I posted previously about my experience of taking Norethisterone to delay my period, for the first time four years ago. I have since taken it again, despite my negative experience first time round, because dates clashed and I didn’t want to start my period at a certain time. I was, understandably, a little apprehensive about taking the tablets again, after what had happened the last time, but I figured it might be different.
I wasn’t sure if the tablets would work, as my period had actually started when I began taking them (you are advised to begin taking them 3 days prior to the date your period is due), but within half a day, the bleeding had stopped, and I did not bleed for the next few days whilst I took the tablets three times a day, as instructed. So far, so good? Well, yes. However I still haven’t had that period and it has now been a couple of weeks. I do have the Mirena coil fitted, which means that my periods are very light anyway, but it has scared me a little, not bleeding at all. I have taken a pregnancy test, as a precaution, which has come back negative, so I do think it is just a side effect of the Norethisterone.
Other than the missing period, I have felt bloated, as I did before, and slightly more emotional/hormonal than I am usually. It has made me realise that the tablets obviously aren’t for me, as the side effects are more annoying than the period itself. This isn’t to say that the tablets won’t work well for other people, but I just don’t think they agree with me. Yes, they worked in the sense that my period was delayed, even after it had started, but I would rather not have the other symptoms that come with taking the tablets. I am already a fairly emotional person, due to the antidepressants that I am on for my anxiety, so for me, taking something else that makes me feel up and down, is not a great idea.
If you are considering taking Norethisterone to delay your period, or if you have heavy periods and have been advised to take the tablets for this reason, I would definitely discuss the possible side effects with your doctor and/or pharmacist. Knowing what can happen will help to prepare you, and allow you to make an informed decision on whether they are right for you or not. I know that I would have liked to have had this discussion with a medical professional the first time round, as I was not aware of what might happen when I first took the tablets a few years ago. However, I have taken them this second time, after knowing what I went through before, so it is definitely about weighing up the pros and cons for you, individually, on a case by case basis.
If you would like to read about my first experience of taking Norethisterone to delay my period, you can read about it in my blog post.
