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Norethisterone, also known as norethindrone and sold under the name Primolut N, is a prescription treatment used to delay your period. It is a synthetic progesterone that can prevent your period for up to 14 days.
It's a great treatment option if you're going on holiday or have an important occasion coming up, and you don't want to have to worry about getting your period.
Whilst most commonly used for period delay, it can also be prescribed long-term for painful periods (dysmenorrhoea), endometriosis, and the late stages of breast cancer when prescribed and authorised by your regular doctor.
Norethisterone is a synthetic version of progesterone, a group of medicines known as progestins. It works by altering one's natural menstrual cycle. It is the same active ingredient that is in the progestogen-only contraceptive pill Noriday.
However, it is designed to prevent a period and does not prevent pregnancy. If you do not want to get pregnant, you should use barrier contraception (like condoms) whilst taking Norethisterone to prevent pregnancy.
There are several benefits of taking Norethisterone for period delay:
You can be assured knowing that Norethisterone is a safe, clinically proven and effective prescription method for delaying your period.
Studies have shown that Norethisterone is an effective way to delay your period.
One particular study published in 2019 found that women who took Norethisterone more successfully delayed their period than those who took combined oral contraceptive pills.
In addition, found that only 8% of women on Norethisterone experience spotting, compared to 43% of women taking the pill. The study also found that Norethisterone had an 80% satisfaction rate compared to the pill for period delay.
How to take Norethisterone |
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Caution: continue to use barrier contraception (e.g. condoms) if you do not wish to become pregnant. |
The dose for period delay is 5mg.
To delay your period, you will need to take one 5mg tablet 3 times a day. You should start taking it at least 3 days before your period is due.
Take each tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not break, chew or split tablets.
You should take Norethisterone when you want to delay your period. It may be for a special occasion, a holiday or a sporting event.
You should start taking it 3 days before your period is due to start.
You can take Norethisterone for up to 14 days, including the 3 days before your period starts.
Your period should start within 3 days of finishing treatment.
You should wait a minimum of 14 days before starting a new course of period-delay treatment.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
Do not take a double dose to make up for it. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time.
If you take more tablets than you should, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Norethisterone is suitable for fertile women who want to delay their period in the short term. It is safe for most women to take but always check with a healthcare professional first.
Some women should not take Norethisterone for period delay, as they may be more at risk of side effects. This includes women who have:
If you are unsure whether this applies to you, ask your doctor before using this medicine.
Other women may be able to take it, but your doctor may need to check if it’s safe for you to take. This includes women who have:
Ask your doctor if you are unsure whether these factors apply to you.
Our doctors at euroClinix will be able to know if it’s suitable for you when you complete our consultation form about your medical history before prescribing you the medication.
Norethisterone causes few side effects.
One of the most common side effects is menstrual cycle irregularities. However, your periods should become more regular once you finish treatment.
If you don’t get your period once you have finished treatment, take a pregnancy test and consult your doctor.
Uncommon side effects affect 1 in every 100 people who take this medicine.
One uncommon side effect you may experience is breast tenderness. This occurs due to the medicine affecting your progesterone levels.
This should go away on its own once you finish treatment. However, consult your doctor if breast tenderness persists.
The following side effects are rare, so much so that their frequency is unknown.
Serious rare side effects may include a blood clot. This will cause swelling and redness in the leg (if the blood clot is in the leg). Alternatively, it can cause symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath (if the blood clot is in the lung.)
Another rare side effect is an allergic reaction. If you develop an allergic reaction, you may experience swelling of the face or wheezing.
These side effects are potentially life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
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There is also a slightly increased risk of breast cancer when taking Norethisterone. The risk increase is very small, but your doctor will still need to decide if this medicine is right for you if you are at a higher risk of breast cancer.
Norethisterone can interact with other medicines you take.
If you take a combined hormonal contraceptive already, you do not need to take Norethisterone to delay your period. You can simply skip the 7-day break and take it back to back. This includes the combined contraceptive pill, patch or NuvaRing.
You should also ask your doctor before taking Norethisterone if you also take:
Ask your doctor if you are unsure. For a full list of interactions find out more here.
Category | Status | Advice |
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Alcohol | Safe | It is safe to drink alcohol whilst taking Norethisterone. |
Pregnancy | Unsafe | Pregnant women cannot use Norethisterone as they do not menstruate. It is also unsafe to take it while pregnant as it can increase the risk of birth defects. |
Breastfeeding | Unsafe | Traces of Norethisterone can pass into breast milk. So, the manufacturer advises to not breastfeed while using this medication. |
Driving | Safe | Norethisterone should not affect your ability to drive. |
This medicine does not have any specific storage requirements. However, you should keep it out of sight and reach of children.
You should also not use it past the expiry date. You can see the expiry date on the medicine carton after EXP. The date refers to the last day of the month.
Do not discard expired medicines in general waste or the toilet. This is bad for the environment. Take your expired medicines to your local pharmacy to dispose.
No, Norethisterone is not available over the counter. It is only available via prescription from a registered doctor. This is so the doctor can ensure the medicine is safe for you to use. However, if you cannot get to your GP, you can get a prescription from an online healthcare provider such as euroClinix.
Ordering Norethisterone through euroClinix is simple and secure. Follow these steps:
euroClinix offers ongoing support for any questions. Privacy and security are guaranteed through compliance with the relevant regulatory standards and the use of encrypted transactions.
euroClinix is a trusted online clinic that offers services in several European countries. All consultations and prescriptions are handled by our UK-registered doctors.
The process is convenient with online consultations and discreet home delivery. Our friendly customer service team is always happy to assist with any questions related to our services.
The euroClinix platform is user-friendly for managing prescriptions and reorders securely.
Choosing euroClinix ensures a trusted, professional, and supportive service to delay your period.
Norethisterone is the only available treatment prescribed solely for period delay.
The only other way to delay your period is by using combined hormonal contraception like the pill, patch or ring.
However, if you don’t want to take hormonal contraception, Norethisterone is a good alternative to delay your period.
Note: You must complete a short online consultation so that our doctor can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you. The above pricing should only be used as a reference. The final decision to issue this treatment lies with the prescribing doctor.
Group of medication | Progestin-only medication |
Used for | Period delay |
Active ingredient(s) | Norethisterone |
Works by | Supplements progesterone levels to alter the menstrual cycle. |
Suitable for | Women who wish to delay their period |
Available as | Tablets |
Available strength | 5mg |
Dosage instructions | Take 1 tablet 3 times daily, starting 3 days before your period is due. |
Manufacturer | Various |
Generic available | Yes |
Storage | Keep out of sight and reach of children, do not store above 30°C and discontinue use after the expiry date. |
Prescription required | Yes - included with our free online consultation. |
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