Planning period delay with norethisterone
Norethisterone is a progestogen that can be prescribed to postpone a period. This online service is for an assessment of period delay. Tell the prescriber when your next period is expected, the dates you want to cover and whether your cycle is regular.
Which pack should I choose?
- 30 tablets — up to 7 days’ delay: a 10-day treatment course, including the 3 days before your period is due.
- 60 tablets — up to 17 days’ delay: a 20-day treatment course, including the 3 days before your period is due.
The usual licensed period-delay regimen is one 5mg tablet three times a day, starting three days before the expected period. The pack labels describe the intended delay, not the total treatment duration. Follow your prescription; your prescriber confirms your start and stop dates and the course suitable for you. Results vary and spotting can occur.
Allow time for assessment
Request advice in advance. Delivery speed does not replace the three-day lead-in or the time needed for clinical assessment. If your period has already started, or is due in fewer than three days, explain this before ordering; do not increase the dose or assume treatment will work.
A period usually returns within about three days after stopping, although timing and effectiveness vary. Breakthrough bleeding or spotting can occur. No course can guarantee a particular bleeding-free date.
Norethisterone is not contraception
You can still become pregnant while taking norethisterone for period delay. Continue suitable contraception. If you already use hormonal contraception, tell the prescriber: a different approach to changing your bleeding pattern may be appropriate. Do not add norethisterone without advice.
Who needs a suitability check?
Tell the prescriber about all medicines and supplements, pregnancy or breastfeeding, migraine, unexplained vaginal bleeding, liver problems, and any personal or family history of blood clots. Some conditions and medicines make norethisterone unsuitable or alter its effect. It must not be used during pregnancy.
Seek urgent medical help for possible blood-clot symptoms such as sudden chest pain, breathlessness, or a painful swollen leg. Get prompt advice for jaundice, new migraine-type headache or significant visual changes. Headache, nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes and irregular bleeding can also occur; read the leaflet supplied with your pack for the full information.
Request an individual plan
Complete the period delay consultation to discuss your dates, health and medicines. A prescription and supply depend on clinical suitability. Read more about period-delay medicines from the NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service and follow the patient leaflet in your supplied pack.
