Can Norethisterone delay the menstrual cycle?

Question

Hello doctor,

I took one tablet of Norethisterone 5 mg (Regestrone) last month at night, and the next day morning I got the menses. So I did not take a tablet again. Now, I have not gotten menses to date, but I am experiencing tiredness and back pain for one week, and menses still do not exist. My cycle is 28 to 35 days. Is the Regestrone tablet the cause of delayed menses?

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Since you took only one tablet of Norethisterone (Regestrone) last month and got your period the next morning, it is unlikely that the tablet is causing your current delayed period the next month. A few possible causes for your delayed period are:

A single dose of Norethisterone should not cause long-term cycle changes. But hormonal imbalance, stress, diet, or lifestyle factors might cause it.
If there is any chance of pregnancy, taking a home pregnancy test is a good idea.
Your cycle length (28 to 35 days) suggests some natural variation, but if ovulation was delayed, your period would also be late.
If you have irregular cycles or symptoms like back pain and fatigue, an ultrasound can check for cysts or PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).
Thyroid or prolactin imbalance can cause period delays, fatigue, and body aches.

I suggest you do the following things:

Take a pregnancy test if you are sexually active.
Wait a few more days as your cycle naturally varies (up to 35 days).
If your period does not start within a week, consider hormone tests like TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), prolactin, FSH (follicular-stimulating hormone), and LH (luteinizing hormone).

See a gynecologist if the delay persists or other symptoms (severe pain, bloating, or heavy bleeding) appear. Since you are feeling tired and have back pain, it is good to monitor your symptoms. Let me know if you need further guidance. I hope you find this helpful.

Thank you.