Norethisterone 5mg

Reliably Delay Your Period for Up to 17 Days with Norethisterone Oral Tablets

Norethisterone 5mg
Norethisterone 5mg 1
Norethisterone 5mg 2
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Norethisterone contains a synthetic version of a hormone that stops the womb lining from breaking down to safely delay your period for up to 17 days.

Norethisterone Product Information

Norethisterone is an effective period delay medication containing the active ingredient norethisterone, a synthetic version of the naturally-occurring female hormone progesterone that helps to postpone menstruation.

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.

Norethisterone FAQs

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.

Norethisterone 5mg Overview

What are the side effects of Norethisterone?

As you would not be taking the tablets for an extended amount of time, side effects are limited. However, if there are some, the following are common: rashes, itching, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and breast tenderness.

 Information Leaflet

Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

GPhC Number: 2088658

Ana Carolina Goncalves
Authored by: Ana Carolina Goncalves Superintendent
Pharmacist

GPhC Number: 2225869

Rehma Gill
Reviewed by: Rehma Gill Pharmacy
Manager

Find out more about our team of medical content authors and how we ensure the accuracy of our content with our content guidelines.

Content last updated: 06 May 2025

Norethisterone Reviews

Overall Rating
9.8 / 10
Ratings Distribution
5 stars
1,280
4 stars
74
3 stars
7
2 stars
2
1 star
13

Based on 1,376 independent customer reviews taken by Feefo, Google and Trustpilot.

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"Medication Purchase "

Product Review:

A quick and hassle free purchase, fast delivery too.

Service Review:

A quick and easy purchase, hassle free.

Review from: Trustpilot

TickVerified Buyer

"Very good quick service"

Product Review:

Came quickly no fuss

Service Review:

Very good quick service

Review from: Trustpilot

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Product Review:

Excellent

Service Review:

Consultation and shipping were both fast and effective.

Review from: Feefo

TickVerified Buyer

"Will buy again"

Product Review:

Excellent

Service Review:

Quick and efficient

Review from: Feefo

TickVerified Buyer

Product Review:

Excellent product that takes the worry away when on holiday abroad to delay my period , great service and fast delivery

Service Review:

Quick service and fast delivery

Review from: Feefo

TickVerified Buyer

"Great"

Product Review:

Fast delivery

Service Review:

Fast and accurate

Review from: Feefo

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Product Review:

Fast delivery.

Review from: Feefo

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Product Review:

Does the job and delivered when estimated thank you

Service Review:

Quick and easy

Review from: Feefo

TickVerified Buyer

Product Review:

Helped delay my period for a week whilst on holiday. No side effects and started the third day after stopping the tablets. Will use again if needed.

Service Review:

Excellent service, simple yet thorough form to complete followed by the product being received within a couple of days.

Review from: Feefo

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"Great service"

Product Review:

Good

Service Review:

Great service

Review from: Feefo

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Your privacy is important to us. That’s why we’ve taken every step to ensure your order arrives in the most discreet way possible.

From start to finish, your purchase is handled with complete confidentiality. You’ll never see our brand name on your bank statement, bills or delivery papers.

All our parcels are sent in plain, unmarked packaging with no logos, no product descriptions and no indication of what’s inside.

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