How many days can Norethindrone be taken to delay menstruation in a healthy female of reproductive age with a regular menstrual cycle?

Duration of Norethindrone for Menstrual Delay

Norethindrone can be taken continuously for as long as you need to delay your period, with no specific maximum duration limit, though most women use it for 1-2 weeks to delay menstruation for a specific event.

Practical Dosing and Duration

• Start norethindrone 3-5 days before your expected period and continue taking it daily until you want your period to arrive 1
• The medication should be started no later than cycle day 12 for optimal effectiveness in preventing breakthrough bleeding 1
• Take 5 mg three times daily (total 15 mg/day) when using norethindrone specifically for menstrual delay 1
• Your period will typically begin 2-3 days after stopping the medication 2

Evidence for Extended Use

• Studies have documented safe norethindrone use for 9-37 days continuously without adverse effects on subsequent fertility or ovarian function 2
• Only 8% of women experience breakthrough bleeding when norethindrone is started appropriately in the cycle, compared to 43% with combined oral contraceptives 1
• Women using norethindrone for menstrual delay had significantly shorter time to conceive after stopping the medication, indicating no negative fertility impact 1

Important Considerations Before Starting

You must rule out pregnancy and certain contraindications before starting norethindrone 3:

• Active or history of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)
• Liver disease or hepatic dysfunction
• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• Breast cancer or hormone-sensitive cancers
• Check baseline blood pressure 3

Expected Side Effects

• Temporary weight gain may occur during use but resolves after stopping the medication 1
• Expect a heavier withdrawal bleed when you stop taking norethindrone compared to your normal period 1
• Patient satisfaction is high (80% would choose this method again) despite these temporary effects 1

Key Advantages Over Combined Oral Contraceptives

• Superior for preventing breakthrough bleeding when started late in the menstrual cycle 1
• Can be used in women with contraindications to estrogen (cardiovascular disease, neurologic conditions, migraine with aura) 4
• More effective when you need absolute certainty about avoiding any bleeding for important events 1