops in 2-3 working days.

      • Next day ParcelShop collection

        £2.95

        Collect next day from 7000+ convenient ParcelShop locations, if approved before 5pm Monday-Friday. Saturday and Sunday orders, collect Monday if approved before 12pm Sunday or Tuesday if ordered after 12pm. 

      • London same-day collection

        Free

        Order before 5pm Monday-Friday to collect in pharmacy the same day. Subject to the availability of your treatment in your selected London pharmacy.

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