I would like to ask something regarding my menstruation. So I’m not supposedly due until 20 days from now, but I think my period is coming early because I’m having brown vaginal discharge, legs cramps, tired the entire day for the past two days. I usually take norethisterone (5mg tablet, three times a day) to delay my period. I’ve been taking it for two years now (only when I need to delay my period - going on holidays, hiking trip). My question is, since I’m having this brown discharge, should I keep taking norethisterone to stop the ‘period’ or should I just not take norethisterone and let my period come? And if so given the signs, how long will it be till my period comes?

Hi, Good morning
Thank you for reaching Honestdocs

Do you have to delay your period or not?

Norethisterone is supposed to be taken under doctor's advice and prescription, since it's a progestisn that used to be taken for dysfunctional uterine bleeding, pre menstrual syndrom, periods problems

By taking it regularly, can cause your period to be irregular and some vaginal discharge out of your period cycle (because of the hormonal imbalances)

So if you don't need to postpone your period, you don't need to take any norethisterone, and let your period to come.

If you used to take norethiserone quite often, there is no certainty when your period will come. The brownish vaginal dicharge can be a sign to your period to come or as a vaginal dicharge that caused by the hormonal imbalances

Hi, good morning, thank you for consulting with us at Honestdocs.

There are some questions that i would like to ask first:
1. Were your periods regular or irregular?
2. How often do you take the norethisterone?
3. Are you doing trips right now that you need to delay your period ?

Brown vaginal discharge could be a sign of the start of a menstrual cycle, or a side effect of hormonal imbalance from taking norethisterone tablets too often. If there is no need to delay your period right now, i would suggest you not take the norethisterone and let the period come. It could take days to a week before your period comes.

Hi
thank you for the addition information,

Since your husband will be arrived at September 13th, I would like to suggest you not take the norethisterone and let the period to come,
And yes that lifestyle changing can affected the period cycle, whether it's the diet, physical activities, jetlag, sleeping hours etc.
And to delay the period cycle, norethisterone can only be taken maximum for 10-14 days. So it's highly recommended to not take them now.

If you don't get your period by September 9th, then you can take norethisterone to delay your period, for 10-14 days maximum (or you can take them 3 or 4 days before your husband come for a visit)

Alright. It is true that changes in lifestyle, being too tired physically or mentally stressed would take a toll on your menstrual cycle.
If you need to have it stopped on the 13th September, then i suggest that you stop taking the norethisterone, and just let your period come. You can take the pills again around 3 days before the 13th, so around September 10th, and you can only take norethisterone for a maximum of 14 days (2 weeks). Your period will resume 3 days after you stop taking norethisterone.

All the symptoms you are having right now can be caused by the hormonal imbalances, or the sign that the period about to come (pre-Menstrual syndrome)

Here are few tips that you could try to induce the period
- get enough sleep
- healthy diet
- adequate fluid intake
- High vitamin C intake
- Ginger tea
- Avoid stress
- Some stretching and relaxation
- Take a warm bath
- add turmeric in your diet, either in your foods, drinks or supplements
- celeries intake

You are welcome. No, there is no natural way of inducing period. There is however a medication that can induce ovulation, such as Clomiphen, but that is only recommended for certain cases, and it should be used only under the supervision of a doctor.
Yes, those are signs of premenstrual syndrome, and i suggest that you take enough rest, eat good food and drink enough water to keep you fit throughout this period. If you are experiencing pain from stomach cramps, you may take Paracetamol to relieve the symptom.