Norethisterone 5mg

During a menstrual cycle, the levels of the hormone progesterone can fluctuate. Progesterone levels drop near the end of the menstrual cycle, causing the womb lining to break down. The lining is expelled in the form of a period.

Norethisterone works due to its active ingredient norethisterone, which mimics the naturally-occurring progesterone, indicating to the body that there is no need to break down the womb lining, thereby preventing your period.

Norethisterone tablets should be swallowed whole with water. For Norethisterone to work effectively in delaying your period, you will need to take one 5mg Norethisterone tablet three times a day.

Norethisterone starts working immediately; however, treatment should be started three days before the expected date of the period and the tablets should be taken three times per day.

You should start taking Norethisterone tablets three days before you expect your period to start. In total, the tablets should be taken for either a course of 10 total days (to delay your period for 7 days) or 20 total days (to delay your period for 17 days), depending on the length of your treatment.

Starting to take the medication too close to or after the start of menstruation reduces its effectiveness. Consistency in timing is crucial, as missing a dose can lead to a drop in hormone levels, which may initiate bleeding or spotting.

You can buy Norethisterone from Pharmica after completing our free 2-minute online consultation.

Norethisterone is not available over the counter. At Pharmica, we provide Norethisterone to eligible patients after completing our quick online consultation to determine the suitability of the treatment.

Menstruation normally resumes within 2-3 days after finishing a course of treatment.

If your period does not return three days after finishing your course of Norethisterone, contact a doctor straight away. You should not take Norethisterone tablets for more than 20 days in total.

Norethisterone 5mg tablets are not formulated to be used as a contraceptive treatment.

If you wish to prevent an unplanned pregnancy, browse our range of clinically approved contraceptive pills, including progestogen-only contraceptive pills (also referred to as POPs or mini-pills), as well as combined contraceptive pills, which contain both synthetic oestrogen and progesterone.

Norethisterone tablets should not be stored at temperatures above 25℃. They should also be kept in a cool, dark place to protect them from light. Do not take Norethisterone if you notice any signs of discolouration on the tablets.

If you need to stop taking Norethisterone, do not dispose of the tablets via wastewater or household waste. Instead, speak to a pharmacist for advice on how to properly dispose of any unused tablets.

If you forget to take a dose of Norethisterone, take it as soon as you remember and then continue taking the remaining doses at the usual times. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed tablet.

Norethisterone does not permanently reset your menstrual cycle, but can temporarily alter it. By delaying your period, the subsequent bleed typically occurs 2 to 3 days after stopping the tablets, temporarily shifting your cycle. After discontinuation, most people return to their normal menstrual rhythm within the next cycle.

Taking Norethisterone on the first day of your period is usually too late to delay menstruation, as the hormonal withdrawal that triggers bleeding has already begun.

Norethisterone works by maintaining high levels of synthetic progestogen, which prevents the shedding of the endometrial lining. To be effective, it should be taken at least three days before your expected period.

Weight gain is a rare side effect, but it may occur in some individuals due to fluid retention linked to hormonal changes.

This is typically temporary and resolves after discontinuing the medication. There is no strong evidence linking short-term use for period delay with significant weight gain.

Moderate alcohol consumption is generally safe while taking Norethisterone, as there are no direct interactions between alcohol and the medication.

However, excessive alcohol may affect liver function, which could affect hormone levels. It is therefore advisable to drink responsibly while taking Norethisterone.