Norethisterone is a synthetic hormone, similar to natural progesterone, often prescribed for menstrual issues. While many consider it for delaying a period, a common question is its effectiveness in stopping a menstrual bleed once it has already begun. Understanding its interaction with the body’s natural cycle clarifies its role.
How Norethisterone Works
Norethisterone mimics progesterone, a hormone central to regulating the menstrual cycle. Progesterone prepares the uterine lining, or endometrium, for potential pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, natural progesterone levels drop, signaling the body to shed the lining, resulting in menstruation.
Synthetic norethisterone keeps the body’s progesterone levels artificially elevated. This sustained progestogen level prevents the uterine lining from breaking down and shedding, which is why it’s used to delay a period. It also influences the pituitary gland, suppressing hormones that trigger ovulation.
Stopping a Period Already Underway
While norethisterone effectively delays a period if taken beforehand, its ability to stop one already underway is limited. Once the uterine lining begins shedding due to a natural progesterone drop, the medication struggles to immediately reverse this. Therefore, taking norethisterone after bleeding starts is unlikely to cease the flow completely.
Though it may not reliably stop an active period, some might experience reduced flow or shorter duration. This is not its primary use, and its effectiveness here is inconsistent. Healthcare professionals prescribe norethisterone for period delay, advising it be started several days before anticipated menstruation for best results. Taking it too late may render it ineffective.
Using Norethisterone Safely
For period delay, norethisterone is prescribed as a 5mg tablet, taken three times daily. Treatment begins three days before the expected start of menstruation and can continue for up to 17-20 days. After discontinuing, menstruation usually resumes within two to three days.
Common side effects include nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and mood changes. Other effects may include dizziness, vomiting, or breakthrough bleeding and spotting. These are usually mild, but seek medical advice if they persist or cause significant discomfort.
More serious, though rare, side effects warrant immediate medical attention. These include severe headaches, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or leg swelling and pain, which could indicate a blood clot. Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), or significant changes in vision or hearing, also require prompt medical evaluation.
Norethisterone is not suitable for everyone and has contraindications. Do not use if pregnant or suspect pregnancy, as it can affect a developing baby. It is also not recommended for those with a history of blood clots, certain liver conditions or tumors, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, or hormone-dependent cancers (e.g., breast or genital cancers).
Individuals with pre-existing conditions like epilepsy, migraine, asthma, heart or kidney problems, diabetes, or depression should consult their healthcare provider. Remember, norethisterone is not a contraceptive and will not prevent pregnancy; use alternative birth control if needed. This medication is for occasional use, usually not more than two to three times per year. Always consult a healthcare professional to ensure it is appropriate for your health.