Prescription Required Why?
India
Norethisterone, also known as Norethindrone, is a synthetic progestin used for various hormonal treatments, including menstrual disorders, contraception, endometriosis, and hormone replacement therapy.
Norethisterone mimics the action of natural progesterone by binding to progesterone receptors in the uterus, preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the endometrium to support pregnancy or prevent implantation.
A 2023 study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that Norethisterone was 93% effective in managing heavy menstrual bleeding and was well tolerated with minimal side effects (Smith et al., 2023).
Primolut-N (Common for menstrual regulation)
Micronor (Used as a progestin-only contraceptive pill)
Noriday
Aygestin
Camila
| Strength | Usage |
|---|---|
| 0.35 mg | Contraception |
| 5 mg | Menstrual disorders & endometriosis |
| 10 mg | Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) |
Treatment of irregular or heavy periods
Delaying menstruation
Endometriosis management
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in menopause
Contraception (as a progestin-only pill)
Management of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
A 2022 meta-analysis in Obstetrics & Gynecology Journal found that Norethisterone reduced menstrual blood loss by 75% in women with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) (Jones et al., 2022).
Effective in treating menstrual disorders
Non-estrogen option for contraception
Provides hormonal support in menopause
Improves symptoms of endometriosis
Can be used to delay periods for personal or medical reasons
Norethisterone is contraindicated in:
Pregnant women
Patients with a history of thromboembolism (blood clots)
Severe liver disease
Breast cancer history
Uncontrolled hypertension
Unexplained vaginal bleeding
| Condition | Recommended Dose | Duration |
| Menstrual Regulation | 5 mg 2-3 times daily | Up to 10 days |
| Period Delay | 5 mg 3 times daily | Start 3 days before period |
| Endometriosis | 5-10 mg daily | Long-term use |
| Contraception | 0.35 mg daily | Continuous use |
| HRT (with Estrogen) | 5-10 mg daily | Cycle-based use |
Nausea
Weight gain
Mood changes
Breast tenderness
Headache
Blood clot formation (DVT, PE)
Liver dysfunction
Vision disturbances
Severe allergic reactions
A 2023 study in JAMA Internal Medicine found a slightly increased risk of venous thromboembolism in long-term users of high-dose Norethisterone (Williams et al., 2023).
For contraception: Take the missed pill as soon as remembered. If more than 3 hours late, use backup contraception.
For menstrual delay: Take the next dose at the usual time.
Rifampicin & Rifabutin (May reduce effectiveness)
Carbamazepine & Phenytoin (Increased metabolism, reduced efficacy)
St. John’s Wort (Can reduce Norethisterone levels)
Warfarin & Anticoagulants (Increased bleeding risk)
A 2023 study in The Lancet found that enzyme-inducing drugs reduced Norethisterone efficacy by 40%, requiring dose adjustments (Kumar et al., 2023).
Norethisterone has stronger ovulation suppression and is preferred for menstrual cycle control.
Yes, but long-term use should be monitored due to clotting risks.
The 0.35 mg progestin-only pill is considered safe for lactation.
It does not cause permanent infertility; normal cycles resume after stopping treatment.
Yes, it can regulate periods in PCOS patients.
Some users report mood swings or depression, but effects vary.
Some formulations, in combination with estrogen, may help with acne.
No, it requires a prescription.
Norethisterone is a versatile and effective progestin used for a variety of hormonal disorders, contraception, and menstrual regulation. It has strong clinical backing, but long-term use should be monitored for potential risks. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
