Why Someone Might Want to Delay their Period?
From weddings and holidays to sporting events or religious observances, there are many reasons why women might want to postpone their period. While menstruation is a normal part of life, it can sometimes arrive at the most inconvenient time. Whether it’s a beach holiday, marathon, or big presentation, delaying your period with medication like Norethisterone can offer relief and control.
Thanks to smartscripts.ie, you can now access a safe, doctor-approved Norethisterone prescription online in Ireland, without waiting for a GP appointment or clinic visit.
This guide explains what Norethisterone is, how it works, who can use it safely, and how to get it prescribed online in a medically responsible way.
What Is Norethisterone?
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
- Utovlan
- Primolut N
- Generic “Norethisterone” tablets (5 mg)
These all contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way.
How Norethisterone Works
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.
When to Use Norethisterone
Norethisterone is ideal for short-term period delay, such as:
- Holidays or travel
- Weddings or honeymoons
- Exams or important work events
- Sports competitions
- Religious fasting periods (e.g., Ramadan, Lent)
It is not designed as a long-term contraception method, it simply postpones your next bleed.
How to Take Norethisterone to Delay Your Period
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.
How to Get Norethisterone in Ireland
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.
Is Norethisterone Safe?
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:
- Women with regular cycles who want to delay their next period.
- Women not on the combined pill or any hormonal contraception.
- Women without a history of blood clots or hormone-sensitive conditions.
Who Should Not Take Norethisterone
You should not take Norethisterone if you:
- Are currently using combined oral contraceptives (pill) or hormone therapy
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a history of blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism)
- Have liver disease or tumours
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Have breast cancer (current or previous)
Your doctor will screen for these risks before prescribing.
If you’re unsure, mention your complete medical history during your online consultation.
Common Side Effects of Norethisterone
Most users tolerate it well, but mild side effects can occur:
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating
- Headache
- Nausea
- Spotting or irregular bleeding
- Temporary mood changes
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.
How Long Can I Safely Delay My Period?
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
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.
Can Norethisterone Be Used for Other Conditions?
Yes. Beyond period delay, Norethisterone can also be prescribed for:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- Irregular cycles
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Endometriosis symptom management
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
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.
Travel and Lifestyle Tips While Using Norethisterone
- Stay hydrated: Hormonal medications can sometimes cause mild fluid retention.
- Avoid skipping doses: Set reminders for consistent timing.
- Pack extra tablets: In case of travel delays.
- Monitor side effects: Mild symptoms are common; severe ones are not.
- Keep medication in its original packaging: For airport security and pharmacy reference abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions about Period Delay Tablets
Q 1: Can I buy Norethisterone without a prescription in Ireland?
A 1: No, Norethisterone is a prescription-only medicine under Irish law. It must be prescribed after a clinical review to confirm that delaying your period is safe for you. Through smartscripts.ie, Irish-registered doctors assess your medical history, cycle pattern, and any risk factors such as smoking or clotting disorders before issuing an electronic prescription to your pharmacy.
Q 2: How quickly does Norethisterone work?
A 2: Norethisterone begins altering hormone levels within 24–48 hours, but to reliably prevent bleeding it should be started at least three days before your expected period. Starting later may not suppress the fall in progesterone that triggers menstruation, meaning breakthrough bleeding can occur. Once the tablets are stopped, the drop in hormone levels causes a standard withdrawal bleed within 2–4 days.
Q 3: Will my period return to normal afterwards?
A 3: Yes, Norethisterone provides only a temporary hormonal effect.
When you stop taking it, progesterone levels fall back to baseline, and the uterine lining is shed as a regular period. Most women find that their cycle returns to its usual pattern at the next interval, though minor timing changes in the first month are common and harmless.
Q 4: Does Norethisterone act as contraception?
A 4: No, The 5 mg dose used for period delay does not prevent ovulation or fertilisation. If you are sexually active and do not wish to become pregnant, you must continue using a barrier or hormonal contraceptive method while taking Norethisterone.
Q 5: Can I take Norethisterone if I am already on the contraceptive pill?
A 5: Generally, no. Women taking the combined oral contraceptive can delay their period simply by skipping the pill-free week and starting the next pack immediately. Adding Norethisterone offers no additional benefit and may upset hormonal balance. If you use the mini-pill (progestogen-only) or another method, seek medical advice first, the interaction depends on your specific formulation.
Q 6: How often can I use Norethisterone in a year
A 6: Occasional short courses are safe for most women, for example, once or twice a year for travel or special occasions. Repeated or prolonged a doctor should review use, as frequent hormonal suppression can mask irregular bleeding patterns or other gynaecological issues. If you find yourself delaying periods regularly, your GP may discuss longer-term options such as a continuous combined pill or hormonal IUD.
Q 7: Does Norethisterone interact with alcohol or other medicines
A 7: Alcohol does not interfere with Norethisterone metabolism. However, several medications can reduce its effectiveness by increasing liver enzyme activity, notably antiepileptic drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin), rifampicin, and specific HIV treatments. Always provide a complete list of medications, including herbal supplements such as St John’s wort, during your consultation so your doctor can check for interactions.
Q 8: Can Norethisterone cause weight gain or bloating?
A 8: Some users notice mild fluid retention or breast fullness due to progesterone’s natural effects on salt and water balance. This is temporary and resolves within a few days of stopping the tablets.
Significant weight change is unusual; any rapid swelling of the legs or abdomen should prompt medical review to rule out clotting or other causes.
Q 9: Is Norethisterone suitable for teenagers?
A 9: We only prescribe this medicine for young women aged 17 years and over who have regular menstrual cycles and no underlying risk factors such as obesity or a family history of thrombosis.
For younger adolescents or those with irregular cycles, other approaches are preferred until hormone patterns stabilise. Parental or pharmacy consent may be required for dispensing in under-18s.
Q 10: Can I use Norethisterone to skip my period while on the pill?
A 10: No, If you are already using the combined pill, you can safely skip your withdrawal bleed by running two packs back-to-back. Adding Norethisterone would duplicate hormones and increase the risk of side effects without additional benefit.
Q 11: How should I store Norethisterone tablets?
A 11: Store tablets at room temperature below 25 °C, away from direct heat and moisture, and in the original blister packaging. Keep out of reach of children and do not use past the expiry date printed on the pack. Proper storage preserves tablet stability and ensures full effectiveness.
Q 12: What should I do if I miss a dose?
A 12: Take the missed tablet as soon as you remember. If more than six hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next tablet at the usual time. Missing several doses may cause spotting or early bleeding but poses no danger; simply continue the course on schedule.
Q 13: Does Norethisterone affect future fertility or hormone balance?
A 13: No, It does not impact long-term fertility or cause hormonal dependence. Ovulation and natural cycles resume once medication is stopped, and women can conceive normally thereafter.
Q 14: Can Norethisterone help with heavy or painful periods?
A 14: Yes, Norethisterone is sometimes prescribed in higher or repeated doses for menorrhagia (heavy bleeding) or dysmenorrhoea (painful periods). Those treatment courses differ from short-term delay and require closer GP or specialist follow-up.
Summary for Patients
Norethisterone is a clinically proven and well-tolerated option for temporarily delaying menstruation. It should always be used under medical guidance, started three days before the expected period, and taken three times daily. Through smartscripts.ie, you can obtain a prescription reviewed by an Irish GP and filled at your local HPRA-registered pharmacy, ensuring safety, legality, and professional oversight.
Empowering Women’s Choice in Healthcare
Period delay isn’t about avoiding your body’s natural rhythm, it’s about having options and control. For women managing busy lives, travel, or special events, Norethisterone offers flexibility when needed, without compromising safety.
By making prescriptions accessible online through smartscripts.ie, Ireland’s healthcare system is adapting to women’s real-world needs, with medical oversight every step of the way.
Ready to Delay Your Period?
Take control of your schedule with smartscripts.ie, the trusted Irish online doctor platform for safe Norethisterone prescriptions. Start your consultation now and get your medication sent directly to your pharmacy.
Fast. Safe. Doctor-Approved.
