To ask GP to prescribe Norethisterone for a teen?

[DowntonCrabby]

We’re going away soon and my DD(nearly 15) is saying she’ll be due her period, she’d be on day 3-6 during our first few days.

I’m have never used any hormonal contraceptive and haven’t used tampons in about 10 years so feel slightly out of touch. I’ve either not been due when on holiday or used a my mooncup and many moons ago tampons while away.

She’s willing to try teen tampons and will experiment before we go but if she doesn’t get on with them WIBU to ask the GP for norethisterone to delay her period? I’ve made her aware of all the potential side effects etc.

Would a GP even consider this for a young teen?

Yes my DD has been prescribed it no problem since she was about 13. Works a treat for her.

It can have many side effects, weigh them up

When I was taking it as a contraceptive northisterone made me suicidally depressed. Within a week my mood has significantly dropped. I know it’s a short dose, but I’d be wary.

My GP prescribed it for my 13 year old before our holiday.

Norethisterone made me feel like I was losing the plot mentally (taken out of medical necessity, only for a few days).

A friend had some for a holiday and spent the first four days of it vomiting.

I wouldn't. Tampons aren't the end of the world but Norethisterone risks ruining the holiday for her.

How soon are you going away? Can she take it this month to try and move her cycle around a bit just in case she has side effects? FWIW, I took it three times last year and had zero side effects.

Thanks guys.

Honestly I’m erring on he side of thinking it isn't a great idea bit I can be a bit dirty hippy about these things, I last took a paracetamol in 2017! I just appreciate having a holiday period would be differ for a teen as opposed to a boring old Mum.

I’ve taken it many times. Never any issues.

She will be fine to take it for a couple of months, or combined pill take packets back to back. I know 13 is young but moving her period a couple of times a year will do her no harm. Both of you could speak to your GP together about what her options are.

I have taken it many times. The only problem I have had, is that when my period did come it was far heavier than usual.

You can get it from superdrug now.

My daughter started periods at 9, she took it when she was 10 as they were off to France for 5 days in Y6. She was fine.

I had it for a festival aged about 16. No period, no side effects.

I’m a GP and have quite happily let my daughters get norethisterone from their GP for holidays since they started their periods at the age of 13.

In some areas (like where we are) it is increasingly available over the counter without the need for a prescription - I no longer prescribe it and simply direct patients to their nearest pharmacy.

I had it, I get sever periods due to IBS, endometriosis and pcos and I felt amazing, no bloating no pains so cramps no numb legs no sickness no headaches. Wish I could keep taking it.

I was on it long term (8 months) for heavy menopausal bleeding. No side effects at all.

I suppose like any drug it depends on the person taking it.

You can order it online or buy over the counter. I’d have no issues with letting a teen use it but I wouldn’t waste the cost of a doctor appointment and prescription charge for something like this when it can just be bought.