Norethisterone
"When you want to delay your period, the Norethisterone 5mg tablet offers a safe and reliable solution, letting you postpone menstruation for up to 17 days. You just take 1 tablet 3 times daily, and when you’ve completed the full course, your period should begin naturally within 2-3 days."
What is Norethisterone?
Norethisterone 5mg is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. It’s able to delay periods for up to 17 days.
How does it work?
Norethisterone works by mimicking your body's natural progesterone hormone. During a typical menstrual cycle, your progesterone levels naturally fall, which triggers your period. However, Norethisterone tablets help maintain higher levels, which prevents your womb lining from shedding. This is what enables you to temporarily delay your period.
How to use Norethisterone 5mg
- Start taking Norethisterone 3 days before your period is due.
- Take 1 tablet 3 times each day for up to 20 days. You can take them for a shorter time if you don't need the full 17-day delay.
Treatment results
When taken 3 days before you expect your next period to begin, as prescribed, Norethisterone tablets should become effective immediately. If you take 1 tablet 3 times day for the full course of 20 days, the treatment can delay your period for up to 17 days. Your period should then begin after 2-3 days after stopping treatment.
Norethisterone can’t prevent pregnancy
The Norethisterone pill only provides period delay. So when you're having sex, you'll need to use contraception to protect against pregnancy. Condoms are likely to be the most effective.
Side effects of Norethisterone
As with many medications, the Norethisterone 5mg pill may have side effects. These are uncommon and usually mild but can include:
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Feeling bloated
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Reduced sex drive
Important: In rare instances, Norethisterone can make chronic conditions worse. So it’s important to fill out your online assessment honestly and provide a recent blood pressure reading. Our clinicians will review everything to make sure this treatment is safe for you.
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet.
Product features
Norethisterone tablets are clinically proven to delay your period for up to 17 days
Take 1 tablet three times daily
Your period will typically return 2-3 days after you finish taking the tablets
What is Norethisterone?
Norethisterone 5mg is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. It’s able to delay periods for up to 17 days.
How does it work?
Norethisterone works by mimicking your body's natural progesterone hormone. During a typical menstrual cycle, your progesterone levels naturally fall, which triggers your period. However, Norethisterone tablets help maintain higher levels, which prevents your womb lining from shedding. This is what enables you to temporarily delay your period.
How to use Norethisterone 5mg
- Start taking Norethisterone 3 days before your period is due.
- Take 1 tablet 3 times each day for up to 20 days. You can take them for a shorter time if you don't need the full 17-day delay.
Treatment results
When taken 3 days before you expect your next period to begin, as prescribed, Norethisterone tablets should become effective immediately. If you take 1 tablet 3 times day for the full course of 20 days, the treatment can delay your period for up to 17 days. Your period should then begin after 2-3 days after stopping treatment.
Norethisterone can’t prevent pregnancy
The Norethisterone pill only provides period delay. So when you're having sex, you'll need to use contraception to protect against pregnancy. Condoms are likely to be the most effective.
Side effects of Norethisterone
As with many medications, the Norethisterone 5mg pill may have side effects. These are uncommon and usually mild but can include:
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Feeling bloated
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Reduced sex drive
Important: In rare instances, Norethisterone can make chronic conditions worse. So it’s important to fill out your online assessment honestly and provide a recent blood pressure reading. Our clinicians will review everything to make sure this treatment is safe for you.
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet.
Select a medication and complete our simple, confidential online consultation
A clinician will review your answers and, if suitable, prescribe treatment
Choose next-day delivery, or click & collect from your local pharmacy
Norethisterone FAQs
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How long does Norethisterone take to work?
For Norethisterone tablets to work effectively, start taking them 3 days before your expected period. The medication begins working immediately, and if you complete the full 20-day course, you can delay your period for up to 17 days.
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Does Norethisterone work as a contraceptive?
Norethisterone tablets don't work as contraception. The medication only delays your period. So when you have sex while taking Norethisterone, make sure you always use contraception such as condoms to avoid pregnancy.
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How often should I take Norethisterone?
You'll need to take 1 Norethisterone tablet 3 times a day for the treatment to work effectively. Your period should start within a couple of days after you finish taking them.
What if I miss a Norethisterone dose?
If you forget to take a tablet, take it as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular schedule. It’s important to not double up on doses to make up for the one you missed.
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Can I drink alcohol on Norethisterone?
While it's possible to drink alcohol when taking the Norethisterone pill, you should always drink sensibly. However, if you do overindulge and vomit within two hours of taking your tablet, your body probably won't have absorbed the medication properly. This could result in it being less effective.
The same is true if you vomit due to any other reason, such food poisoning or a virus.
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What if I get side effects from Norethisterone?
If you experience any of the side effects mentioned above, or notice any negative reactions while taking Norethisterone tablets, get in touch with a pharmacist, your doctor, or one of our clinicians in your patient record.
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Is Norethisterone safe for long-term use?
Although the Norethisterone pill is safe for most women when used occasionally, you shouldn't rely on it as a regular method for delaying your periods.
It's worth noting that everyone responds differently to the treatment, so its effectiveness can vary.
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Does Norethisterone cause weight gain?
While weight gain is listed as a potential side effect of the Norethisterone pill, everyone responds differently to the medication. So, some people might experience changes in their weight while others won't.
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Who can take Norethisterone?
Norethisterone tablets can help manage several menstrual and hormonal conditions. Your GP or Gynaecologist might prescribe it to treat:
- Heavy or painful periods
- Irregular periods or ones that occur too frequently
- Premenstrual tension (PMT)
- Endometriosis, where tissue similar to your womb lining grows outside your womb
- Breast cancer
Our clinicians won’t be able to prescribe Norethisterone for the above reasons, so speak to your GP for more advice.
Although Norethisterone 5mg can be prescribed for period delay, it isn't suitable for everyone. You shouldn't take it if you:
- Have a history of blood clots
- Are pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
Can I take Norethisterone while breastfeeding?
Norethisterone 5mg isn't suitable if you're breastfeeding and isn’t safe for use if you're pregnant or have a history of blood clots. Ask your pharmacist or GP if you need advice and want to explore alternative options.
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Can I take Norethisterone with other medication?
As with all medications, Norethisterone tablets can interact with other medicines. So our clinicians can prescribe it safely, you’ll need to let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you’re taking regularly.
Important: Taking Norethisterone 5mg alongside the combined contraceptive pill isn't safe, so you shouldn’t use them together.
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Alternative options for delaying periods
While the Norethisterone pill is the only period delay treatment we offer, there are other options. For example:
- Taking the combined contraceptive pill back-to-back. However, you'll need to discuss this with your pharmacist, contraceptive service, or doctor as the approach varies depending on your specific pill.
- Speaking with your GP about newer treatments that might be suitable.
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Where can I buy period delay tablets?
If you want to buy Norethisterone 5mg tablets for delaying your period, you'll need a prescription. You can’t buy the treatment over the counter. So complete our online consultation, which is quick and easy, and our clinicians will review your information to ensure the Norethisterone pill is suitable for you.
