How Does Norethindrone Stop Periods: A Comprehensive Guide
Haven’t we all been there where our period dates just happen to coincide with an important event?
Or we are just tired of dealing with heavy and painful periods on some important days of our lives.
About one in every five women in the US experience heavy menstrual bleeding.
You, too, may wonder if there’s a way to stop or reduce the bleeding.
One option that your healthcare provider may recommend to deal with it is Norethindrone.
But does Norethindrone stop periods permanently?
In this article, we’ll explore how Norethindrone works to stop periods, how to take it, potential side effects, and more.
How Norethindrone stops periods
Also called Norethisterone, Norethindrone is a synthetic form of Progestin.
It works similarly to Progesterone, a female hormone involved in regulating the menstrual cycle.
Towards the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle, the Progesterone levels drop, which leads to the release of the uterus lining and causes a period.
Norethindrone keeps Progesterone levels high, preventing the shedding of the uterus lining and stopping the period from occurring.
How to take Norethindrone
To stop your period, take Norethindrone three days prior to the expected date of your period.
The recommended dosage by NHS is one tablet thrice a day for as long as you wish to stop your periods.
But it is not advisable to take Norethindrone for more than 20 days.
The dosage will differ if you are taking the medicine to cater to some other medical requirement.
Can you stop your period once it’s started
Unfortunately, it is not possible to stop the period once it has already started.
This is because the process of shedding has already started due to a fall in the levels of Progesterone, and Norethindrone is only effective in stopping the uterus lining from beginning to shed.
Hence, Norethindrone is not of any use after the start of the period.
Similarly, it is also not possible to stop your period immediately after it starts.
Can you stop your period permanently
Norethindrone is not useful to permanently stop your period.
You can use hormonal birth control pills to stop your periods for the long term.
Non-surgical methods to stop periods permanently include the hormonal intrauterine device (IUD), which is a contraception inserted in the uterus through the cervix.
Depending on the specific type and brand, it needs to be replaced after three to ten years.
You can get it removed earlier if you wish to become pregnant or if it doesn’t work out for you, and your cycle returns to normal.
Surgical ways to stop periods include a hysterectomy or endometrial ablation. They are permanent and irreversible and hence suggested only for high-risk cases like endometrial or cervical cancer.
However, no research supports using natural remedies and ingredients to stop your periods permanently.
Is it safe to stop my period
It is safe to stop or delay your periods occasionally, and Norethisterone is a safe and effective medication to do it.
However, it should not be used too often and without talking to a doctor.
Keep in mind that Norethindrone might not be safe for consumption by all, especially if you have a history of cancer, blood clotting, heart attack, etc.
It is advisable to reveal your complete medical history to the doctor before starting on Norethindrone.
Side effects
Side effects of Norethindrone are generally mild and can be managed. These include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Enlarged or tender breasts
- Changes in menstrual flow
- Bloating
- Weight gain
- Menstrual changes
However, talk to your doctor if these symptoms persist or get worse.
If you experience any of these or some other severe symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
Takeaway
In conclusion, you can take Norethindrone (Norethisterone) to stop your periods temporarily.
It can also help to reduce heavy menstrual flow and other menstrual issues.
But, it is important to talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and side effects of the same before taking the medication.
They might also advise you on the appropriate dosage and schedule to best treat your condition and individual needs.
Talk to your healthcare provider for any other concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after taking Norethindrone will my period stop?
Bleeding usually stops within one week of taking Norethindrone. If you are taking your medication as per the suggested schedule and the bleeding still persists, consult your doctor. However, if you are taking Norethindrone to delay your periods, bleeding will resume in two to four days after stopping Norethindrone.
Can I take Norethindrone to stop my period?
Yes, you can take Norethindrone to stop your period temporarily. It can also help with reducing menstrual bleeding. It is recommended to talk to your doctor to understand the benefits and potential risks of taking this synthetic form of Progesterone.
Can you take Norethisterone while bleeding to stop the period?
It is not possible to stop the period once it has already started. You can take Norethisterone to reduce abnormally heavy blood flow during periods. Consult your doctor for the best advice on the dosage and frequency of taking the medication.
Can you just stop taking Norethindrone?
It is advised not to stop taking the medication without consulting with your doctor, as it may impact the efficacy of the medicine. If you experience any side effects, your doctor might suggest ways in which they can be managed, or he might adjust the dosage to suit your needs.
How long does it take to get Norethindrone out of your system?
The half-life of Norethindrone varies between 5 and 12 hours, with a mean time of 7.6 hours. Hence, the length of time it takes for Norethindrone to be cleared from the body can vary depending on factors such as the dosage and individual metabolism.
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