Tablets to Induce a Period Early

Why Periods Need to Be Induced

Main Tablets Used

1. Norethisterone (Norethindrone) - Most Commonly Used

• What it is: A synthetic progestogen (progesterone-like hormone)
• How it works: Keeps progesterone levels artificially elevated, preventing the womb lining from shedding. When you stop taking it, progesterone drops and a withdrawal bleed begins.
• How to take it (period delay/induction by withdrawal):
  • Dose: 5 mg three times daily (15 mg/day)
  • Start: At least 3 days before your expected period date
  • Stop: When you want the period to begin
  • Bleed onset: Period typically starts within 2-3 days of stopping
• Also used for: Heavy periods (5-10 mg to stop bleeding), endometriosis (15 mg/day for 6+ months), premenstrual tension (5 mg/day days 16-25 of cycle)
• Not a contraceptive - it does not prevent pregnancy
• Prescription required in most countries

2. Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA)

• What it is: Another synthetic progestogen
• How it works: Same withdrawal bleed mechanism as norethisterone
• Dose for menstrual induction: 10 mg/day for 5-10 days; period follows 3-7 days after stopping
• Also used for: Amenorrhoea (absent periods), irregular cycles, endometrial protection
• Prescription required

3. Progesterone (Natural/Micronised)

• What it is: Bioidentical progesterone
• Use: Sometimes prescribed to induce withdrawal bleed in women with oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea (e.g. PCOS)
• Dose: Typically 200-400 mg/day for 10-12 days (oral or vaginal)
• Prescription required

4. Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP)

• Manipulating pill packs (e.g. skipping the pill-free interval, or starting a new pack) can be used to time or shift a period
• Useful for ongoing cycle management rather than one-off induction
• Prescription required

Important Considerations

When to Seek Medical Advice Instead

Disclaimer: This information is educational. These medications require a prescription in most countries and should only be taken under medical supervision.

Primolut-N (Norethisterone 5 mg) - Complete Guide

What Is Primolut-N?

Uses / Indications

Dosage Guide

Period Delay

• Dose: 1 tablet (5 mg) 3 times a day = 15 mg/day
• Start: At least 3 days before your expected period
• Duration: Up to 10-14 days (max ~27 days)
• Bleed timing: Period starts 2-3 days after stopping the tablets

Heavy/Irregular Bleeding

• To stop acute bleeding: 5-10 mg every 4-8 hours until bleeding stops
• To prevent recurrence: 5 mg 2-3 times daily from day 19-26 of the cycle

Endometriosis

• Dose: 10-15 mg/day for at least 4-6 months
• Dose may be increased if breakthrough bleeding occurs

PMS/Premenstrual Tension

• Dose: 5 mg once daily from day 16 to day 25 of the cycle

Secondary Amenorrhoea (absent periods)

• Dose: 5 mg 2-3 times daily for 10 days to provoke a withdrawal bleed

How to Take It

• Take with or without food
• Swallow whole with water
• Take at evenly spaced intervals (e.g. every 8 hours for 3x daily dosing)
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if the next dose is near - never double up

Side Effects

Common (usually mild, resolve on their own)

• Headache
• Nausea / stomach discomfort
• Breast tenderness or pain
• Bloating / fluid retention
• Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
• Mood changes / low mood
• Reduced libido
• Dizziness

Serious - Stop and See a Doctor Immediately

• Signs of blood clot: Swollen painful leg, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood
• Severe migraine or new-onset migraine
• Sudden vision, hearing, or speech changes
• Yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice - liver problem)
• Severe allergic reaction: Rash, facial swelling, difficulty breathing

Contraindications - Who Should NOT Take It

• Pregnancy (rule out with a test first)
• Breastfeeding
• History of blood clots (DVT, pulmonary embolism)
• Liver disease or liver tumours
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Hormone-sensitive cancers (certain breast or genital cancers)
• Severe cardiovascular disease
• Hypersensitivity to norethisterone

Important Points

Not a contraceptive - Primolut-N 5 mg does NOT reliably prevent pregnancy. Use separate contraception (e.g. condoms) if needed.

Always rule out pregnancy before starting, as the drug is not safe in early pregnancy.

Not for regular long-term use - if you need frequent cycle control, speak to your doctor about a combined oral contraceptive pill or other hormonal options.

Prescription required in India, the UK, and most countries.

Indian Brand Alternatives (Same Drug - Norethisterone 5 mg)

Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only. Primolut-N must be taken under medical supervision. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping this medication.