Norethisterone can be used to temporarily postpone a period but how does it work?

• Norethisterone is a synthetic progestogen similar to the hormone progesterone.
• When taken it acts in a similar way to the body’s own progesterone, by maintaining the uterine lining preventing it from being shed and therefore preventing the bleeding associated with a period.
• It will continue to maintain this lining until cessation of the drug. 
• A period (menstruation) should occur within three days of stopping the norethisterone. 

To temporarily delay a period - norethisterone is normally prescribed as a 5mg tablet, ONE to be taken THREE times a day, starting three days before expected menstruation.