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Norethisterone 5mg
Medication features
Norethisterone is a synthetic hormone used to delay periods. It is typically taken three days before the expected start of your period. It effectively postpones menstruation for upto 17 days.
- For occasional period delay
- Used to delay period for up to 17 days
- Generic version of Utovlan
Overview
Norethisterone Period Delay Tablets Online
You can buy Norethisterone online from our UK online doctor service. After completing your assessment and order, our doctors can review the order to make sure the medication is suitable for you. If approved, the order will be dispatched by our UK registered online pharmacy.
Sometimes your period can come at the worst time, and coincide with a special occasion. If you are taking the combined oral contraceptive, most brands allow the delay of your period by continuing straight onto your next pack. If you are not taking an oral contraceptive, then Utovlan or Norethisterone 5mg can be an ideal way to delay your period when you need to.
What is Norethisterone?
Norethisterone is a synthetic hormone which mimics the effect of the body’s naturally occurring hormone progesterone. It can have multiple uses such as treating breast cancer or endometriosis. However, it is often used as a tablet to delay periods. Norethisterone comes as a 5mg tablet and can be taken to delay periods for up to 17 days.
Norethisterone is NOT a method of contraception. It is therefore important that you should continue to use contraceptive methods if you do not want to become pregnant. Norethisterone should also not be taken if you are already taking the combined contraceptive pill. You can, however, take it while taking the mini pill.
Norethisterone is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Using Norethisterone for Period Delay
If you are taking it to delay your period, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, it's important that you can predict when your period is due. You should start taking it three days before you expect your period to start. One 5mg tablet is taken THREE times a day.
When you want your period to start, simply stop taking the medication. After stopping, your period should start 2-3 days later. You can take Norethisterone for up to 20 days in total, meaning that you can delay your period for around 17 days.
Norethisterone Dosage
To delay your period: Take ONE tablet THREE times daily, starting 3 days before your period is due. Continue taking until period delay is no longer required. Do not take it for more than 20 days (17 days of period delay). You should take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Side Effects of Norethisterone
Norethisterone is generally a well-tolerated medication, and most women will not experience side effects.
With any medication you take however, there is always a risk of side effects occurring. Some are more common than others. Side effects are more likely if you take the medicine for a long period of time. If the side effects do not subside, you should report them to us, or your GP.
Possible Side Effects:
- Breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Changes in vaginal discharge
- Breast tenderness
- Dizziness and confusion
- Visual disturbances
- Fatigue
- Stomach problems such as being sick, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea
- Dry mouth
- Liver problems
- Water retention
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sex drive
The side effects listed below are more serious. If experience them you should stop taking Norethisterone, and seek medical attention immediately:
- Itchy skin rash
- Facial swelling/tongue swelling
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Wheezing
- Feeling faint
- Difficulty breathing
Norethisterone and blood clotting:
Norethisterone can increase your risk of developing a blood clot or thrombosis. You must STOP taking this medication and visit a health care professional or A+E immediately if you experience symptoms of a blood clot. This includes coughing blood, shortness of breath, a swollen leg, calf, or foot, and sudden sharp pain in your chest. These symptoms can be signs of a blood clot and must not be ignored.
For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.
Norethisterone Alternatives
If you are already taking a combined contraceptive pill such as Microgynon, you can delay your period without the need for Norethisterone or Utovlan.
You will need to have taken the pill for at least a whole month prior to your current menstrual cycle. To delay your period, simply take two months of your combined pill back to back, without having a 7 day pill-free break, or using your inactive pills.
NOTE: This method does not work with other hormonal contraceptives like the ‘mini-pill’ (progestogen only pills), such as Cerazette.
Norethisterone Summary
Norethisterone dose | Take one tablet three times a day for up to 20 days |
Breastfeeding | Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women |
How it works | Delays shedding of the womb lining to delay your period |
When to take | Start three days before your period is due |
Norethisterone Prices
| 30 tablets | £13.95 |
| 60 tablets | £21.95 |
Written by Qualified Experts
All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.
Reviewed: 05/03/2025
FAQ
General Information
What is norethisterone?
Norethisterone is a synthetic version of progesterone, a sex hormone produced naturally in the body, used primarily to delay periods.
How does norethisterone work?
It works by maintaining high levels of the female hormone progesterone, which prevents your womb lining from shedding and thereby delays your period.
Usage & Dosage
How do I take norethisterone?
To delay your period, take norethisterone three days before your period is due. Take it three times daily for each day you want to delay your period (up to a maximum of 17 days). Your period should start 2–3 days after you stop taking it.
When will my period start again?
Your period should start approximately 2–3 days after you stop taking norethisterone.
What should I do if I miss a dose of norethisterone?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Effectiveness & Results
Can I use norethisterone for heavy periods?
No, norethisterone may be prescribed short-term to help manage heavy periods, but it is not a long-term solution. Speak to your GP to explore appropriate treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding.
Can I become pregnant when using period delay tablets?
Yes, norethisterone is not a contraceptive. Use additional birth control methods to prevent pregnancy.
Side Effects & Safety
What are common side effects of norethisterone?
Common side effects may include nausea, headaches, mood changes, and breast tenderness. Some women may also experience spotting or changes in their menstrual cycle.
Can I take norethisterone if I am breastfeeding?
Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding, as norethisterone may pass into breast milk and affect your baby.
Are there any contraindications for using norethisterone?
Yes, women with a history of blood clots, liver disease, or hormone-sensitive cancers should avoid using norethisterone. Always consult your doctor.
Can I use norethisterone regularly to delay my period?
Norethisterone is intended for temporary period delay only. Regular, long-term use is not recommended without consulting your GP.
Storage
How should I store norethisterone tablets?
Store the tablets in their original packaging at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Compare
Treatment Comparison
| Utovlan | Norethisterone | Combine Oral Contraceptive | |
| Active Ingredient | Norethisterone 5mg | Norethisterone 5mg | Various |
| Period Delay Dose | Start three days before your period is due to start, and take it three times a day for upto 17days | Start three days before your period is due to start, and take it three times a day for upto 17days | If already on the pill, do not take your pill free break |
| Mechanism | Prevents your womb lining from shedding | Prevents your womb lining from shedding | Prevents your womb lining from shedding |
Reviews
Info Leaflet
If you have been prescribed norethisterone, it is important you read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.
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