Anyone got any ideas? Norethisterone not available but much needed

[Mykittensmittens]

DD has horrendous periods. She’s 14. I did too as a teen but the calmed down. However we are going away in August for 10 days - 3 days walking and 7 days beach. This holiday is much wanted and a big treat and has been postponed 3 times due to Covid.

Her period is due for 5 of the ten days we are away. She is very anxious anyway (she’s under CAMHS for this). I got her a prescription from the GP for Norethisterone to delay the prior period and hopefully then throw the problem one out too.

Pharmacy have told me that medication is not available due to supply issues. And it’s a long term issue - months and months delay. I have called round every pharmacy in the city and simply can’t get it - they all say the same thing.

the only suggestion offered is Provera which is an alternative.

so I’ve gone back to the GP but they won’t change the prescription to Provera because Norethisterone is what they’ve always used and always known, and don’t want to issue the alternative.

I’m really stuck. Even online pharmacies are out of stock (the reputable ones anyway, boots, Lloyds etc)

Anyone got any bright ideas?

Looks like Superdrug might have it online

Your GP is being a dick.

Put it in writing that norethisterone is unavailable and you’d like an alternative.

If they still won’t budge consider seeing a sexual health clinic and asking for her to try the combined pill for a few months. That will give her a regular artificial cycle and a bit of wiggle room to control her bleeding pattern.

I got some at my chemist in Lincolnshire a couple of weeks ago. Cast your net wider, you may have to travel but there will be some somewhere.

Thanks

@skysareblue it appears that but when you get through the purchase process it indicates a ‘delay’ in receiving the meds which is assume is the same manufacturing issue everyone is having.

I’ve just called the GP again and asked for yet another phone appt, though it may be more sensible to put it in writing. She needs to start taking it 7 days from now, to alter the prior period to the one which is causing an issue on the calendar.

Provera doesn’t have as high a success rate (some reviews are scathing!) but I’d rather try it than do nothing. Mini-pill would indeed be another option so will suggest this to the GP if I can get another call.

so bloody frustrating. On a practical and MH level it’s such a simple thing to resolve.

You don’t need to start it next week, it won’t necessarily push back her next period.

She would just need to start it either the day before her period is due, or the day you go on holiday if they’re irregular.

Also the POP (mini pill) can cause irregular bleeding - it doesn’t inhibit menstruation in all women, only about 70%. I’d recommend a combined pill if you’re hoping to achieve complete cessation of bleeding.

I went on the combined pill as I needed to delay my period by over 2 weeks and the Dr wasn't overly happy with me taking norethisterone for that long and flying long haul... It worked a treat. I have had a terrible time on the pill in my younger years (microgynon, sp?) But had Marvelon this time and didn't turn into a crying banshee.

Thanks @Sidge I was working on the theory that when I’ve used it before, I used it for the prior month, for a week, period turned up 2 days later and next period 28 days after that. Doesn’t that always work that way? I did have some bloating on it so also thought it wouldn’t be as troublesome the month prior rather than the month of, If that makes sense.

moot points anyway as I can’t get it!!

My sister literally got it about a month ago no problems. Maybe go further afield.

Thanks @PinkButtercups we are quite a big city. I suspect it’s just whoever has residual stocks at the moment. One pharmacy kindly checked her wholesalers for me, she used 4, all of which say the product is unavailable with no known date for re-supply.

google tells me it could be the end of the year!

Has she tried mefanamic or tranexamic acid?

I ordered it online 3 weeks ago and it came straight away no problem: www.pharmacyonline.co.uk/online-doctor/period-delay-tablets/norethisterone/

If all else fails tranexamic acid should at least reduce the severity of bleeding.

I am currently on norethisterone permanently
It's a struggle to get but I find going to pharmacies like boots or Superdrug rather than supermarket or local chemist is better and I haven't had a problem for 2 months

I did not get on with provera, gave me crippling chest pain.

As a previous poster suggested, how about trying tranexamic acid instead? I've been using it for the last few months for heavy periods and it's been a game-changer (I would go so far to say life changing actually!). They are much lighter and more manageable now.

If not, then the combined pill might be an option - she could run packets together to skip a period.

Thanks all.

@nellytheelephantscircus I hadn’t explored that site I’d stuck with known names like boots etc. I’ve just gone through the order process and it’s gone through, so keeping everything crossed!

no we haven’t tried tranexamic acid - usually she handles them well with period pants but holidays would be different. Is it suitable for under 18’s?

i’d half a mind to ask the GP for some of that for me! 50 and peri, but no symptoms which bother me other than heavy bleeds but I thought at my age it wasn’t an option. Another thing added to the list 🙄

Tranexamic acid is good for reducing flow but won’t stop her having a period.

Taking it a month before will affect that period, but won’t necessarily affect the next one especially in teens. If you want a guarantee of no bleed then take it for the period you want to miss.

If she doesn’t want to bleed at all then either norethisterone or a COCP will.

Hope you can get it!

I got some from Pharmica a couple of weeks ago - paid for a private prescription, I'm not sure if they dispense NHS prescriptions. cost about £15

Adults can get TA over the counter. It was a lifesaver for me in peri menopause and it's well worth a try for you. Doesn't stop you having a period but prevents flooding.

It's easily available on prescription for under 18s if their periods are very heavy.

It's designed to delay the period you take it for, which it will. That doesn't mean it will change your cycle.

The last time I took it I delayed my period by two weeks whilst I was away, got a heavy period when I stopped taking it - and two weeks later I got another heavy period - in line with my original cycle.

I'd take it as directed for the period you want to delay, otherwise you're relying on unreliable hormones that have just been upskittled with additional hormones - you can't predict the outcome, particularly if this is her first time taking it.

Don't know what age she is but ibuprofen- max amount you can have for 3 or 4 days before your period is due will cut the amount of bleeding. It was the only thing that worked for me. The tranexamic acid didn't really work for me and made me feel shit. Sometimes the ibuprofen delays it by a day or two as well. Taking it might help her anxiety as well that the period is not going to be awful You can get period proof swimming costumes as well.

Sorry I see she's 14 so able to take ibuprofen in a reasonable dose.

My 25 yo dd is on cerazette for very heavy periods, has been for over 12 months now. She's not had any periods for most of that time since it's helped stop them altogether for her. Could this be an alternative?

Sorry that should say 15, not 25!