Period delay - tablets

Norethisterone is progesterone medicine, similar to the natural female hormone progesterone. It is the only progesterone licenced in the UK for delaying menstrual bleeding. This can be helpful during holidays, travel, or important life events

Norethisterone should be started 3 days before your period is due, and you can stop it when you are happy to have a bleed. It is normally prescribed to delay a period by a maximum of 20 days.

The usual dosage is one 5mg tablet three times daily.

Please note: How well norethisterone works varies, and it may not completely prevent bleeding in all cases. Your period should arrive 2 or 3 days after you stop taking norethisterone.

Side Effects

Other side effects are generally unusual. Some possible side effects are:

• Menstrual cycle irregularities

• Spotting bleeding

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Nausea

• Low sex drive

Rare but serious side effects include:

• Blood clots

• Liver issues/jaundice

• Allergic reactions

If you experience any chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden vision changes, pain, tenderness or swelling in your calf, ankle or foot or the skin of your leg becomes discoloured, red or and warm to touch whilst taking norethisterone, seek medical attention immediately.