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How to delay your period
For many women, the timing of a period can be inconvenient – whether it is a vacation, a wedding, an important sporting event, or simply a busy week at work. Fortunately, modern medicine offers a solution: norethisterone.
Norethisterone is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. It is commonly prescribed to delay/postpone menstruation safely and effectively. But how does it work, and what should you consider before using it?
How Norethisterone Works
Your menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, with progesterone playing a key role. During a normal cycle, progesterone levels rise after ovulation to prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, progesterone levels drop, triggering the shedding of the uterine lining – your menstrual period.
Norethisterone mimics progesterone. It effectively “tricks” your body into thinking it should not start menstruation, by maintaining higher levels of progesterone. Once you stop taking it, your natural hormone levels drop, and your period typically starts within 2-3 days.
Is Norethisterone Safe?
For most women, short-term use of norethisterone is considered safe. However, it is important to note:
- Side Effects: Some women may experience bloating, breast tenderness, mood changes, or nausea.
- Not Suitable for Everyone: Women with a history of blood clots, heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, liver disease, uncontrolled hypertension, porphyria or migraines with neurological symptoms may be advised against using it. It is also contraindicated in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- It is Not Contraception: Norethisterone does not prevent pregnancy. If you are sexually active and do not want to conceive, you will need to use contraception.
- Certain antibiotics (e.g. rifampicin), anti-seizure drugs, and herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort may reduce the effectiveness of Norethisterone.
How to Use Norethisterone for Period Delay:
- Timing: Start taking norethisterone 3 days before your expected period. Do not wait until bleeding starts. Once your period begins, it’s too late to delay it with this method.
- Dosage: 5 mg is taken three times a day (every 8 hours). Take it with water and ideally with or after food to reduce nausea.
- Duration: You can continue the medication for up to 13 days if needed. Your period will usually start 2-3 days after stopping the tablets.
Simple breakdown of how to use the medication:
| Day | Action |
| Day 1 (3 days before period) | Start norethisterone: 5 mg, 8 hourly (3 times per day) |
| Day 2 to 13 | Continue medication |
| Day 14 | Stop medication |
| Day 15-17 | Period likely to start (if no withdrawal bleeding occurs, the possibility of pregnancy must be investigated) |
Norethisterone offers a convenient way to take control over when your period arrives, helping you navigate special occasions or important events without the added stress. However, like all medications, it should be used responsibly after medical assessment. If you’re considering it, Online Doctor SA can help you with a prescription for Norethisterone to delay your period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to delay my period?
For many women, the timing of a period can be inconvenient – whether it is a vacation, a wedding, an important sporting event, or simply a busy week at work. Fortunately, modern medicine offers a solution: norethisterone.
Norethisterone is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. It is commonly prescribed to delay/postpone menstruation safely and effectively.
Get your Period Delay Prescription here
Where can I get period delay medication (Norethisterone) in South Africa?
Easily receive a prescription for period delay medication (Norethisterone) with Online Doctor SA. Simply complete a clinical form and await medical assessment from our doctors. Your prescription will be emailed directly to your inbox.
How much does it cost to get a prescription for period delay medication in South Africa?
Online Doctor SA offers one of the most affordable telemedicine services in South Africa. Receive prescriptions for various medical conditions, including period delay medication, for just R250.
Do I need a prescription to get period delay medication (Norethisterone) in South Africa?
Yes. Medication such as Norethisterone requires a valid prescription from a registered doctor in South Africa.
Who can’t use Norethisterone?
Women with a history of blood clots, heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, liver disease, uncontrolled hypertension, porphyria or migraines with neurological symptoms may be advised against using it. It is also contraindicated if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How much does Norethisterone cost?
39 tablets of Norethisterone (13 day supply) generally costs around R500. The cost of medication is pharmacy dependent.
How long can I delay my period for by using Norethisterone?
You can delay your period for up to 10 days by using Norethisterone. The medication is started 3 days prior to your expected period. A total of 13 days of treatment can be used.
Can I use my prescription for Norethisterone at any pharmacy?
Yes, the Online Doctor SA prescription can be used at any pharmacy in South Africa.
