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Norethisterone

Information about Norethisterone

Norethisterone Uses

Norethisterone is used in heavy menstrual bleeding, pain during menstruation, endometriosis and Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

How Norethisterone works

Norethisterone is a synthetic progestin. It works by mimicking the effects of natural progesterone (female hormone). It helps in regulating the growth and shedding of the womb lining, thereby treating menstrual irregularities.

Common side effects of Norethisterone

Dizziness, Nausea, Uterine bleeding, Vaginal bleeding, Absence of menstrual periods, Hypersensitivity reaction, Weight gain, Skin disorder, Injection site reaction

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Radhika Dua

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Shilpa Garcha

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

13 Jun 2023 | 11:25 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Norethisterone

Primolut-NZydus Cadila

₹601 variant(s)

RegestroneTorrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹60 to ₹2043 variant(s)

Crina-NCRAlembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd

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Sysron-NSystopic Laboratories Pvt Ltd

₹56 to ₹1603 variant(s)

DUBObsurge Biotech Ltd

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GynasetMankind Pharma Ltd

₹60 to ₹1853 variant(s)

NortasIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

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MendateKoye Pharmaceuticals Pvt ltd

₹137 to ₹2372 variant(s)

NorgestMicro Labs Ltd

₹531 variant(s)

NormonalTTK Healthcare Ltd

₹1851 variant(s)

Expert advice for Norethisterone

Norethisterone regulates menstrual cycles and treats a wide range of menstrual disorders such as heavy, painful periods and endometriosis.
It may cause bleeding or spotting in between menstrual periods. Let your doctor know if this occurs frequently.
Stop taking Norethisterone and inform your doctor immediately if you get severe headaches, stabbing pains or swelling in one leg, pain while breathing, yellowing of your skin or sudden changes in your vision or hearing.
Do not take Norethisterone if you are pregnant. Use a non-hormonal method of contraception such as condoms to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medication, as it is not a contraceptive.

Frequently asked questions for Norethisterone

Norethisterone

Q. Does Norethisterone reset your cycle?

Yes, Norethisterone may reset your cycle. It is usually given for about 10 days to help manage heavy periods. Usually, your periods will resume within 3 days after stopping the medication. Your body may correct itself after 3-4 cycles and your period cycle may resume as before.

Q. Can you bleed while taking Norethisterone?

Yes, Norethisterone may cause breakthrough bleeding or spotting in some cases. However, this usually happens in cases where the medicine is not taken as prescribed. Such cases include taking lower than prescribed dose or not taking it 3 days before your periods start. Therefore, it is advised to take Norethisterone strictly as prescribed.

Q. How quickly does Norethisterone stop bleeding?

Norethisterone is prescribed to patients who have heavy periods or prolonged periods. The usual dose is prescribed to be taken 3 times a day for 10 days. The bleeding will stop usually within 48 hours of taking it. However, consult your doctor if the bleeding continues.

Q. Can I get pregnant while taking Norethisterone?

Yes, you can get pregnant even if you are taking Norethisterone. It is not a birth control pill. Therefore, you should use contraceptives or other birth control methods while you are on Norethisterone. Consult the doctor if you have any other related concerns.

Q. For how long do I need to take Norethisterone?

The dose and the number of days for which you need to take Norethisterone will depend on the condition you are being treated for and how well the medicine works for that condition. For example, when taken for endometriosis, it is usually prescribed once daily for 6 to 9 months or until breakthrough bleeding becomes bothersome. On the other hand, when being used to bring on a normal cycle in women who have stopped menstruating, it is usually supposed to be taken once a day for 5 to 10 days during the second half of the planned menstrual cycle. Therefore, it is advised to consult your doctor and follow the instructions regarding the use of the medicine.

Q. What is Norethisterone used for?

Norethisterone is similar to the progesterone hormone naturally produced by the body. It helps in treating a variety of menstrual problems, such as heavy bleeding, amenorrhea (absence of periods) and irregular periods. Additionally, it is helpful in treating premenstrual syndrome where one experiences irritability, bloating, fatigue which occurs a few days before the period. Norethisterone is also used to delay periods. Consult your doctor before starting Norethisterone to avoid any complication.

Q. How and in what dose should I take Norethisterone?

For best results, take it strictly as per the advice of your doctor. The number of doses you take each day, and the number of days for which you take it depends on the medical problem being treated. However, it is recommended that you take it at the same time of each day. This will ensure consistent levels of medicine in your body.

Q. What if I forget to take Norethisterone?

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. You can continue taking the next scheduled tablets at their usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. However, if you miss your dose often, you may experience frequent bleeding and spotting. Consult your doctor about it.

Q. Does Norethisterone cause miscarriage?

No, Norethisterone has not been reported to cause miscarriage. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before using any medicine during pregnancy.

Q. What are the common side effects which I can experience while taking Norethisterone?

The common side effects caused by Norethisterone are vaginal bleeding or spotting, headache, nausea (feeling sick), and weight gain. Norethisterone can also cause fluid retention, thereby causing swelling. Most of these symptoms are temporary. However, if they persist, check with your doctor as soon as possible.

Q. Can Norethisterone be used as a birth control medicine?

No, Norethisterone cannot be used as a birth control medicine. Consult with your doctor to seek options for contraceptives.

Q. Does Norethisterone disturb your cycle?

Yes, Norethisterone may disturb your cycle. It is usually given for about 10 days to help manage heavy periods. Usually, your periods will resume within 3 days after stopping the medication. Your body may correct itself after 3-4 cycles and your period cycle may resume as before.