Norethisterone

Norethisterone is used together with oestrogen.

• If you still have your uterus, your MHT will include both oestrogen and progestogen because oestrogen alone can overstimulate the cells lining your uterus, causing an increased risk of cancer of the uterus lining.
• The progestogen in norethisterone tablets helps prevent the thickening of the lining and therefore reduces the risk of cancer. Read more about menopausal hormone therapy.

As you approach menopause, changes or fluctuations in oestrogen levels can cause symptoms such as sweats or flushes, vaginal dryness, irritability and other mood changes, heart palpitations, 'brain fog' (poor memory or losing your words), skin changes and poor sleep. Read more about menopause.

How long should you take norethisterone tablets for MHT?

Every person is different and the length of time you'll have menopausal symptoms for is unknown. When you first start MHT, it’s important to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to assess whether ongoing MHT is right for you. However, once you're settled on a suitable dose for you, you'll need less frequent check-ups (once every year). You'll need to have progestogen for as long as you're using oestrogen.

Norethisterone tablets are not a contraceptive

Norethisterone (Primolut N 5 mg tablets) don’t prevent you from getting pregnant, unless you're taking the mini pill Noriday alongside your MHT.

• Although fertility falls during perimenopause, you're not fully protected from pregnancy until you've reached menopause, which means 12 straight (consecutive) months without a period if you're over 50 years of age, and 24 straight months if you're under 50.
• Even if you have a few months without a period, you can still get pregnant.
• You'll need to use an appropriate method of birth control until menopause is confirmed.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, norethisterone is available as tablets (5 mg).

• Swallow your tablets with a glass of water.
• Try to take norethisterone at the same times each day – this will help you remember to take them.
• You can take your dose with or without food.
• If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But if it's nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Don't take double the dose.

Like all medicines, norethisterone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if they bother you.

• Feeling sick (nausea).
• Headache.
• Mood changes.
• Dizziness or drowsiness.
• Changes in weight (weight gain).
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Bloating.
• Swollen feet and ankles (fluid retention).
• Breast tenderness.
• Changes in sexual desire.
  
  

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

• Signs of problems with your liver such as yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine or pain in your abdomen.
• Signs of a blood clot such as chest pain, shortness of breath, calf pain or swelling in one leg or arm.

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.