Norethisterone

General Information

What is norethisterone?

Norethisterone is a man-made form of progestogen, a type of hormone that's naturally produced by the female body. The hormone is an essential part of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. The medication is used in hormone replacement therapy, contraceptives, and in treating disorders of the menstrual cycle.

What is norethisterone used for?

Norethisterone, also known as norethindrone, is a synthetic form of progestogen, a class of hormones that includes progesterone. The medication mimics the natural female hormone progesterone. It is widely used in several types of hormonal contraceptives, including the combined oral contraceptive pill and the mini-pill. Moreover, norethisterone is frequently used in managing conditions related to menstruation and fertility. These conditions include premenstrual syndrome (PMS), painful periods, irregular periods or heavy menstrual bleeding, and endometriosis. It's often utilised in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal women and as part of the treatment protocol for certain types of breast cancer.

Norethisterone uses

Norethisterone is versatile in its uses owing to its hormonal properties. It is a key component in numerous hormonal contraceptives and is frequently used to treat a variety of conditions related to menstruation, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), dysmenorrhea (painful periods), menorrhagia (heavy periods), and endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Norethisterone is sometimes prescribed to delay menstruation for reasons such as travel or special occasions. Furthermore, it's used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal women and in certain cases, it's used in the treatment of breast cancer.

Dosage & Usage

How long can you take norethisterone to stop period?

Norethisterone is taken for up to 20 days to stop periods. Norethisterone is usually taken three days before an expected period begins and is continued for the duration that one wishes to prevent menstruation, up to a maximum of 20 days in most cases. It's important to note, however, that while norethisterone is effective in delaying periods, its prolonged use is not recommended due to potential side effects. Moreover, it doesn't provide contraceptive protection and isn't recommended as a long-term solution for period delay.

What happens if I take norethisterone while on my period?

If taking norethisterone after one starts menstruating, it may not stop the bleeding. Norethisterone is designed to delay a period if taken before menstruation begins. It does this by maintaining levels of progesterone, thereby tricking the body into thinking it's pregnant and delaying the shedding of the womb lining. Once the shedding process has started (which is what happens when one gets a period), norethisterone is unlikely to stop it.

Can Norethisterone be used to induce the onset of a period?

Yes, in certain cases, norethisterone may be used to help induce a period, particularly for women who have irregular periods or have stopped having periods due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The medication might help regulate the menstrual cycle, but it's essential to follow a doctor's instructions regarding its usage.

Norethisterone 5mg

The 5mg dose of norethisterone is commonly used to delay periods. The usual advice is to start taking it three days before a period is expected to start and continue for the length of time one wishes to delay your period, up to a maximum of 20 days. Remember, norethisterone is not a form of contraceptive and must not be used as a regular method for delaying periods due to potential side effects.

How to take Norethisterone tablets?

Norethisterone tablets must be swallowed whole with a glass of water. They are taken with or without food. To ensure effectiveness, it is advisable to take the norethisterone tablet at the same time each day.

Norethisterone dosage to delay period

The usual dosage of norethisterone to delay a period is one 5mg tablet taken three times a day. The dose must ideally be started three days before a period is due to begin. A user is able to continue taking norethisterone for the duration they wish to delay their period, usually for no more than 20 days. After stopping the medication, a period starts within 2 to 3 days.

What happens if you take norethisterone on the first day of period?

Taking norethisterone on the first day of a period might not stop the bleeding because the drug works by keeping levels of progesterone high, preventing the shedding of the womb lining, which happens during a period. Starting to take norethisterone once a period has begun may not be effective, as the shedding process has already started.

Norethisterone dosage per day

The standard dosage of norethisterone for delaying a period is one tablet three times a day. This typically starts three days before the period is due. Always follow the instructions given by a healthcare provider.

Will norethisterone stop bleeding once started?

No, Norethisterone is typically used to prevent the start of a period rather than stop it once it has begun. It maintains the high levels of progesterone in the body which prevents the womb lining from shedding, which is what happens during a period. However, once a period has started and this process has begun, norethisterone is unlikely to stop the bleeding.

Availability & Pricing

Norethisterone BNF

The British National Formulary (BNF) provides healthcare professionals with authoritative and practical information on the selection and clinical use of medicines. The BNF lists norethisterone as a prescription-only medication, which means it's available only with a prescription from a doctor.

Can I buy Norethisterone from Boots?

In the UK, norethisterone is available for purchase from pharmacies such as Boots with a prescription from a healthcare professional. The service is often offered online as well, allowing a person to fill out a health questionnaire that a pharmacist or doctor reviews before the medication is dispatched.

Does Amazon sell period delay tablets?

No, Norethisterone is not sold on Amazon, as it is a prescription-only medication and must be obtained from a registered pharmacy. While one might find period delay pills advertised on platforms like Amazon, it's crucial to remember that medications like norethisterone must always be prescribed by a healthcare professional. Buying medications from unregulated sources is risky as safety or efficacy may not be guaranteed.

Can I buy norethisterone in the UK?

In the UK, norethisterone is available from both physical and online pharmacies. However, a prescription from a healthcare professional is required. Some digital pharmacies provide an online consultation service, where a questionnaire is completed and reviewed by a healthcare professional before a prescription is given.

Can you get period delay tablets on the NHS?

Norethisterone is available on the NHS for certain conditions like heavy periods or painful periods. However, it may not be available on the NHS for the specific purpose of delaying periods, in which case one needs a private prescription.

Can you get period delay tablets over the counter?

No, in the UK, period delay tablets like norethisterone are not available over the counter. They require a prescription from a doctor or a healthcare professional, which is obtained in person or through an online consultation.

Side Effects & Considerations

What are the risks of norethisterone?

Like all medications, norethisterone comes with potential side effects. These include bloating, stomach upsets, breast discomfort, and changes in libido, among others. In rare cases, it might cause more serious side effects such as jaundice, migraine headaches, or thrombosis. It's important to discuss these potential risks with a healthcare provider before beginning a course of norethisterone.

Norethisterone side effects

Common side effects of norethisterone include changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, headache, nausea, and breast tenderness. Some people experience mood changes, weight gain, or skin reactions. Rare but serious side effects include blood clots, disturbed liver function, and visual disturbances. If experiencing any severe or concerning side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

What should I do if I take more tablets than I should?

If one accidentally takes more norethisterone than recommended, contact a doctor or the nearest hospital casualty department immediately. While an overdose is unlikely to be harmful, it might cause nausea and withdrawal bleeding.

Who can take norethisterone?

Norethisterone is taken by most adult women, but it may not be suitable or safe for everyone. Women who are pregnant or suspect they might be pregnant, women with certain medical conditions such as liver disease, or those with a history of blood clots or breast cancer, must not take norethisterone. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.