Periods have the ill repute of playing spoilsports when planning vacations, camping activities, or even your honeymoon. If you have been wanting to delay your period, you are likely to have searched for the keywords Norethindrone stop period. However, simply knowing the name of the drug is not enough. You must acquaint yourself with all the relevant details about the drug too. Right from its uses, mode of action, side effects to warning signs, you must know it all. Well, that is exactly what this article aims to achieve with regards to Norethindrone, the drug to stop periods.

What is Norethindrone?

Norethindrone is a form of progesterone, a hormone that plays a role in regulating ovulation and menstruation in women. Norethindrone is used for birth control, also known as contraception, to prevent pregnancy, or to stop periods in layman’s terms. Norethindrone is also used to treat menstrual disorders, endometriosis, or abnormal vaginal bleeding caused by a hormone imbalance.

However, it is important to know that not all brands of norethindrone are prescribed for the same purposes. Some brands are for use only as contraception, while others are for use in treating endometriosis or vaginal bleeding disorders. Medication errors in such cases can be avoided with a doctor’s prescription.

How Does Norethindrone Delay Your Period?

Taking the prescribed dose of norethindrone stabilizes your uterine lining so your body gets the message to hang on to it rather than shed it as you do during your period.

How to Use Norethindrone

Norethindrone to stop periods must be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Taking this medication after your evening meal or at bedtime may help if you have stomach upset or nausea with the medication. No matter what dosing schedule you follow, it is important to take this medication at the same time each day, 24 hours apart.

It is suggested to begin taking this medication on the first day of your menstrual period. If you take it on any other day, you are required to use an additional form of non-hormonal birth control, such as condoms or spermicide, for the first 48 hours. This is done to prevent pregnancy until the medication has enough time to work.

Continue taking one tablet every day. After taking the last tablet in a pack, start a new pack the next day. There is no break between packs. Pregnancy is more likely if you miss pills, start a new pack late, or take your pill at a different time of the day than usual.

Norethindrone Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, heavy breathing; swelling on your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following. Sudden vision loss, bulging eyes, or severe headache; swelling or rapid weight gain; unusual vaginal bleeding; missed menstrual periods; pelvic pain, particularly on one side; a breast lump; a light-headed feeling; increased thirst, increased urination. Liver problems such as loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, jaundice are also worrisome symptoms. Lastly, signs of a blood clot, which include sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, or redness in an arm or leg must be taken seriously too.

Common side effects include irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting, headache, breast pain or swelling, stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, depressed mood, trouble sleeping, weight gain, or vaginal itching or discharge.

Other Useful Information

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Before undergoing any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking norethindrone. You need to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.