Period Delay FAQs

1. What medications can you use to delay your period?
2. How long can you delay your period for?
3. Is delaying your period safe?
4. What happens when you delay your period?
5. Does Norethisterone cause side effects?
6. Will my period be heavier if I delay it?
7. When will my next period start after taking Norethisterone?
8. Will I be protected against pregnancy?
9. Can I use my normal contraceptive method while taking Norethisterone?
10. At what point in my cycle should I start taking Norethisterone 5mg if I want to delay my period?

1. What medications can you use to delay your period?

Norethisterone is the only medication designed to delay a period. It is possible for you to delay your period by supplementing your body with hormones to prevent your uterus from getting rid of its lining as it usually does. This can either be done by adjusting the dose of your current contraceptive or by taking in a temporary high dose of Norethisterone, which is a type of artificial progestogen.

The contraceptive pill can also be used to delay a period. If you are currently taking a combined oral contraceptive, like for example Ovranette or Yasmin, you could delay your period by taking two calendar packs back to back, in other words, without the seven-day break between packs. However, you shouldn’t do this without consulting your doctor first, as it may not be safe for you to do so. If you are not taking a combined pill, you can take a consultation for Norethisterone.

2. How long can you delay your period for?

With Norethisterone 5mg you can delay your period for up to two weeks. You do not have a period as normal when you are using a combined oral contraceptive, normally you experience a withdrawal bleed during your seven pill-free or placebo days. So taking packs back to back can delay this withdrawal bleed for three weeks.

3. Is delaying your period safe?

It is perfectly safe to delay your period by up to two weeks. Delaying your period by using Norethisterone 5mg, or combined oral contraceptives, doesn’t tend to be dangerous, as long as you take the pills exactly in accordance with a doctor’s instructions. It’s important that you don’t take Norethisterone 5mg for prolonged periods of time (more than two weeks).

4. What happens when you delay your period?

Norethisterone controls the hormones in your body to delay your period. Because Norethisterone is a type of progestogen, it works in your body to sustain your womb lining. Just before you have your period, the level of progestogen drops, which allows the womb lining to be shed, which is when you menstruate. Taking Norethisterone 5mg keeps the level of progestogen high enough so that the womb lining can stay in place for longer. Similarly the oestrogen and progestogen in combined pills affect your hormone levels in the same way.

5. Does Norethisterone cause side effects?

Norethisterone 5mg doesn’t tend to cause side effects, as most women only use it for a couple of days and it generally leaves your system quite quickly. However, if side effects do occur they most commonly tend to include rashes, itching, libido changes, dizziness and headaches, nausea or depression. More serious side effects can include thrombosis or jaundice, high blood pressure and migraines.

6. Will my period be heavier if I delay it?

No, delaying your period will not usually affect how heavy your next period is. However, it’s recommended that you don’t take Norethisterone for longer than two weeks, or skip more than two cycles with the contraceptive pill.

7. When will my next period start after taking Norethisterone?

Your period will normally start two to three days after you’ve stopped taking the tablets. With combined pills, your withdrawal bleed will normally start during the seven pill-free or placebo days of your pack.

8. Will I be protected against pregnancy?

No, Norethisterone cannot protect against pregnancy. However, combined oral contraceptives, if taken correctly, can provide effective contraceptive cover.

9. Can I use my normal contraceptive method while taking Norethisterone?

No, Norethisterone 5mg should not be used if you are already taking a combined or progestogen-only contraceptive. If you require contraception, you could speak to your doctor about using a combined oral contraceptive to delay your period. However, you will need to start taking it a couple of weeks in advance. Alternatively you could use a barrier contraceptive. Speak to your doctor about your options if you are using a progestogen-only contraceptive.

10. At what point in my cycle should I start taking Norethisterone 5mg if I want to delay my period?

You can take one Norethisterone tablet three times a day, starting three days before you expect to start your next period. You should keep taking the tablets until you are ready for your period to return.