How do you take Norethisterone?

The dose depends on what you are using it for. To delay your period, take 1 tablet (5mg) three times a day, starting 3 days before your expected period — your period will come 2-3 days after you stop. For heavy or irregular periods, your doctor will usually prescribe 1 tablet (5mg) two to three times daily for 10 days. Swallow with water; you can take it with or without food. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.

What are the side effects of Norethisterone?

Headache, feeling bloated or swollen, breast tenderness or soreness, slight nausea or upset stomach, spotting or light bleeding between periods

Who should not take Norethisterone?

Women who are pregnant, people with a history of blood clots or stroke, anyone with liver disease or liver tumours, women with unexplained vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor, people with breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers, and anyone allergic to norethisterone or similar hormones.

Prescription

Progestogen (Hormonal)

Norethisterone

Q: What is Norethisterone used for?

Heavy or painful periods, irregular periods, delaying your period (e.g. for travel or events), endometriosis (a condition where womb tissue grows outside the womb causing pain), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), abnormal bleeding from the womb

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Norethisterone is a man-made hormone similar to progesterone (one of the female hormones your body naturally produces). It works by mimicking the effects of progesterone to regulate your menstrual cycle and control certain hormone-related conditions.

What is it used for?

Heavy or painful periodsirregular periodsdelaying your period (e.g. for travel or events)endometriosis (a condition where womb tissue grows outside the womb causing pain)premenstrual syndrome (PMS)abnormal bleeding from the womb

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Contraception & Family Planning

How it works

Binds to progesterone receptors in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and endometrium, suppressing GnRH secretion and inhibiting the LH surge to prevent ovulation whilst inducing endometrial atrophy and reducing prostaglandin-mediated uterine contractions. This results in decreased menstrual flow, reduced dysmenorrhoea, and regularisation of the menstrual cycle.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Only buy from reputable pharmacies — Primolut-N is the most common trusted brand in Nigeria, so be wary of unfamiliar packaging or suspiciously cheap versions. Do not use this drug to stop a pregnancy — it is not a contraceptive or abortion pill. Always see a doctor before using it, especially if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of blood clots.

Common Side Effects

Headache
feeling bloated or swollen
breast tenderness or soreness
slight nausea or upset stomach
spotting or light bleeding between periods

Serious Side Effects

Sudden sharp chest pain or difficulty breathing (could be a blood clot — go to the hospital immediately)
sudden severe headache or changes in vision
yellowing of the skin or eyes (signs of liver problems — see a doctor right away)

Drug Interactions

Epilepsy drugs like carbamazepine and phenytoin can reduce how well norethisterone works. Some antibiotics like rifampicin (commonly used for TB treatment in Nigeria) can also make it less effective. Avoid taking herbal remedies like St. John's wort as it can reduce the drug's effectiveness.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Do not take norethisterone if you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant, and consult your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.

Who Should NOT Take This

Women who are pregnant
people with a history of blood clots or stroke
anyone with liver disease or liver tumours
women with unexplained vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor
people with breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers
and anyone allergic to norethisterone or similar hormones.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near windows. Keep it in its original pack and always store out of reach of children.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.