Safely Discontinuing Norethisterone: A Guide to Managing Withdrawal

Norethisterone is a synthetic progesterone used to ease premenstrual symptoms, including cramps, bloating and heavy bleeding. The compound is also formulated in some contraceptive pills with estrogen and other hormones. Serious side effects can include migraine headaches, and sensory changes such as vision speech, and hearing impairment, and altered sense of taste and smell. These are concerns that may prompt some women to discontinue using the drug.

Things You'll Need

• Norethisterone
• Alternative plan for managing PMS

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Instructions

The Steps

• 1

  Talk to your doctor about alternative medicines to deal with PMS. A prescription for a different medication might be your answer. Your doctor may suggest a Progestogen birth control pill, which has been clinically shown to ease PMS.

• 2

  Stop taking Norethisterone immediately if you experience a migraine, as this could lead to more serious health problems, including vision impairment, dizziness and loss of balance.

• 3

  Stop taking Norethisterone immediately if you experience swelling in the legs, ankles and joints. Use of Norethisterone increases the risk of blood clotting and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be fatal if the clot breaks loose and reaches the heart.