What are the benefits of using Norethisterone?
If you aren’t currently taking a combined oral contraceptive and you would like to delay when you start menstruating, for example because of a special occasion or holiday, Norethisterone will be able to help.
This medication’s ability to influence your menstrual cycle also means that it is prescribed to treat uncomfortable premenstrual symptoms, painful, heavy or long periods and endometriosis. It is sometimes used in a much higher dose for the treatment of advanced breast cancer.
How does it work?
Norethisterone is able to delay your period because it causes the womb to hold on to the womb lining for longer, by working in the same way as your body’s natural supply of progestogen. This is because Norethisterone has the ability to stimulate the womb lining so that it keeps on growing for as long as you take it.
Who can use it?
Most women can use it for period delay, but it’s not recommended that you take it if you are allergic to the ingredient norethisterone, are pregnant, or if you’ve been diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease. If you have a history of deep vein thrombosis or blood clots, jaundice, liver tumours or if you are experiencing undiagnosed vaginal or abdominal bleeding you will also not be able to take this medication.
Mention to your doctor if you are taking any other medications, have high blood pressure or suffer from depression, migraines or epilepsy.
How do you take it?
You should start taking Norethisterone at least three days before your period is due to start, so it is important to make a note of when your period usually starts to provide you with an accurate prediction. It is usually recommended that you take a 5mg Norethisterone tablet three times a day, starting three days before your period is due to start, until you are ready for your period to start again. It may take three to four days for your period to start again after you’ve stopped taking the medication. It is not advisable to use Norethisterone for longer than two weeks.
Does it cause any side effects?
Side effects are a risk associated with most prescription medications and Norethisterone is no exception. Side effects aren’t very common with this medication but if they do occur they are likely to include a drop in libido, bloating, headaches, nausea and breast tenderness. If you experience anything more serious such as an allergic reaction, speak to your doctor straight away.
Is it available online?
Yes, Norethisterone is available to order from OnlineClinic, however, as it is a prescription medication, we ask that you complete an online consultation when you place your order. This consultation will provide our doctor with the information they need to judge whether you qualify for a prescription or not. If they feel that you can safely use Norethisterone, a prescription will be issued and sent to our registered UK pharmacy, where it will be dispensed by a pharmacist and sent via secure overnight delivery.
Please note that the manufacturer of Norethisterone may differ from that shown on the image above, but the ingredients, benefits and possible side effects of the medication will be the same.
Dr Hilary Jones