Treatment Details
  • Treatment Details
  • Overview
  • Directions
  • Side effects
  • More Information
  • What is Utovlan and what is it used for?

    Utovlan is a prescription medication used by women to delay the onset of a period. It is the branded version of the generic period delay pill Norethisterone. The active ingredient contained in Utovlan is the hormone ‘norethisterone’ – a synthetic version that mimics the naturally occurring sex hormone ‘progesterone’.

    Utovlan period delay tablets require a prescription, which can be obtained when you buy Utovlan online through Curely using our online consultation service. It is not available over the counter. Our simple health questionnaire takes just a few minutes to complete, and we can deliver as quickly as the next working day with tracked delivery and plain packaging.

    Utovlan period delay tablets are taken three days prior to the start of your menstrual cycle, until the course is completed. A woman’s period will usually resume three days after completing the course.

    You can use Utovlan to delay your period for up to 17 this will effectively completely delay your period and all its symptoms such as bleeding.

    Utovlan cannot be used to stop your period once it has already started.

    While Utovlan pills are commonly used to delay your next period, they may also be used to treat, manage or relieve:

    • Endometriosis
    • Heavy, painful or irregular periods
    • Premenstrual tension (PMT)
    • Breast cancer

    How does Utovlan work?

    When Utovlan is taken to delay a period, the norethisterone keeps progesterone levels high, which prevents your period from starting as it usually would.

    Please note: Utovlan is not a contraceptive pill, so patients are advised to use other forms of protection if they wish to avoid getting pregnant.

    Why delay your period?

    Periods are healthy and a normal part of being a woman. However, there may be occasions where the timing isn’t ideal, and you’d rather it didn’t arrive when it was due.

    Most women have experienced an occasion at some point in their lives where they’ve thought about delaying their period for the sake of convenience. There are no strict criteria that prevent you asking your doctor for period delay medication like Utovlan.

    If you’re thinking of delaying your period, ask yourself why you want to delay it, and for how long. Utovlan is designed for one-off, occasional use to postpone your period – not for preventing periods altogether. If you’re trying to delay your period simply because it’s too painful to handle, this is a sign you should visit your doctor.

    We don’t recommend ‘alternative’ means of delaying your period – such as drinking gelatin or vinegar – since there’s no evidence that either option works.

  • Type of Medicine:Hormonal period delay tablets
    Active Ingredient:Norethisterone
    Prescription:Yes, online prescription required
    Dosage:5mg tablet, three times daily
    BrandedBranded Norethisterine – Generic also available
    Course Duration:Up to 17 days, as advised by healthcare provider
  • Utovlan dosage: how to take Utovlan

    Utovlan’s dosage might vary depending on what it is being used to treat.

    If you’re taking Utovlan to delay your period you should:

    Take one 5mg tablet three times a day

    Start taking the tablets three days before your period is due to start

    Your period will usually start within three days of finishing the tablets.

    Do not exceed the stated dose of your prescription. If you do, contact your doctor immediately.

    Should you forget to take Utovlan, take your tablet as soon as you remember and then continue as normal, taking it at the same time every day. Do not double dose.

    If you are taking Utovlan for purposes other than to delay your period (for example premenstrual tension or endometriosis), you should consult your doctor for dosage information.

  • Utovlan side effects: what to expect from the period delay pill

    Menstruating is a healthy and normal part of life for many people. However, sometimes there may be times or occasions when you’d prefer not to have your period — such as if you’re going on holiday or taking part in a sporting event.

    In these circumstances, taking period-delay tablets like Utovlan can delay the onset of your period. But are there any Utovlan side effects that you need to know about first?

    It is best to look into any new medicine you are thinking of taking so that you know what to expect when using it, including any possible side effects you may experience as well as the positive results you will benefit from.

    In this section, we’ll be taking a closer at the side effects of Utovlan that you need to know about, including more common side effects, more serious effects and allergic reactions. Read on to find out more.

    Summary list of Utovlan side effects

    All medicines have the potential to cause side effects, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they will. Side effects can vary from person to person, even when taking the same medication. Side effects will not necessarily affect everyone who uses a treatment either.

    Progestogen pills like Utlovan are generally well tolerated by the body, and side effects are usually rare. Most users will not experience Utovlan effects at all.

    However, it’s worth being aware of the possible side effects of Utovlan tablets just in case you encounter them.

    Here is a summary list of the known Utovlan side effects:

    • Weight gain
    • Hair loss
    • Acne
    • Abdominal pain
    • Nausea or being sick
    • Lack of concentration
    • Difficulty sleeping
    • Dizziness
    • Headache
    • Breast pain and tenderness
    • Unexpected or unusual vaginal bleeding
    • Breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods
    • Changes in vaginal discharge
    • Milky discharge from the breast (when not pregnant or breastfeeding)
    • Mood changes such as depression, confusion, nervousness or euphoria
    • Fatigue
    • Changes in sex drive
    • Confusion
    • Constipation or diarrhoea
    • Dry mouth
    • Increase in body or facial hair
    • Fluid retention and bloating
    • Change in appetite

    As you can see, the possible side effects of Utovlan are not generally serious or dangerous.

    The likelihood of experiencing any of the above side effects will vary from user to user; what one individual may encounter could be completely different from another. However, you are unlikely to have a negative experience with Utovlan. To find out what real users think of this medication, you can read our Utovlan customer reviews.

    If you’re worried about any Utovlan side effects — whether they are listed above or not — then it’s a good idea to discuss this with your GP or pharmacist.

    Generally speaking, if you are using Utlovan to delay your period for a week or two and you experience side effects, it will only be for a short time and they will stop once you have stopped taking the tablets.

    If you are using Utovlan for a longer period of time to treat any other conditions such as endometriosis or heavy periods and you are worried about side effects continuing, speak to your GP about your options.

    More common side effects and symptoms

    The most common Utovlan side effects are changes in your period such as irregular bleeding or spotting, headaches or feeling sick. These side effects may affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 users.

    These more common side effects do not usually need medical attention — they are just a result of your body adjusting to the changing levels of hormones.

    Serious side effects and symptoms

    Serious side effects of Utovlan are very unusual but they may happen.

    Norethisterone medications like Utovlan have been linked to an increased risk of blood clots in the blood vessels, which can lead to a number of more serious dangers to health, including stroke (a blood clot in the brain) and deep-vein thrombosis (DVT).

    Look out for any of the below symptoms of these more serious side effects including:

    • Pain, swelling, tenderness, discolouration or heat in the lower legs
    • Difficulty speaking
    • Shortness of breath
    • Sharp chest pains
    • Fainting or collapsing
    • Having an unusually severe, sudden or long-lasting headache
    • Feeling faint or dizzy
    • Any part of your body feeling weak or numb
    • Coughing up blood
    • Rapid heartbeat
    • Sudden problems with your eyesight (impaired vision or eyesight affected in any other way)
    • Tell your doctor straight away and stop taking the tablets if you notice any of these unlikely but serious symptoms

    You should also consult a medical professional if you experience:

    • Yellow skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellow (jaundice) — this could be indicative of liver or gallbladder problems
    • Migraine-like headaches that appear for the first time

    If you have been taking Utovlan and you are concerned about any side effects you are experiencing (particularly if they feel severe, long-lasting or painful), then you should consult a medical professional for further guidance.

    If you feel like your symptoms are dangerous or life-threatening in any way, you should call emergency services.

    Utovlan allergic reactions

    A serious allergic reaction to Utovlan is very rare, but it can happen.

    You should stop taking this medication and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:

    • Swelling (particularly in the face, tongue, throat, hands or feet)
    • Feeling faint
    • Wheezing
    • Difficulty breathing or talking
    • Breathlessness
    • Tightness in the chest or throat
    • Severe dizziness
    • Any skin irritations such as rashes, or skin that is itchy, red, swollen, or blistered

    These are the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction and you should treat this as an emergency and seek immediate medical attention.

  • Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1717.pdf

     

Frequently asked questions
  • What is Utovlan, and how does it help in delaying periods?

    Utovlan is a prescription medication containing norethisterone, which can be used to delay your period for a short period. It works by altering hormone levels in the body.

  • How should I take Utovlan 5mg Tablets to delay my period?

    Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully. Generally, Utovlan is taken three times a day, starting a few days before your expected period.

  • How quickly does Utovlan work to postpone menstruation?

    Utovlan typically starts to take effect within a few days. Begin the medication as advised by your healthcare provider to achieve the desired period delay.

  • Is Utovlan suitable for all women looking to delay their period?

    Utovlan may not be suitable for everyone. Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it's a safe and effective option based on your health and medical history.

  • Can Utovlan be used for an extended period to delay multiple cycles?

    Utovlan is generally recommended for short-term use. Prolonged use should be discussed with your healthcare provider to assess potential risks and alternatives.

Copyright 2025