Norethisterone - Everything You Need to Know

Depending on what you're taking it for, your doctor may tell you to take Norethisterone every day or just a few times a month.

• The 5mg tablets of Norethisterone are not a contraceptive.
• If you're pregnant, avoid using Norethisterone.
• To avoid pregnancy while taking Norethisterone, use a non-hormonal means of contraception such as condoms.
• Headaches, nausea, and changes in your cycle, such as spotting between periods, are the most prevalent side effects.
• It is safe to consume alcohol while on Norethisterone.

Menstrual issues such as painful, heavy, or irregular periods, endometriosis, and premenstrual syndrome are treated with Norethisterone 5mg tablets (PMS), on prescription, under the care of a GP.

Norethisterone 5mg tablets can also be used to postpone your period if you don't want it to arrive while you're on vacation or competing in a sporting event.

What is the mechanism of action of Norethisterone?

Norethisterone is a synthetic form of progesterone, a female sex hormone. It works by simulating the effects of progesterone in your body.

Throughout your monthly menstrual cycle, your progesterone levels normally fluctuate. Your uterine lining thrives as progesterone levels rise, preparing to receive a fertilised egg.

If you do not become pregnant, your hormone levels drop, leading your uterine lining to shed as a period. If you do become pregnant, keep your progesterone levels high to help keep your uterine lining healthy throughout the pregnancy.

Side effects of Norethisterone

Common Side effects of Norethisterone include:

The following are common adverse effects that affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 women:

• Changes in your period, such as spotting or breakthrough bleeding, or the cessation of periods.
• Headache.
• Feeling of sickness.

Just because a side effect is mentioned here doesn't mean that everyone who takes Norethisterone will experience it.

What happens if you forget to take your Norethisterone?

If you forget to take your Norethisterone dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless your next dose is approaching.

Simply skip the missing dose and resume your regular schedule when your next dose is due. To make up for a missed dose, do not take a double dose.

What happens if you take norethisterone on the first day of your period?

Trying to delay their period: Even though it's not the most effective way, someone might be hoping that taking norethisterone on the first day might still shorten or lighten their period, achieving some delay.

Misinformation or lack of knowledge: They might not be aware of the recommended timing for taking norethisterone for period delay, and may simply be curious about the effects.

Norethisterone is most effective when taken to delay your period if you start taking it 3 days before your period is due. If you take it on the first day of your period, it likely won't stop your period altogether.

Norethisterone is most effective when taken to delay your period if you start taking it 3 days before your period is due. If you take it on the first day of your period, it likely won't stop your period altogether.

If you take Norethisterone on the first day of your period, you may have a lighter or shorter period than usual. Norethisterone may still influence your hormone levels even if it doesn't completely stop your period.

You may notice spotting (lighter bleeding) that can happen between periods. Norethisterone won't be as effective.

If you want to delay your period for an event or vacation, it's best to take Norethisterone as prescribed, starting 3 days before you expect your period to begin.

Why is it not so effective?

Right timing is important: Norethisterone needs time to adjust in the body and impact hormone levels.

Taking Norethisterone on the first day might not give it enough room to fully counteract the natural hormonal process that triggers the period.

Dosage matters: The suggested dosage for delaying periods is one tablet three times a day, starting 3 days before menstruation.

In simple terms, someone taking norethisterone on the first day might be looking for a quick solution to shorten or slightly delay their period. However, it's not the most reliable approach, and there are 

For up to 14 days, take one 5mg pill three times a day. After you stop taking the medications, you should start getting your period two to three days later.

When shouldn't you take Norethisterone?

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should not take Norethisterone 5mg tablets:

• If you're pregnant or suspect you could be.
• If you're a breastfeeding mother.
• If you're experiencing unusual vaginal bleeding that your doctor hasn't looked into.
• If you've had genital or breast cancer in the past (unless you have been prescribed Norethisterone to treat breast cancer).
• If you've experienced angina, a heart attack, or a stroke due to a blood clot recently.
• If you have a blood clot in your leg or lungs, you should seek medical attention immediately (thromboembolism, e.g., deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
• If you have a history of liver cancer or if you have difficulties with your liver.
• If you've ever experienced jaundice, severe itching, or a blistering skin rash known as pemphigoid gestationis while pregnant.

Planning Hajj or Umrah? Read our guide on stopping periods safely during pilgrimage.