Period Delay

Norethisterone must be started at least three days before your expected period to be effective. If you begin taking it too late,  particularly once your progesterone levels have already started to fall,  the medication may not prevent bleeding. The standard dose is one 5mg tablet taken three times a day, ideally at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day. You should continue taking the tablets for as long as you wish to delay your period, up to a maximum of 17 days. Your prescriber will provide personalised instructions based on your cycle and your travel or event dates.

Norethisterone is a synthetic progestogen (a man-made version of the hormone progesterone) that is licensed in the UK to delay periods. It is the only medication specifically licensed for this purpose. Norethisterone 5mg tablets are a prescription-only medicine, which means they must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional following a clinical assessment. Through Peak Pharmacy's online doctor service, you can complete a short consultation and, if approved, have your norethisterone tablets dispensed and delivered discreetly to your door.

Using norethisterone, you can delay your period for up to 17 days if you take the full course of tablets. The tablets are taken three times a day, starting at least three days before your period is due, and continuing for as long as you need the delay,  up to a maximum of 20 days of treatment (which provides 17 days of delay once the initial three days are accounted for). If you need a shorter delay, you simply take the tablets for fewer days. Norethisterone should only be used occasionally and is not recommended more than once every three months.

If you are already taking a combined oral contraceptive pill, you do not need norethisterone to delay your period. Instead, you can simply take your active pills back-to-back without the usual seven-day break (or skip the placebo pills). This is a well-established method of delaying a withdrawal bleed and is considered safe for occasional use. The approach varies slightly depending on which pill you take, so check with your pharmacist or GP if you are unsure. Norethisterone is intended for women who are not currently using hormonal contraception. If you are taking the progestogen-only pill (mini pill), speak with a healthcare professional for advice on the best approach.

Norethisterone is not suitable for everyone. You should not take it if you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, are breastfeeding, have a history of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism), have severe liver disease or liver tumours, have a history of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers, have unexplained vaginal bleeding, or have a history of stroke or heart disease. Women with conditions that may be worsened by fluid retention, such as epilepsy, migraines, asthma, or heart or kidney problems, should also discuss suitability carefully with a prescriber. Peak Pharmacy's consultation process is designed to identify any contraindications before a prescription is issued.

Some women find that their first period after stopping norethisterone is slightly heavier or lasts a day or two longer than usual. This is because the womb lining has been maintained for longer than it normally would be, so there may be a little more to shed. This is temporary and not harmful. Your subsequent periods should return to their normal pattern. If you experience unusually heavy or prolonged bleeding after stopping the tablets, or if your period does not return within a week of stopping, contact your GP or pharmacist for advice.