What is Utovlan

Utovlan is a prescription medicine used to delay periods. It contains norethisterone, a synthetic hormone that works like progesterone. Women take Utovlan to temporarily stop their menstrual cycle by starting it three days before their period is due. Periods usually return three days after stopping the medication. Utovlan is available only with a prescription and cannot stop a period once it has started. It’s commonly ordered online through consultations and is delivered confidentially.

What is Utovlan Used For?

Delays Periods: Utovlan can delay periods for up to 17 days, offering flexibility for holidays, special events, or important occasions. It provides relief for women who want to postpone menstruation for personal or professional reasons.

Treats Heavy Bleeding: Utovlan is effective in treating heavy menstrual bleeding by reducing flow, offering comfort and control during menstruation. This can help women who experience excessively heavy or prolonged periods.

Regulates Irregular Cycles: By regulating hormonal levels, Utovlan helps manage irregular cycles, improving the predictability and timing of periods. This is especially helpful for women with conditions like PCOS or those experiencing unpredictable cycles.

How does Utovlan work?

Utovlan contains 5mg of norethisterone, a synthetic progestogen that mimics the natural hormone progesterone, which plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle. This helps maintain hormonal balance and supports menstrual health.

Thickens Womb Lining: Norethisterone helps to thicken the lining of the womb, creating an environment that prepares the body for a fertilised egg to implant. This also prevents the lining from shedding prematurely, delaying menstruation.
Prevents Period: By maintaining high levels of progesterone, Utovlan prevents the shedding of the womb lining, effectively delaying menstruation when taken a few days before your expected period. This provides flexibility and control over your menstrual cycle.
Period Resumption: Once you stop taking Utovlan, your period typically resumes within 2–3 days as the hormonal levels return to normal. The body quickly adjusts, allowing for a regular menstrual cycle to restart without prolonged disruption.

Why Consider Delaying Your Period?

Periods are a normal and healthy aspect of being a woman. However, there may be times when the timing of your period isn’t ideal, and you may prefer to delay it. Many women have, at some point, considered delaying their period for convenience, and it is possible to ask your doctor for period delay medication like Utovlan.

Reasons for Delaying Your Period:

If you're thinking about delaying your period, ask yourself why and for how long. Utovlan is intended for occasional use to postpone periods, not to prevent them altogether. If your primary reason for delaying your period is excessive pain, it's a sign you should consult a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.

Avoid Alternative Methods:

It’s not recommended to rely on unproven methods, such as drinking gelatin or vinegar, to delay your period, as there is no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.

What Else Can Cause a Missed Period?

Missing a period may indicate early pregnancy or could be triggered by stress, excessive exercise, weight loss, low body fat, or hormonal imbalances. Period irregularities can also occur as menopause approaches. In rare cases, a missed period may signal a serious condition, such as ovarian cancer. If you’re worried, it’s always best to speak with your doctor.

Utovlan Is Not a Contraceptive

Utovlan is not a form of contraception, so if you are taking it, make sure to use an additional form of protection to prevent pregnancy.

Can you buy Utovlan over the counter?

No, Utovlan is not available over the counter. It is a prescription-only medication, meaning you need a doctor's prescription to obtain it. This is because Utovlan may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you have certain health conditions or risk factors. It is important to consult with a doctor who can assess your health and determine if Utovlan is the right option for you. The doctor will ensure that the medication is safe and appropriate for your specific needs before prescribing it.

Alternative Medications

Provera 10mg tablets contain medroxyprogesterone acetate, a progestogen hormone. In the UK, Provera is licensed to manage dysfunctional vaginal bleeding and is commonly used as an alternative to Norethisterone for delaying periods. 
Primolut-N Tablets contains norethisterone, a progestogen hormone used to treat menstrual disorders, endometriosis, and premenstrual syndrome. It regulates hormone levels, aiding in menstrual cycle management. Consult your doctor before use, especially if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Norethisterone tablets are an unbranded medication used to delay periods. They contain the active ingredient norethisterone, a progestogen that maintains elevated progesterone levels in the body, effectively postponing menstruation.

How to take Utovlan

The dosage of Utovlan varies based on the condition being treated. 

For Delaying Periods:
Dosage: Take one 5 mg tablet three times a day.
Timing: Begin taking the tablets three days before your period is due to start.
Duration: Continue until you wish to delay your period.
Return of Period: Your period will usually start within three days after finishing the tablets.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take a tablet, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Contraception 

Utovlan is not a contraceptive. Use additional contraception methods to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication.

Always use Utovlan under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure it is appropriate for your specific health needs.

Active Ingredient

Utovlan tablets contain 5 mg of norethisterone as the active ingredient.

Inactive Ingredients

Other ingredients may include:

Lactose monohydrate
Maize starch
Povidone
Magnesium stearate

Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) in your pack for the complete list of ingredients, and to check for any you might be allergic to.

All medications, including Utovlan, can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Progestogen tablets like Utovlan are generally well-tolerated, with side effects being rare. It's important to be aware of potential side effects, even if they don't occur.

Utovlan (norethisterone) may cause side effects, including:

Menstrual Changes: Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods.
Headaches: Some users may experience headaches.
Mood Changes: Some users experience mood swings, anxiety, or changes in libido.
Nausea: Initial feelings of nausea or stomach discomfort may occur.
Breast Tenderness: Tenderness or enlargement of the breasts can be noticed.
Weight Changes: Weight gain or fluid retention is less common but possible.
Skin Reactions: Rarely, rashes or itching may develop.

Serious side effects are uncommon but may include:

Blood Clots: A slight risk exists for blood clots, potentially leading to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
Jaundice: Rare yellowing of the skin or eyes, indicating potential liver issues.
Allergic Reactions: Though uncommon, allergic responses such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or breathing difficulties can occur.

If any severe side effects arise, seek medical attention promptly. For comprehensive information, consult the patient information leaflet provided with the medication.