Choosing the Right Contraceptive: Levonorgestrel vs Norethindrone
Are you tired of thinking about what to choose between Levonorgestrel and Norethindrone for your birth control needs?
With so many options available, it can be mind-boggling to choose the right one.
Norethindrone and Levonorgestrel are two popular Progestin-only birth control pills.
As per the National Library of Medicine, 0.4% of all reproductive women in the U.S. use Progestrin-only pills.
In this article, we will discuss the key differences between Levonorgestrel vs Norethindrone based on effectiveness, side effects, and dosages.
A quick review: Levonorgestrel vs Norethindrone
| Levonorgestrel | Norethindrone | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Progestin | Progestin |
| Use | Birth control, Emergency contraception | Birth control |
| Dose | 1.5 mg for emergency contraception, lower for daily use | 0.35 mg daily |
| Effectiveness | Highly effective for emergency contraception, over 99% for daily use | Over 99% for daily use |
| Side effects | These include Nausea, headache, dizziness, and menstrual changes | These include acne, weight gain, and menstrual changes |
| Advantages | Effective as emergency contraception, fewer side effects | It can be used while breastfeeding and may improve acne |
| Disadvantages | Must be taken within a certain time frame for emergency contraception; it may cause nausea | It may cause weight gain, may worsen mood swings |
What are Levonorgestrel and Norethindrone
Levonorgestrel and Norethindrone are birth control pills containing Progestin (synthetic Progesterone).
They prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and altering the cervical mucus.
Levonorgestrel is FDA-approved for preventing pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of copulation.
Levonorgestrel is also used as an emergency contraception and hormonal intrauterine device.
Norethindrone is used in birth control, Endometriosis, and to treat menstrual disorders.
Both medicines work by copying the effects of Progesterone in the body.
Overall, they make it difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize the egg.
Uses
Levonorgestrel is available over the counter or as a prescription medicine by your doctor.
It is prescribed as emergency contraception and birth control pills.
Norethindrone is a prescription-based medicine for birth control.
The doctor may also prescribe it for Amenorrhea, Endometriosis, and abnormal uterine bleeding.
Your doctor may also recommend Norethindrone for Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy.
How to take
Medicines must be taken as directed by the healthcare professional for better effectiveness. Yet, you can follow these general steps while taking these birth control pills.
Levonorgestrel
While taking Levonorgestrel, keep in mind the given directions:
- It comes in a tablet form and should be taken orally
- Take medicine within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse
- Take the second dose after 12 hours of the first dose
- Try to take it as soon as possible to see its effectiveness
- If you vomit in less than 2 hours of taking medicine, talk to your doctor. You may need to take another dose of this medicine
Norethindrone
While taking Norethindrone, remember the following directions:
- Take the medicine once daily at the same time
- Follow the doctor’s prescription, do not overdose
- Some Norethindrone tablets comes in a pack of 28 tablets. Begin the next pack the day after the last pack is finished
- If you vomit after taking medicine, you may have to try a second method of birth control for the next 48 hours. Talk to your doctor before starting another way of birth control
Mechanism of action
Oral contraceptives that contain Levonorgestrel suppress Gonastropins, which inhibits ovulation.
Levonorgestrel binds with Progesterone and Androgen receptors to slow the release of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).
This helps suppress the Luteinizing hormone (LH), a hormone that promotes ovulation.
It prevents the release of viable eggs from the ovaries and the rupture of follicles.
Levonorgestrel is more effective if taken before ovulation.
However, Norethindrone works in several ways for birth control.
It also suppresses ovulation by reducing the Luteinizing hormone (LH) release.
Norethindrone thickens the cervical mucus, making it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg.
It can also alter the uterine lining, which makes it less receptive to the implantation of a fertilized egg.
Effectiveness of Levonorgestrel and Norethindrone
Levonorgestrel 1.5mg works best when you take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
It may also be effective within 72 hours or three days of unprotected intercourse.
This medicine is effective as a short-term method of contraception.
Levonorgestrel may not always be 100% effective and can cause pregnancy.
On the other hand, Norethindrone is considered 99% effective when used correctly.
It is a long-term medicine and must be taken for a few days or months.
The effectiveness of both medications depends on the proper use as prescribed by your doctor.
Improper use can lead to unwanted pregnancy and other side effects.
Side effects
Both medications have their own side effects depending on the dosage and intake.
Some side effects of Norethindrone are similar to that of Levonorgestrel.
While the severity of symptoms can vary in the Levonorgestrel.
| Levonorgestrel | Norethindrone | |
|---|---|---|
| Most common | Amenorrhea Abdominal pain Headache Dizziness Nausea Breast tenderness Vomiting | Frequent or irregular bleeding Spotting Amenorrhea Weight gain Breast enlargement Headache Hair loss |
| Less common | Diarrhea | Bloating Breast discomfort |
Conclusion
Both Levonorgestrel and Norethindrone are synthetic Progesterone used as birth control pills.
However, there are some differences between them in dosage and side effects.
The effectiveness of both medicines depends on individual usage, health condition, and medications.
Levonorgestrel is a short-term medicine and must be used within a few hours of unprotected intercourse to show effectiveness.
In the case of Norethindrone, it is a long-term treatment that can help prevent pregnancy.
It is the individual’s personal choice to choose between both of them.
Consult your doctor in case of doubt; they may recommend a proper treatment based on your medical conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Levonorgestrel and Norgestimate the same?
No, Levonorgestrel and Norgestimate are not the same. While both medicines contain synthetic Progesterone hormone. But they are different compounds with different chemical structures and mechanisms of action.
How is Norethindrone different from other birth control?
Norethindrone is a synthetic progestin used in hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills. It differs from other birth control options in formulation, dosing, potential side effects, and effectiveness.
What is the common name for Levonorgestrel?
The common name for Levonorgestrel is Plan B. It is a brand name for a type of emergency contraceptive pill containing Levonorgestrel as its active ingredient.
Which is better, Norethisterone or Levonorgestrel?
Both Norethisterone and Levonorhesteral are effective synthetic hormones used in different types of hormonal contraceptives. The best option depends on the individual and can vary depending on various factors and should be discussed with a doctor.
Is Levonorgestrel more effective?
Levonorgestrel is highly effective as an emergency contraceptive when taken within the recommended time frame. However, its effectiveness compared to other synthetic hormones, such as Norethindrone, can vary depending on individual usage and other factors.
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