Does norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol stop your period

Many women ask the OBGYN for help in delaying a poorly timed period in order to participate in events that menstruation would normally interfere with. While most OBGYNs prescribe combined oral contraceptives for this purpose, this method often results in unpredictable spotting, especially at the beginning of therapy. Norethindrone, a progesterone agonist, inhibits ovulation through its antagonistic effect at the anterior pituitary, preventing the release of LH. Additionally, it thickens cervical mucus to inhibit sperm migration into the uterine cavity . Norethindrone downregulates estrogen receptors on the endometrium lining preventing endometrial proliferation, enhancing glandular secretion, and maintaining endometrium integrity. Therefore, norethindrone is well suited in preventing the endometrium from breakdown and preventing menstrual bleeding. Indeed, many OBGYNs have consistently used it for this purpose in women who desire to remain fertile. The intention of our study was to compare norethindrone to birth control pills in order to determine the effectiveness at suppressing bleeding and spotting, compare side effect profiles and to find a method allowing women to freely and comfortably participate in their life events.

OBJECTIVES:

  1. Determine if norethindrone can delay menstruation without breakthrough bleeding
  2. Compare norethindrone with oral contraceptive pills for delaying menstruation
  3. Compare patient satisfaction of each method
  4. Compare side effect profiles of each method

What is this medication?

NORETHINDRONE ACETATE; ETHINYL ESTRADIOL (nor eth IN drone AS e tate; ETH in il es tra DYE ole) is an oral contraceptive. The products combine two types of female hormones, an estrogen and a progestin. These products prevent ovulation and pregnancy.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aurovela, Gildess, Hailey 1.5/30, Junel 1.5/30, Junel 1/20, LARIN, Loestrin 1.5/30, Loestrin 1/20, Microgestin 1.5/30, Microgestin 1/20

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have or ever had any of these conditions:

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth. To reduce nausea, this medicine may be taken with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine at the same time each day and in the order directed on the package. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine has been used in female children who have started having menstrual periods.

A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, refer to the patient information sheet you received with your medicine for direction. If you miss more than one pill, this medicine may not be as effective and you may need to use another form of birth control.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with the following medication:

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exam and Pap smear while on this medicine.

Use an additional method of contraception during the first cycle that you take these tablets.

If you have any reason to think you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine right away and contact your doctor or health care professional.

If you are taking this medicine for hormone related problems, it may take several cycles of use to see improvement in your condition.

Smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking birth control pills, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.

This medicine can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your doctor or health care professional if you feel you are retaining fluid.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye care specialist.

In some women, tenderness, swelling, or minor bleeding of the gums may occur. Notify your dentist if this happens. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly may help limit this. See your dentist regularly and inform your dentist of the medicines you are taking.

If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking this medicine before the surgery. Consult your health care professional for advice.

This medicine does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Will norethindrone stop my period?

Norethindrone downregulates estrogen receptors on the endometrium lining preventing endometrial proliferation, enhancing glandular secretion, and maintaining endometrium integrity. Therefore, norethindrone is well suited in preventing the endometrium from breakdown and preventing menstrual bleeding.

Do you still have a period when using norethindrone ethinyl estradiol?

Vaginal bleeding/spotting. Norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol birth control can cause mild spotting and vaginal bleeding during the first few months of use. This usually stops after two to three months of using the medication. Breast tenderness.

Do you have a period when taking norethindrone?

Vaginal bleeding of various amounts may occur between your regular menstrual periods during the first 3 months of use. This is sometimes called spotting when slight, or breakthrough bleeding when heavier. If this should occur, continue with your regular dosing schedule. The bleeding usually stops within 1 week.

How long does it take for norethindrone to stop bleeding?

The bleeding usually stops within 1 week. Check with your doctor if the bleeding continues for more than 1 week. If bleeding continues after you have been taking hormonal contraceptives on schedule and for more than 3 months, check with your doctor.