Norethisterone 5mg Dosing for Menstrual Delay
For delaying menstruation, take norethisterone 5mg orally three times daily (total 15mg/day), starting 3 days before your expected period and continuing until you want menstruation to occur. 1, 2
Dosing Protocol
- Start timing: Begin exactly 3 days before the expected menstruation 1, 2
- Dose: 5mg three times daily (morning, afternoon, evening) for a total daily dose of 15mg 2
- Duration: Continue throughout the entire desired delay period 1
- Maximum recommended duration: Up to 2 weeks of delay 2
- Critical timing note: Starting after bleeding has already begun will NOT be effective 2
Success Rates and Effectiveness
- Women with regular menstrual cycles achieve approximately 87% success rate with this regimen 2
- The higher dose (15mg daily in divided doses) is necessary for reliable menstrual suppression—lower doses are insufficient 1
Important Safety Considerations
Absolute contraindications (do NOT use if you have): 2
- Current or history of blood clots (venous thromboembolism)
- Active liver disease or liver tumors
- Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- Pregnancy
- Breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers
Use with caution if you have: 2
- History of depression
- Cardiovascular risk factors
- Migraine with aura (especially if over 35 years old)
- History of deep vein thrombosis 1
- Uncontrolled hypertension 1
Critical Counseling Points
- This is NOT contraception: You must use additional contraceptive methods if sexually active during treatment 1
- Menstruation timing: Expect your period to begin 2-3 days after stopping norethisterone 3
- Avoid repeated use: For frequent or prolonged menstrual delay needs, discuss alternative hormonal management options with your provider 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Insufficient dosing: Taking only 5mg once or twice daily will likely fail—the full 15mg daily dose (5mg three times daily) is required 1, 2
- Late initiation: Starting on the day of expected bleeding or after bleeding begins renders treatment ineffective 2
- Irregular cycles: Women with irregular menstrual cycles have lower success rates and may need alternative approaches 2