Norethisterone 5mg Tablets for Period Delay

Norethisterone is a hormone tablet used to delay a period, for example for a holiday, an exam or a special event. You take one 5mg tablet three times a day, starting 3 days before your period is due. At MedsRus, a UK prescriber reviews a confidential online consultation before supplying it.

Important: norethisterone does not work as contraception. Use condoms if you have sex while you're taking it.

Norethisterone at a glance

How does norethisterone work?

Norethisterone is a progestogen, a man-made version of the hormone progesterone. Your period starts when progesterone levels fall at the end of your cycle. Taking norethisterone keeps the level up, so the womb lining stays in place and your period is held back until you stop the tablets.

How to take norethisterone

• Take one 5mg tablet three times a day, spread through the day, with water.
• Start 3 days before your period is due.
• Keep taking it until you want your period to start, usually for no more than 17 days in total.
• Your period should start 2 to 3 days after you stop.
• Missed a dose? Take it as soon as you remember, then carry on as normal. Don't take a double dose. Missing doses can lead to bleeding.

Example: if your period is due on Saturday the 14th, start on Wednesday the 11th. If your holiday ends on Sunday the 22nd, take your last tablets that day, and expect your period around the 24th or 25th. That's 12 days, or 36 tablets.

A pack of 30 tablets covers 10 days, and 60 tablets covers up to 17 days. Our period delay tablets page has a pack-size guide.

Side effects

Side effects are usually mild and stop when you finish the tablets. They can include:

• feeling sick;
• headache;
• breast tenderness;
• bloating;
• mood changes.

Blood clots

Norethisterone slightly increases the risk of a blood clot. Get urgent medical help if you have pain or swelling in one leg, chest pain, sudden breathlessness or you cough up blood. Long-haul flights add to the risk, so walk around when you can and drink plenty of water. The NHS explains the signs of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Who shouldn't take norethisterone?

Norethisterone isn't suitable if you:

• have had a blood clot, or have a close family member who had one;
• have had a stroke, heart attack or angina;
• have or have had breast cancer;
• have liver disease;
• have porphyria;
• have vaginal bleeding that hasn't been explained;
• had jaundice, severe itching or a blistering rash (pemphigoid gestationis) in a previous pregnancy;
• are pregnant or breastfeeding;
• are allergic to norethisterone.

Speak to us first if you get migraines, or have epilepsy, asthma, diabetes or high blood pressure, or if you've recently had surgery or will be immobile for a long time.

Already on the pill?

If you take a combined pill, such as Microgynon or Mercilon, you can usually delay your period by starting the next pack straight away, without the 7-day break. Ask us first if you're not sure how. This keeps you protected against pregnancy, which norethisterone does not.

Planning a trip? Our travel health section covers malaria tablets, travel sickness and more.

How MedsRus prescribes norethisterone

1. Complete a confidential online consultation about your health, your medicines and when your period is due.
2. A UK prescriber reviews it and approves norethisterone if it's suitable, or suggests an alternative.
3. Your tablets are dispensed by our UK pharmacy and sent in plain packaging.

Norethisterone FAQs

How long can I delay my period with norethisterone?

It's usually taken for up to 17 days in total, starting 3 days before your period is due. If you need longer, ask the prescriber.

When will my period come after stopping?

Usually within 2 to 3 days of taking your last tablet.

Is norethisterone a contraceptive?

No. Norethisterone does not stop you getting pregnant. Use condoms if you have sex while taking it.

Can I take norethisterone if I'm on the pill?

You usually don't need to. If you take a combined pill, taking packs back to back without a break is the simpler way to skip a period. If you use another type of contraception, tell the prescriber, who will advise.

How many tablets do I need?

You take 3 tablets a day, so a pack of 30 covers 10 days. Count from 3 days before your period is due to the day you want it to start, and multiply by 3.

Can I drink alcohol on norethisterone?

Yes. Alcohol doesn't stop norethisterone working. On long flights, drink plenty of water as well, as being dehydrated and sitting still both add to the risk of a blood clot.

Sources:

• NHS: Periods (delaying your period)
• NHS SPS: Choosing a medicine to delay periods