Period delay treatment Norethisterone
What is Norethisterone?
Norethisterone tablets are a form of period delay medication, allowing you to temporarily halt your menstrual cycle for a specified duration (up to 30 days with norethisterone). It's essential to note that these tablets are not contraceptives and using them does not provide protection against pregnancy. To effectively delay your period, take three tablets a day, starting three days before your expected period.
What is Norethisterone used for?
Norethisterone tablets belong to a category of medications known as 'progestogens,' which are akin to the natural female hormone progesterone. The active ingredient in norethisterone tablets is the progestogen called norethisterone, which serves various purposes. These tablets can be used to address or manage conditions such as heavy periods, painful periods, irregular or more frequent than normal periods, premenstrual tension (PMT), endometriosis (where womb tissue is found outside the womb), and breast cancer. Additionally, your doctor might prescribe norethisterone tablets if you wish to postpone your next period.
Who can and cannot use medicines containing Norethisterone?
Norethisterone tablets may not be suitable for all women. Carefully review the following list to determine if any of these conditions apply to you. If you are uncertain, consult your doctor.
Do not take norethisterone tablets if:
you are allergic to norethisterone, similar hormone medicines, or any other ingredients in this medicine
you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor may conduct a pregnancy test before initiating treatment or if you miss a period during treatment.
you have experienced unexplained vaginal bleeding (not a period)
you or a family member has a history of blood clot problems, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
you have a history of a heart attack or angina, or ongoing heart conditions
you have liver issues
you had jaundice or an itchy rash known as pemphigoid gestationis during a previous pregnancy, characterized by small blisters on your abdomen
you live with severe generalised itching all over your body (pruritus)
you have a condition called porphyria, a rare inherited blood disease
Discuss your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist before taking norethisterone tablets, especially if you have:
epilepsy
migraine headaches
asthma
heart problems
kidney problems
Risk of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE): While all women have a slight chance of developing blood clots, taking a hormone medicine like norethisterone tablets may slightly elevate this risk. Factors such as being very overweight, having systemic lupus erythematosus, a previous history of blood clots, family history of blood clots, immobility, significant injury, major surgery, or repeated miscarriages can further increase the risk. Inform your doctor if you have recently undergone surgery or have an upcoming operation while using norethisterone tablets.
Can I use Norethisterone if I’m pregnant?
If you are currently pregnant, breastfeeding, suspect pregnancy, or are planning to conceive, consult your doctor for guidance before using this medication.
Avoid taking norethisterone if you are pregnant, as hormonal medications may impact the developing foetus.
Frequently asked questions
It is important to use contraception such as condoms while on norethisterone tablets, as it is not intended for contraceptive purposes.
Norethisterone is available in tablet form and consists of the active ingredient norethisterone, with each tablet containing 5mg.
Like all medications, this drug may cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Very rarely, norethisterone tablets may induce a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening if untreated. Look out for symptoms such as:
wheezing
difficulty breathing
feeling faint
swelling of the face or tongue
swelling of the hands and feet
intense itchy skin rash
If you suspect an adverse reaction, discontinue treatment with norethisterone and seek immediate emergency medical assistance.
The following symptoms could indicate thrombosis (a blood clot) and require urgent attention:
Symptoms of a blood clot in the lungs:
sudden, severe, sharp pain in your chest
coughing up blood
sudden shortness of breath
rapid heart rate
Symptoms of a blood clot in the brain (‘a stroke’):
unusually severe or prolonged headache
impaired vision
difficulty speaking
collapsing or fainting
weakness or numbness in any part of your body
Symptoms of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT):
severe pain, tenderness, or swelling in your calf, ankle, or foot
purple discoloration or redness and warmth of the skin on the leg
If you experience any of these symptoms, cease taking the tablets and promptly consult your doctor.
Reasons for seeking medical advice during treatment:
See your doctor immediately if you observe:
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
first-time occurrence of a migraine headache
high blood pressure
Other potential side effects with medications like norethisterone tablets include:
effects on the reproductive system and breasts
bleeding and spotting between periods
lack of periods (amenorrhoea)
unexpected or unusual vaginal bleeding
changes in cervical discharge
cervical erosions
anovulation (cycles without ovulation)
breast pain and tenderness
milky discharge from the breast when not pregnant or breastfeeding (galactorrhoea)
Effects on the nervous system:
headache
depression
dizziness
fatigue
difficulty sleeping
confusion
nervousness
euphoria (intense happiness)
sleepiness
loss of concentration
vision problems
Effects on the stomach and intestines:
nausea or vomiting
constipation
diarrhoea
dry mouth
Effects on the liver:
disturbed liver function
jaundice
effects on your metabolism
altered fat levels in the blood
changes in blood sugar levels
increased insulin levels between meals and worsening existing diabetes
decreased tolerance to some sugars like glucose
adrenergic-like effects (e.g., fine hand tremors, sweating, cramps in the calves at night)
Effects on the adrenal glands (e.g., Cushingoid syndrome)
cloudy vision
sugar in your urine
Effects on your heart and circulation:
blood clots, including in the lungs
swelling in the veins due to blood clots
stroke
heart attacks
congestive heart failure
increased blood pressure
feeling your heartbeat
clots in the blood vessels of the retina (causing visual problems)
rapid heart rate
Effects on your skin and hair:
acne
increased body or facial hair
itching
rash
hives
Miscellaneous:
fluid retention and swelling of hands and ankles
bloating
weight gain
elevated temperature
changes in appetite
alterations in sex drive
fatigue
increased calcium levels in blood tests
Always read the patient information leaflet for norethisterone tablets before taking it.
