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Treatment

Norethisterone Tablets for Period Delay

Norethisterone is a progestin tablet that delays your period when you need it to. It's a trusted option for managing your cycle around important events or holidays.

Delays your period by up to 17 days
Simple tablet taken three times daily
Works within 3 days of starting
Supervised by our experienced pharmacy team

PriceFrom £20

Book your consultation★ 4.7 on Google · 10,000+ happy patients

About Norethisterone

Norethisterone is a progestin-based tablet that temporarily delays menstruation when taken before your period is due. It works by maintaining hormone levels that prevent the shedding of the womb lining, allowing you to postpone your period for special occasions, holidays, or important events. The tablet is taken three times daily and is effective when started 3 days before your period would normally begin.

How norethisterone works

Norethisterone contains a synthetic progestin that mimics the natural hormone progesterone. By maintaining consistent hormone levels in your body, it prevents the hormonal drop that triggers menstruation. Once you stop taking the tablets, your period typically arrives within 2–3 days. This makes it a reversible and controllable option for period management.

Who norethisterone is for

Norethisterone suits people who want to postpone their period for a specific reason and have a regular menstrual cycle. It's particularly useful if you have an important event, holiday, or commitment coming up. You'll need to plan ahead, as the tablets work best when started a few days before your period is due. Our pharmacy team can help you work out the right timing based on your cycle.

What results to expect

Most people find their period is delayed by 7–17 days while taking norethisterone. Once you finish the course, menstruation usually resumes within a few days. The delay is temporary and doesn't affect your fertility or future cycles. Some people experience light spotting or breakthrough bleeding, but this is generally minimal.

How our pharmacy team supervises your treatment

When you visit South Ealing Pharmacy, our pharmacists will check that norethisterone is suitable for you by asking about your medical history, current medications, and any previous reactions to hormonal treatments. We'll explain exactly when to start taking the tablets and what to expect. You'll receive clear written instructions and can contact us with any questions during your course. After your period returns, you're welcome to come back if you need the treatment again in future.

Pricing

Norethisterone prices

All prices include your pharmacist consultation and ongoing support.

30 tablets

£20

60 tablets

£29

90 tablets

£40

Step by step

Your norethisterone journey

Step 1

Book your consultation

Contact South Ealing Pharmacy to arrange a private consultation with one of our pharmacists. We'll discuss your needs and check that norethisterone is right for you.

Step 2

Health check and advice

Our pharmacist will review your medical history and medications, then explain how to take the tablets and when to start them based on your cycle.

Step 3

Collect your tablets

You'll receive your norethisterone tablets with clear instructions on dosing and timing. We'll make sure you understand what to expect.

Step 4

Take your course

You'll take one tablet three times daily, starting 3 days before your period is due. Contact us if you have any concerns or questions.

Step 5

Follow-up support

After your period returns, we're here to answer any questions and can help you access the treatment again if you need it in the future.

Suitability

Is norethisterone right for you?

Norethisterone is suitable for most people with regular periods who want to postpone menstruation for a specific event. Our pharmacists will check your suitability during your consultation.

Who it's suitable for

Regular menstrual cycleYou have a predictable cycle so we can time the tablets correctly.
Specific event or holidayYou want to delay your period for a planned occasion and can start the tablets 3 days in advance.
No contraindicationsYou don't have a history of blood clots, stroke, or certain other conditions that would make hormonal treatment unsuitable.
Not taking conflicting medicationsYour current medicines don't interact with norethisterone in a way that would be unsafe.
Good general healthYou have no uncontrolled high blood pressure, migraine with aura, or active liver disease.

Who it's not suitable for

History of blood clotsIf you've had deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or stroke, norethisterone is not appropriate for you.
Uncontrolled high blood pressureIf your blood pressure is not well managed, hormonal treatments carry additional risk.
Migraine with auraThis combination increases the risk of stroke, so norethisterone would not be recommended.
Active liver diseaseLiver problems mean your body cannot process the hormone safely.
Irregular periodsIf your cycle is unpredictable, it's difficult to time the tablets correctly for effective delay.
Pregnancy or breastfeedingNorethisterone is not suitable during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Possible side effects

NauseaMild nausea is common and usually settles within a few days. Taking the tablet with food can help.
Breast tendernessSome people notice their breasts feel tender or swollen, similar to pre-period symptoms. This typically resolves once you stop the tablets.
HeadacheHeadaches occur in some people and are usually mild. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help if needed.
Breakthrough bleeding or spottingLight bleeding or spotting may occur while taking the tablets, though this is usually minimal.
Mood changesA small number of people report mood changes or irritability. Let our pharmacists know if this becomes troublesome.

Compare

Norethisterone vs. combined oral contraceptive

Norethisterone is designed specifically for short-term period delay, while the combined pill is a daily contraceptive. Here's how they compare for period postponement.

	Norethisterone	Combined oral contraceptive
Active ingredient	Norethisterone (progestin only)	Ethinylestradiol and progestin
Primary use	Short-term period delay	Daily contraception
How it's taken	Three times daily for 10–14 days	Once daily for 21 days per cycle
Period delay achieved	Up to 17 days	Up to 21 days (with extended regimens)
Contraceptive protection	None	Yes, when taken correctly
Common side effects	Nausea, breast tenderness, headache	Nausea, headache, mood changes
Best for	One-off event planning	Ongoing contraception and cycle control

Your local pharmacy

Norethisterone in South Ealing, Ealing, London

At South Ealing Pharmacy, we provide norethisterone consultations in a private, confidential setting where you can discuss your period postponement needs face-to-face with an experienced pharmacist. We take time to understand your event or holiday, check your medical history, and make sure the treatment is safe and suitable for you before you leave with your tablets and clear instructions.

Our follow-up care means you're not left wondering what to do. If you have questions while taking the tablets, or if you need the treatment again in future, we're here to help. Many of our patients appreciate the convenience of accessing this service locally without needing a GP appointment, and the reassurance of speaking to a pharmacist who knows their history.

We serve patients from across South Ealing, Ealing, Acton, Chiswick and the W5 postcode area. Whether you're planning a summer holiday, a special occasion, or simply want to manage your cycle around an important commitment, our team is ready to support you.

Areas we serve

Ealing

Patients from across Ealing benefit from our central location and can reach us by local bus routes or a short journey from Ealing Broadway.

Acton

We're conveniently positioned for Acton residents, with good bus connections making it straightforward to visit us for your consultation and collect your treatment.

Chiswick

Chiswick patients often choose South Ealing Pharmacy for the personal service and the ability to discuss their needs privately with our pharmacist team.

W5

Our W5 postcode location means we're local to the heart of South Ealing, making us an accessible choice for norethisterone consultations and ongoing pharmacy support.

Norethisterone is a progestin tablet that maintains hormone levels in your body, preventing the hormonal drop that triggers menstruation. You take one tablet three times daily, and your period is typically delayed by 7–17 days. Once you stop taking the tablets, your period usually arrives within 2–3 days.

You should start taking norethisterone 3 days before your period is due. This means you need to know your cycle well enough to predict when your period will arrive. Our pharmacists can help you work out the right timing during your consultation.

We offer norethisterone in three pack sizes: 30 tablets for £20.00, 60 tablets for £29.00, and 90 tablets for £40.00. Your pharmacist will advise which pack size you need based on how long you want to delay your period.

Norethisterone is suitable for most people with regular periods and no history of blood clots, stroke, or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Our pharmacists will check your medical history and current medications during your consultation to make sure it's safe for you.

Your pharmacist will ask about your medical history, current medications, and your reason for wanting to delay your period. They'll explain how to take the tablets, when to start them, and what to expect. You'll leave with your tablets and clear written instructions.

Common side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, and headache. These are usually mild and settle quickly. Some people experience light breakthrough bleeding. Serious side effects are rare, but contact us immediately if you develop chest pain, leg swelling, or shortness of breath.

No. Norethisterone is a temporary treatment that doesn't affect your fertility or future menstrual cycles. Once you stop taking the tablets, your cycle returns to normal.

Yes. You can access norethisterone directly through South Ealing Pharmacy without needing a GP referral. Simply contact us to book a consultation with our pharmacist.

Your period is typically delayed by 7–17 days while you're taking the tablets. The exact delay depends on how long you take them and your individual response. Once you stop, your period usually arrives within 2–3 days.

Some medications can interact with norethisterone, so it's important to tell our pharmacist about everything you're taking. They'll check for interactions and advise whether it's safe for you.

You're welcome to return to South Ealing Pharmacy whenever you need to postpone your period again. We'll have your history on file, making future consultations quicker and more straightforward.

Yes, norethisterone is available at South Ealing Pharmacy. We recommend booking a consultation in advance so our pharmacist can see you at a time that suits you and ensure we have your preferred pack size in stock.