Norethisterone

What is Norethisterone?

Norethisterone is a female hormone tablet used to control, regulate or delay a woman’s menstrual cycle.

How does Norethisterone work?

Norethisterone is one of a group of medicines called ‘progestogens’. Progestogens are similar to the natural female hormone progesterone, which can have an effect on a woman’s menstrual cycle.

Can I Buy Norethisterone Tablets Over The Counter?

Norethisterone is a prescription-only medicine. Your GP can prescribe it for you, or you can order it through our online service if you want to save the hassle of booking an appointment and going to the clinic. Norethisterone is not a contraceptive, and cannot be used to prevent pregnancy.

Can Tablets Delay My Period?

Norethisterone can delay your period for up to 17 days, or until you stop taking the tablets. While you're taking the tablets, your period will be delayed, but once you stop taking them, it should start within three days.

Benefits of taking Norethisterone

Using Norethisterone can provide women with relief or control in regards to their menstrual cycle, particularly for women who experience heavy painful or irregular periods.

It can also be used to treat premenstrual tension (PMT), as well as delaying your next period for times such as holidays. Norethisterone can also be effective in treating more serious conditions like endometriosis and breast cancer, making it a highly effective, multi-use drug.

How do I take Norethisterone?

Norethisterone is a prescription-only medication. Always follow the advice of your doctor and read the patient information leaflet provided in the medication packet. The tablets are to be taken orally and swallowed whole with some water.

Your recommended dose will depend entirely on the condition you are being treated for, which your doctor will be able to guide you on. If you take more than you should, you should contact your doctor immediately. If you forget to take your Norethisterone, you should take the tablet as soon as you remember and carry on taking them as normal. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you do not have a period after you finish a course of Norethisterone, you should check with your doctor in case you are pregnant.

Norethisterone dosage

The tablets are 5mg each and your dose will be dependent on what you are using it to treat, to be calculated by your doctor. For heavy bleeding or other problems with your period, you will usually take 1 tablet 3 times a day for 10 days. For premenstrual tension, you will usually take 1 tablet a day for 10 days. For endometriosis, you will usually take 1 tablet 3 times a day for at least 6 months. For breast cancer, you will usually take 8 tablets a day (but it could be up to 12 a day). For delaying your period, you will usually take 1 tablet 3 times a day, starting 3 days before your period is due to start.

What are the side effects of taking Norethisterone?

Potential side effects of norethisterone are as follows. See your doctor if you experience any of these side effects while taking norethisterone.

• Menstrual irregularities e.g. irregular bleeding, heavy menstruation, spotting between menstrual cycles, delayed or not having a menstrual cycle.
• Stomach discomfort e.g. nausea, vomiting.
• Breast tenderness.
• Headache and dizziness.

More Information

• How does period delay work?
• All about your menstrual cycle
• What is Norethisterone?