Periods have a habit of striking at the worst possible time, even when you think you’re prepared for them. A crucial meeting or highly anticipated day out can quickly become stressful with the added inconvenience of a period – whether it’s on time or not.

This is why many women turn towards the synthetic hormone norethisterone. This period-managing medication is able to delay periods, allowing you to continue your planned activities stress-free for over two weeks, if needed.

How does Norethisterone work?

Norethisterone is often used in treating issues with menstrual cycles, but also functions as a means of delaying periods. The medication and hormone share the same name, with the hormone itself acting as a synthetic variant of progesterone – the sex hormone that sustains the uterus lining.

Typically, if fertilisation doesn’t take place, progesterone levels drop, causing the uterus lining to break down. Norethisterone prevents this, encouraging your body to keep the uterus lining intact, in turn delaying your period.

How and when should I take norethisterone?

We recommend taking a 5mg tablet of norethisterone three times a day, taken three days before you expect your period. Exceeding this dosage or continuing to take them after 17 days is ill-advised, as you may experience hormone imbalances and other negative side effects.

How soon will I get my period after I stop taking norethisterone?

Typically, your period will return two or three days after you stop taking norethisterone.

What if I don’t get my period after I stop taking the treatment?

Your body may need time to adjust, as hormonal changes can be very confusing for your bodily functions. If it’s been more than a week and you still haven’t started your period, you should first rule out a potential pregnancy with a pregnancy test. Anything exceeding this, and you should contact your GP.

Can I take norethisterone?

Before taking norethisterone, ensure you aren’t mixing with contraceptives. The mini pill is usually fine, but taking the combination pill with it is not recommended.

If you suffer from asthma or regular migraines, you should avoid norethisterone in case you trigger an attack.

Will norethisterone protect me against pregnancy?

Norethisterone doesn’t function as a contraceptive, so you are still able to get pregnant while taking it. Though it affects hormone levels like other contraceptives, it does not prevent you from getting pregnant.

Side effects

Because dosages are normally controlled, it’s unlikely you’ll exceed the recommended limit and experience any real side effects. You may notice itchiness or rashes, or experience mild nausea and headaches, or even tenderness in the breasts.

If you take too much of the norethisterone, or take it for too long, these symptoms may be felt to a more extreme degree. In these instances, contact your GP.

Product information

Our pharmacists can provide norethisterone to you without a prescription, following a brief consultation in which we assess your health and needs. You can also view the patient information leaflet for norethisterone 5mg.

View the patient information leaflet for Norethisterone 5mg.

Service details

Price: small charge

Frequency: when required.

Leaflet: Page one

Availability: You can pop in to your local pharmacy whenever is convenient, or you can click to choose your preferred pharmacy and visit their page for enquiries.