MedDroid
Ask MedDroid
Norethisterone: uses, side effects & brands
Norethisterone is a progestogen used to delay periods and treat heavy or irregular bleeding. It belongs to the Women’s health & hormones group. These treat heavy periods, hormonal and reproductive conditions.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Women’s health & hormones |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Delaying a period (e.g. for travel or a function)
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Endometriosis
- Painful periods
Common brand names
- India: Primolut N, Regestrone
- Worldwide: Aygestin, Norlutate
Common side effects
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Bloating or mood changes
Before taking it — precautions
- It is not a contraceptive when used to delay or regulate periods — use condoms if needed
- Tell your doctor about past blood clots, stroke, liver disease or migraine with aura
- Do not take it if you might be pregnant
When to see a doctor urgently
- Painful swollen leg, chest pain or sudden breathlessness (possible blood clot) (urgent)
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Sudden severe headache or problems with vision or speech (urgent)
Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of norethisterone depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.
Frequently asked questions
Will norethisterone stop me getting pregnant?
No — when used to delay or control periods it is not reliable contraception.
When will my period come after I stop?
Usually within a few days of stopping.
How do I use it to delay a period?
It is started a few days before the expected period and continued as your doctor advises.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.