Norethindrone Acetate
Norethindrone acetate is a progestin used for endometriosis, stopped periods and abnormal uterine bleeding; it is sold here as Aygestin 5mg tablets.
A progestin, not a hormone replacement
Norethindrone acetate is a synthetic progestin: a lab-made version of progesterone, the hormone that rebuilds the lining of the uterus (womb) each month. It is the acetate form of norethindrone and works out at roughly twice the strength, weight for weight. Swallowed as a tablet, it is converted quickly to norethindrone, the form that acts on the body. Blood levels peak about two hours after a dose and fall by half over the next nine hours or so.
When periods stop, or bleeding will not settle
Endometriosis, where tissue like the womb lining grows outside the womb and makes periods and sex painful; secondary amenorrhoea (periods that have stopped for a reason other than pregnancy); and abnormal uterine bleeding that is heavy, drawn out or badly timed — these are the problems this medicine is used for. In each case the aim is the same: top up progesterone so the womb lining stops thickening under oestrogen, which eases pain and steadies bleeding. At the doses used for endometriosis, the monthly signals from the pituitary gland are damped down as well.
The tablets are swallowed with water. Most courses settle into a once-a-day habit at the same time each day, while endometriosis is often treated with two or three smaller doses spread across the day for six months or more; a short course for a bleeding problem may last only a few days. Expect the pattern to shift while the dose settles — lighter periods, a late period, spotting between bleeds.
Effects worth knowing about
Breast tenderness, bloating, fluid retention, headaches, low mood, nausea and weight change are the effects most often reported, and bleeding between periods is common early on. Blood clots are rare but serious. Swelling or pain in one leg, sudden breathlessness, chest pain, a severe headache that comes from nowhere, changes in eyesight or numbness on one side all need urgent attention. Norethindrone acetate is not taken during pregnancy, or by anyone with marked liver disease. St John's wort and some epilepsy medicines speed up the way the liver clears norethindrone, which can leave the dose doing less than expected.
Aygestin 5mg tablets
Aygestin is a brand name for norethindrone acetate. The tablets sold here are Aygestin 5mg, part of the shop's Women's Health range, and 5mg is the strength this ingredient comes in. Keep the pack cool and dry, away from direct sunlight.
Sources
- Label: NORETHINDRONE ACETATE- norethindrone tablet - DailyMed — DailyMed
- Norethisterone 5mg Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) | 1494 — electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Is Norethindrone Acetate available to order in Hong Kong?
Norethindrone Acetate can be ordered online with delivery to Hong Kong. The product shown is generic Aygestin tablets in 5mg. Tracked courier delivery to Hong Kong takes 5 to 9 business days and comes with online tracking.
How much do Norethindrone Acetate products cost in Hong Kong?
The price depends on the strength and pack size you choose. The Aygestin page shows current prices in HKD or the currency you select.
Do I need a prescription to order Norethindrone Acetate?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order norethindrone acetate. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What are the brand names for norethindrone acetate?
Aygestin is a brand name of norethindrone acetate, which is also sold as Regestrone. Here, norethindrone acetate can be bought online as generic Aygestin. These are generics, not the original brand.
What is the difference between Aygestin and norethindrone acetate?
Aygestin is the brand name; norethindrone acetate is the active ingredient inside it, so the two names describe the same medicine. A 5mg Aygestin tablet holds 5mg of norethindrone acetate, and 5mg is the strength sold here.
Is norethindrone acetate the same as the mini pill?
They are related but do different jobs. The mini pill uses a much smaller daily dose of norethindrone to prevent pregnancy, while norethindrone acetate 5mg tablets are used instead for endometriosis, stopped periods and abnormal uterine bleeding.
How quickly does norethindrone acetate stop bleeding?
Given for heavy or prolonged bleeding, it usually stops the bleeding within about 48 hours, and a bleed much like a period follows a few days after the course finishes. Endometriosis pain takes longer to ease — weeks rather than days — with treatment often running six months or more.
Does norethindrone acetate stop your periods?
Not permanently. While you take it, bleeding can become lighter, arrive late or pause altogether, and spotting between bleeds is common in the first weeks. Cycles generally settle back into their old rhythm after the course ends.
Can other medicines make norethindrone acetate less effective?
A few can. Rifampicin and rifabutin (used for tuberculosis), carbamazepine and phenytoin (for epilepsy), griseofulvin and St John's wort all speed up the liver's clearance of norethindrone, so a dose may do less than expected while you take them.