Norethindrone Acetate

Norethindrone belongs to a group of medicines called ‘progestogens’ and is a synthetic form of the female hormone progesterone, produced by your ovaries. Progesterone plays an important role in your menstrual cycle and signals the onset of your period.

It is known for its effectiveness in regulating the menstrual cycle and can therefore be used to manipulate the timing of your periods. This makes it useful for women who want to delay their periods, giving them more freedom to plan their lives or trips.

Norethindrone is a generic medication, and it is available under different brand names in the United States. Generic medicines are similar to branded drugs but are cheaper and may contain different inactive ingredients.

Some brands that contain this medication include Aygestin, Camila, Jencycla, Nora-BE, and more. Doctors may prescribe these brands for a range of purposes, as they contain different dosages of Norethindrone.

In different dosages, Norethindrone can be used to manage a variety of conditions, such as:

• Delaying your next period
• Heavy periods
• Painful periods
• Irregular periods or periods that are more frequent than normal
• Pre-menstrual syndrome
• Endometriosis
• Breast cancer
• Preventing pregnancy (hormonal contraceptives)

Here at SpeedyHealth, our doctors can only prescribe this medication if you want to delay your next period. If you intend to use this medication for any other reason, you will need to contact your regular doctor.

These period delay pills work by altering the levels of progesterone in your body. This hormone plays a key role in regulating your menstrual cycle.

During your menstrual cycle, progesterone helps thicken the uterine lining. This creates a suitable environment for a fertilized egg to implant in.

However, if pregnancy doesn't occur, progesterone levels drop. When the level of progesterone in your body drops, it triggers the start of your period. By taking progesterone tablets, you prevent the normal hormonal drop that triggers your period, leading to a delayed period.

To delay your periods you will usually take 1 tablet 3 times a day, starting 3 days before your period is due. To help you remember to take this medicine, take it at around the same time of day every day.

Your doctor will let you know how long you have to take this medication for, which depends on your desired length of period delay. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your period will usually start within 3 days after you stop taking the tablets however, this may change from person to person.

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. If you are unsure how to take this medicine, check with your doctor and refer to your patient information leaflet.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take your tablet, take it as soon as you remember and then continue taking your doses at normal times. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed tablet.

When Norethindrone is prescribed alone, it is available in 2 strengths, 0.35mg and 5mg tablets. The 0.35mg tablets are usually prescribed as a contraceptive or ‘birth control pill’ to prevent pregnancy. This is referred to as the "mini-pill" as it doesn’t contain the hormone estrogen.

Doctors prescribe higher doses, such as Norethindrone 5mg tablets, for period delay. Period delay pills are not contraceptives, and they do not protect against pregnancy. If you need a contraceptive pill, talk to your doctor about finding an alternative option to suit you.

Norethindrone is safe for the majority of women however, it may not be right for everyone, especially those with certain medical or health conditions. One of our SpeedyHealth doctors will assess your health and medical history before prescribing this medication.

You should not take this medicine if you:

• Are allergic to Norethindrone or any of the added ingredients in this medication
• Are currently pregnant or there is a chance that you may be pregnant
• Have a history of blood clots in your legs, lungs, eyes, brain, or elsewhere
• Have liver problems
• Have ever had undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• Have currently or previously had a heart attack or chest pain
• Have ever had jaundice, or a skin condition called pemphigoid gestationis during your pregnancy
• Have severe itchiness all over the body
• Have a condition known as porphyria (a rare inherited blood disease)

It is also advised that you talk to your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions:

• Epilepsy
• Migraines
• Asthma
• Heart problems
• Kidney problems

Some medicines may interact with this medicine and interfere with the way it works. These include:

• St John's wort
• Certain seizure medications
• Some antibiotics or antifungals
• Medicines to treat tuberculosis
• Medicines used to treat HIV

Like all medicines, there is a chance you may get side effects, although not everyone does. Side effects are more likely to occur when this medicine is taken for longer durations.

Some common side effects of Norethindrone include:

• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
• Stomach cramps or bloating
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Vomiting

Very rarely, this medicine may cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms include:

• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling faint
• Swelling of the face, tongue, throat or lips
• An intense itchy skin rash

Call your healthcare provider immediately if you get any of these symptoms or any other unusual symptoms that concern you.

You can purchase Norethindrone to delay your period online here at SpeedyHealth. Simply, complete an online consultation by providing details about your medical history.

Our licensed doctors will review your responses to ensure this is the best treatment for you. If the treatment aligns with your needs, your prescription will be sent to our pharmacy, where your medication will be prepared and promptly delivered to your preferred address.

Experience a seamless process for managing your menstrual cycle with SpeedyHealth.