Norethisterone

Norethisterone, also known as Norethindrone, is a synthetic hormone (chemical messenger) that mimics progesterone, a female hormone essential for sustaining the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It is used to treat several menstruation issues, including endometriosis (abnormal growth of the uterus/womb lining), painful, heavy, or irregular periods, and others.

Moreover, this medication is used at higher doses to treat breast cancer. Side effects of Norethisterone include breast soreness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and stomach pain, in addition to vaginal spotting. If there are any such conditions after taking Norethisterone, it is advisable to consult a doctor. 

What is Norethisterone?

Norethisterone is a hormonal drug that helps control ovulation and menstruation. It is mainly used as a contraceptive, as doctors prescribe it as birth control. Moreover, it is also used to treat endometriosis, in addition to abnormal vaginal bleeding due to hormonal imbalance and menstrual abnormalities. However, taking these medicines only under a doctor’s advice is essential.

Norethisterone artificially produces the female sex hormone progesterone, which works by simulating the effects of your natural progesterone. Naturally, progesterone levels fluctuate during the monthly menstrual cycle. 

Norethisterone Tablet Uses

Norethisterone tablets have a range of uses. Listed below are some uses of this medication:

• Manage heavy periods
• Relieve painful periods
• Treat irregular periods
• Relieve premenstrual tension
• Manage endometriosis 
• Management of breast cancer (in some cases)

Norethisterone Side Effects

Individuals may experience the impacts of medications differently, and their potential adverse effects may also differ. The following are a few possible negative effects of 5 mg tablets of Norethisterone. It is important to note that not everyone using Norethisterone will suffer all or all of the adverse effects mentioned below. Here are some of the common side effects: 

• Changes in your period, such as breakthrough bleeding or spotting, or cessation of your periods
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Increased urination
• Excess thirst
• Pelvic pain 
• Breast lump 

Some patients might also experience shortness of breath and liver problems such as  loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice, and stomach pain. Also, some patients might experience symptoms of a blood clot, including sudden weakness or numbness, speech or visual difficulties, chest pain, dyspnea, and swelling or redness in the arm or leg. Some other possible side effects are:

• Hair loss
• Depression 
• Weight gain 
• Trouble sleeping 
• Breast pain and swelling 
• Vaginal itching or discharge 

Call your doctor in case of any side effects or if you feel uncomfortable. 

Norethisterone Dosage

It is essential to read all drug guides or instruction sheets and adhere to all guidelines on the label of your medicine. If you are taking Norethisterone for contraception after using a combination birth control pill (oestrogen and progestin), follow your doctor's dosage instructions  because Norethisterone usually does not work effectively for birth control. 

When taking norethindrone as a form of birth control, take one pill daily, no more than twentyfour hours apart. If you use Norethindrone to treat irregular vaginal bleeding or menstrual disorders, here are some of the symptoms you might notice:   

• You likely won't take the medication for more than five to ten days. This is because vaginal bleeding will start three to seven days following your final dosage.
• When using norethindrone to treat endometriosis, it is often taken daily for a few months. The doctor may alter the dosage according to the requirements.
• Your physician must regularly monitor your progress and development. 

How Norethisterone Works?

Norethisterone is a synthetic form of progesterone, a female sex hormone. It stimulates progesterone function in the body as well as mimics the effects of progesterone and thickens the lining of the uterus to allow embryo implantation. In addition, it prevents abnormal uterine bleeding. The hormone also prevents the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland and prevents ovulation. This helps regulate the menstrual cycle and treat a range of menstrual issues. 

Precautions

If you have a liver tumour, breast cancer, liver sickness, or undetected vaginal haemorrhage, you shouldn't use Norethindrone. If you have ever experienced a blood clot, stroke, or heart attack, you might not be able to recommend the use of Norethindrone.

If you are trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant, do not use it. There are situations in which using Norethindrone while nursing is not advised.

Missed Dose

You can take the medicine as soon as you remember it. Also, it must be noted that you can skip the missing dose if the time to take the next dose is near. Take your next dose when scheduled. Never take two doses to make up for something you forgot to take.

Overdose

In case of a Norethisterone overdose, seek emergency medical attention. This is because an overdose may cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, etc. People taking injections of Norethisterone are safe, as a medical practitioner usually gives the injection. 

Norethisterone Storage

Norethisterone should be stored at room temperature (2025°C), away from light and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

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FAQs

Q1. Is Norethisterone used to delay periods?

Ans. Yes, Norethisterone is commonly used to delay menstruation temporarily, typically taken a few days before the expected period and stopped when the period delay is no longer needed.

Q2. What is Norethisterone used for?

Ans. Norethisterone is used as a contraceptive (not always) for the treatment of menstrual disorders, regulating menstrual cycles, managing endometriosis, and delaying menstruation. It is important to note that Norethisterone is not a contraceptive. Hence, an individual must not rely on it. 

Q3. What is the age limit for Norethisterone?

Ans. Norethisterone is usually prescribed for menstruating women. However, particular age limits may vary depending on individual health conditions and medical advice. Hence, you must always consult a doctor before taking the medication, they will prescribe the medicine based on your needs and age. 

Q4. Are Norethisterone tablets safe?

Ans. Norethisterone tablets are usually safe. However, they must be taken as directed by a healthcare professional. Like any medication, they may carry risks and side effects, so it is advisable to consult a doctor and take the medicine as prescribed. 

Q5. How quickly does Norethisterone stop bleeding?

Ans. Norethisterone is used to treat menorrhagia or excessive menstrual blood loss. Your monthly bleeding should stop entirely if you take this medicine at the same time daily in the dosage your clinician has advised. After taking it for one week, bleeding typically ceases. When taking this medicine to postpone menstruation, bleeding will return two to four days after the medication is stopped.

Q6. Can I get pregnant while taking Norethisterone?

Ans. While Norethisterone can delay or stop menstruation, it is not an effective method of birth control. The egg might still be released and can be fertilised by sperm because it does not prevent ovulation. So, it is advisable to take other precautions while having unprotected intercourse.

Q7. How long do I need to take Norethisterone?

Ans. Norethisterone can help you postpone your period by up to 20 days. One tablet, three times a day, is usually the recommended Norethisterone, which must be taken three to four days before your expected period. After you stop taking the medicine, your period should start.


Q8. What if I forget to take Norethisterone?

Ans. If you forget to take a dose at your scheduled time, take it as soon as you remember, unless your next dose is almost due, in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.