How to Delay Your Period Safely: A Guide to Norethisterone
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Norethisterone (also spelled Norethindrone) is a synthetic form of the natural hormone progesterone. It’s used to temporarily delay menstrual bleeding by maintaining higher progesterone levels in your body. Once you stop taking the tablets, your hormone levels drop and your period begins within 2–4 days.
Common Brand Names
These all contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way.
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During a typical menstrual cycle, progesterone levels rise and fall to regulate ovulation and bleeding. When progesterone levels drop, your uterus sheds its lining, this is your period.
By taking Norethisterone, you keep progesterone levels high, which prevents the uterus from shedding its lining. Your period stays “on hold” until you stop the tablets.
Most women produce progesterone naturally after ovulation. When this hormone falls, it signals the uterus to shed its lining. Norethisterone mimics natural progesterone and keeps levels steady, so the lining is maintained. The tablet does not stop ovulation that has already occurred; it simply prevents the lining from breaking down.
Once you stop taking it, hormone levels drop quickly and the body releases the lining in a regular period. Because of this mechanism, Norethisterone works only for women with regular cycles who are not already using hormonal contraception.
Norethisterone is ideal for short-term period delay, such as:
It is not designed as a long-term contraception method, it simply postpones your next bleed.
Step 1 – Timing Matters
You should start taking Norethisterone 3 days before your period is due.
Starting too late reduces its effectiveness.
Step 2 – Dosage
The standard dose is:
One 5 mg tablet, three times a day (every 8 hours), at regular intervals.
Step 3 – Duration
You can continue taking Norethisterone for up to 14 days (two weeks), sometimes longer, but only on doctor advice. Your period will usually return 2–4 days after stopping.
Step 4 – Example Schedule
| Day | What to Do |
| Day -3 | Start Norethisterone (3 days before period) |
| Day 1 | Expected period date, bleeding delayed |
| Day 10–14 | Continue tablets daily |
| 2–4 days after last tablet | Period begins |
Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
For best results, take the tablet at the same time each day, roughly every eight hours (for example, 8 a.m., 4 p.m., midnight). Setting an alarm on your phone helps maintain even hormone levels.
If you miss a dose by more than six hours, take it as soon as possible and continue the next dose at the regular time. Missing several doses may trigger early bleeding.
You can eat and drink normally while using Norethisterone. Alcohol and common painkillers (paracetamol or ibuprofen) do not interfere with its effect.
You need a doctor’s prescription to buy Norethisterone in Ireland. With smartscripts.ie, the process is quick and discreet:
1. Go to smartscripts.ie and select “Period Delay”.
2. Complete a short medical questionnaire. It takes under 5 minutes and includes questions about your cycle, health, and medications.
3. A registered Irish GP reviews your form. If suitable, they issue a prescription electronically.
4. Pick up from your pharmacy or have it delivered to your home by a partner pharmacy.
All consultations are confidential, compliant with Irish Medical Council and HPRA standards, and cost €20.
Yes, when prescribed appropriately, Norethisterone is considered safe for most healthy women. It’s been used for decades under medical supervision and is well-researched.
However, it may not be suitable for everyone. That’s why an online doctor review is essential before prescribing.
Who Can Take Norethisterone?
Most women who menstruate regularly and are not using hormonal contraception can take Norethisterone safely. It’s especially useful for:
You should not take Norethisterone if you:
Your doctor will screen for these risks before prescribing.
If you’re unsure, mention your complete medical history during your online consultation.
Most users tolerate it well, but mild side effects can occur:
These usually subside after stopping the tablets. If you develop pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in the legs, seek medical attention immediately; these may indicate a rare clotting event.
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Doctors usually recommend delaying your period for no more than 2 weeks using Norethisterone. For special situations (e.g., long travel), it can sometimes be extended up to 3–4 weeks, but only under close supervision.
If you need longer-term cycle control, your doctor may discuss contraceptive options such as the pill or hormonal IUD, which regulate or suppress periods more safely over time.
What Happens After Stopping Norethisterone
Yes. Beyond period delay, Norethisterone can also be prescribed for:
However, these uses often require longer-term supervision and are not part of the short-term delay service offered through smartscripts.ie
Period Delay While on Contraception
Once you stop the tablets, your period usually arrives within 2–4 days. Your next few cycles may be slightly irregular, but everything returns to normal within one or two months. There’s no long-term effect on fertility or hormone balance.
Period Delay While on Contraception
If you’re already taking the combined contraceptive pill, you don’t need Norethisterone.
You can delay your period by skipping the pill-free week and starting your next pack immediately. If you’re on the mini-pill (progestogen-only pill), it’s more complex, Norethisterone isn’t always suitable. Your online doctor can advise the safest approach based on your specific contraception type.
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Answer a few quick questions. An Irish GP reviews your request. Once approved, your prescription is issued directly to your pharmacy.
Disclaimer: All prescriptions are issued by Irish-registered doctors, subject to clinical suitability. Medication names mentioned are trademarks of their respective owners.
Disclaimer: All medicine names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. SmartScripts does not claim any affiliation with or endorsement by the trademark holders.