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Original poster

Has anyone taken Norethisterone to delay a period?

24 replies

Heistonabike · 19/07/2022 21:05

I'm off on a camping trip next week just me and 2 small dc. I've just realised my period is due right in the middle of it which would be an absolute nightmare! A lot of the beaches we plan to visit have no public toilets nearby so I'd have to pack up everything and drag 2 small children off the beach to find a toilet to change pads/tampons. Would a doctor prescribe Norethisterone in this situation? Has anyone had any side effects from it?

OP posts:

Ginerous · 19/07/2022 21:07

Yes I have taken it a few times in similar circumstances. No problem getting it from GP and it worked perfectly, you just have to remember to take all the tablets every day. Well worth it.

Battytwatty · 19/07/2022 21:08

I have used it many times. Dr had no issues prescribing it. My situation was the same as yours. In terms of side effects, I still felt like i was goi g to get my period ie tummy cramps but not as bad and obvs no bleeding.

MistyBean · 19/07/2022 21:10

If you can't get to your GP in time I managed to get it from a Lloyds pharmacy. I got it online and then picked it up in person. They knew I was having it in order to go on a spa trip. Was absolutely fine.

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MistyBean · 19/07/2022 21:11

Just to add, you need to start it a few days before you are due.

Einszwei · 19/07/2022 21:12

Yes. It worked fine, although when I stopped taking it I had a decidual cast which was quite painful.

JonSnowedUnder · 19/07/2022 21:17

I ordered mine from Boots with no issue...taking it however was awful. Huge mood swings on holiday. I get heavy periods so really didn't want to come on during a beach holiday but honestly it wrecked my holiday anyway.

Original poster

Heistonabike · 19/07/2022 22:24

@JonSnowedUnder oh dear 😕 sorry that happened to you. That's exactly what I'm worried about as 5 days camping with young kids is hard enough without added mood swings.

OP posts:

ivfbabymomma1 · 19/07/2022 22:30

I've taken it a few times for various holidays, ever had an issues with it. Bit of a pain to remember to take it 3 times a day though!

PinkButtercups · 19/07/2022 22:31

I've used it on 2 occasions.

No side effects that I'm aware of.

EddieHowesBlackandWhiteArmy · 19/07/2022 22:32

Yes but my GP will no longer prescribe it and instead directed me to Superdrug/Boots online.

Testina · 19/07/2022 22:33

I thought it was pretty hard to get hold of at the moment?
I can change a tampon under a towelling change robe on the beach if I have to, bag up the previous one, hand sanitiser and bottled water.

Spaghag · 19/07/2022 22:37

Ask for generic norethisterone. The branded Utovlan has supply issues.

Our area are considering stopping this as an NHS prescription item (the local authority that is) as there is no actual medical need for it (when used to delay a period) & it is available privately.

Obviously when used to lessen/stop very heavy bleeding would be different.

youwouldthink · 19/07/2022 22:40

I've used it many times with no issues at all. DD has also used a couple of times again with no issues. Had to start 3 days before period if I remember right.

JonSnowedUnder · 19/07/2022 23:06

@Heistonabike yes, I don't want to put you off but I know a few women get horrible side effects. It did what it was supposed to though. Depending on how heavy you are could you get some period bikini bottoms and just change under a towel? Not dignified but needs must!

fluffydoglover27 · 19/07/2022 23:12

have taken a couple of times (holidays/camping trips etc) as long as you remember to take all the pills its fine - though I would say I felt very unemotional when I was taking, which is unusual for me... personally the worst part is after you finish them when your period starts again, genuinely the worst periods I have ever had both in terms of heavy flow and cramps. however that aside it is completely worth it

SoupDragon · 19/07/2022 23:13

I've taken it many times with no side effects whatsoever. Just ordered my prescription for my holiday that's coming up.

of course, you can't know whether you'll be unlucky with regard to side effects until you take them but you can always stop and have the period instead.

SoupDragon · 19/07/2022 23:14

I thought it was pretty hard to get hold of at the moment?

i did too but DD got hers on Monday with no problem

KitKattaktik · 19/07/2022 23:41

I've taken it a few times, never had any problems.

CatsareMyBoss · 19/07/2022 23:55

Used it a few times, no issues. I tried to order with Lloyds last week for an upcoming holiday but they're out of stock so had to refund me. I found an online company called something like pharmica which had it and shows up to date stock info. I find it easier to buy online than try to navigate the many hurdles to getting a GP appointment over it!

dozydoo · 19/07/2022 23:58

I used it for my wedding, even though I took it as directed on the pack, it didn't stop my period, it did make it lighter, so was better, but I still had it & when I stopped it I did have an awful period! I got mine from boots.

Nat6999 · 19/07/2022 23:59

I was on it for nearly 2 years while suffering from endometriosis & fighting to get a hysterectomy. I put on 2 stone, my hair fell out & I was suicidal.

QueenOfHiraeth · 20/07/2022 00:01

Spaghag · 19/07/2022 22:37

Ask for generic norethisterone. The branded Utovlan has supply issues.

Our area are considering stopping this as an NHS prescription item (the local authority that is) as there is no actual medical need for it (when used to delay a period) & it is available privately.

Obviously when used to lessen/stop very heavy bleeding would be different.

Our GP will no longer issue these under instructions from the CCG and direct patients to online prescribers

CheerUpSleepyGene · 20/07/2022 00:16

Like @fluffydoglover27 it was fine when I took it but geez, the worst period of my life next time my cycle came around. Hoping it was just a coincidence, I used it again a couple of years later and the same thing happened. I’m used to painful periods (endo and fibroids) but they were off scale. Plenty of people on here seem to have been fine with it though

SoupDragon · 20/07/2022 10:13

I've just picked mine up and they are generic ones. No problem at all.

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