Norethisterone 5mg Tablets

Description

What is Norethisterone 5mg Tablets?

 

 

Norethisterone 5mg Tablets is a prescription-only medicine used to temporarily delay a period for women who wish to postpone menstruation for a special occasion, holiday, religious event, sporting activity or other personal reasons.

Norethisterone contains a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, which helps maintain the lining of the womb and delays the onset of menstruation while the medication is being taken.

At The Kingston Pharmacy, Norethisterone 5mg Tablets are supplied as part of our clinician-led period delay service following a suitability assessment by our clinicians.

 

 

Available Strengths

 

 

Norethisterone is available as:

• 5mg tablets

The usual dose for period delay is one tablet taken three times daily, starting three days before your expected period.

Our clinicians will determine whether Norethisterone is suitable for you and provide guidance on how to take it safely and effectively.

 

 

How Does Norethisterone Work?

Norethisterone contains a synthetic progesterone hormone that helps maintain the lining of the womb.

During a normal menstrual cycle, hormone levels naturally fall, triggering the shedding of the womb lining and the start of a period. Norethisterone works by maintaining hormone levels, preventing the womb lining from shedding and therefore delaying menstruation.

Once the medication is stopped, hormone levels fall and a withdrawal bleed usually occurs within a few days.

 

 

Treatment may help to:

• Delay an upcoming period
• Provide greater flexibility around travel and special events
• Reduce concerns about menstruation during important occasions
• Offer a short-term period delay solution
• Support personal choice and convenience

Norethisterone is intended for temporary use and should only be taken as directed by your clinician.

 

 

Who May Be Suitable for Norethisterone 5mg Tablets?

 

 

You may be suitable for treatment if you:

• Are aged 18 years or over
• Wish to temporarily delay an upcoming period
• Have regular menstrual cycles
• Are not currently pregnant
• Do not have certain medical conditions that make treatment unsuitable

All patients must complete a clinical assessment before treatment can be prescribed.

 

 

How to Use Norethisterone 5mg Tablets

Norethisterone tablets should be taken exactly as directed by your clinician.

Treatment is typically started three days before your expected period and continued for the duration of the delay required, up to the maximum recommended treatment period.

Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food.

Periods usually return within two to three days after stopping treatment, although this may vary between individuals.

Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your clinician and take the medication exactly as prescribed.

 

 

Potential Benefits

 

 

When prescribed appropriately, Norethisterone may:

• Temporarily delay menstruation
• Help avoid periods during holidays or special events
• Provide a convenient oral treatment option
• Allow greater flexibility when planning important occasions
• Offer clinician-supervised treatment and support

 

 

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Norethisterone can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

 

 

Common side effects may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Mood changes
• Bloating
• Abdominal discomfort
• Changes in libido

These effects are usually mild and temporary.

Always read the Patient Information Leaflet and consult your healthcare professional if you experience persistent or concerning symptoms.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

When should I start taking Norethisterone?

Treatment is usually started three days before your expected period. Your clinician will advise you on the most appropriate timing based on your menstrual cycle and travel or event dates.

 

 

How long can I delay my period for?

Norethisterone can usually be taken for up to 17 days to delay a period. Your clinician will advise on the appropriate duration for your individual circumstances.

 

 

When will my period return?

Most women experience a period within two to three days of stopping treatment, although timing can vary.

 

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

 

 

Do I need a prescription?

No. Norethisterone 5mg Tablets are a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) but it doesn’t require an GP prescription. At the Kingston pharmacy we can supply it following assessment by a qualified prescribing clinician.

 

 

Our Period Delay Service

At The Kingston Pharmacy, we provide a personalised, clinician-led period delay service designed to help you manage your menstrual cycle around important plans and events.

Before treatment can be prescribed, you will complete a confidential online consultation covering your:

• Medical history
• Current medications
• Menstrual cycle information
• Planned travel or event dates
• Previous use of hormonal treatments

Your consultation will be carefully reviewed by one of our qualified prescribing clinicians, who will assess whether treatment is safe and appropriate for you. If suitable, a personalised treatment plan will be created based on your individual needs.

 

 

Flexible Delivery and Collection Options

Once your prescription has been approved, you can choose the option that works best for you:

• Free in-store collection from The Kingston Pharmacy at a time convenient to you.
• Secure home delivery directly to your chosen address, ensuring your medication arrives safely and discreetly.

We aim to make accessing treatment as simple and convenient as possible, allowing you to focus on your plans with confidence.

You can contact us by telephone, email, or by visiting the pharmacy, and we will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

 

 

Important Information

Norethisterone 5mg Tablets are not suitable for everyone and should only be used under appropriate medical supervision.

Norethisterone may not be suitable for patients with a history of blood clots, certain liver conditions, hormone-sensitive cancers, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or certain other medical conditions. Your clinician will assess your suitability during the consultation process.

Norethisterone does not provide contraception and should not be relied upon to prevent pregnancy.

Always use medicines exactly as prescribed.