Levonorgestrel vs. Norethindrone Acetate: Understanding Your Options

Norethindrone acetate is a medication used by women to treat abnormal bleeding from the uterus. It also helps women who have missed periods for months. Levonorgestrel is a medication used to make it difficult for sperm to fertilize the egg by thickening the mucus in the womb.

Norethindrone Explained

• Norethindrone acetate is similar to the progesterone hormone that the body can produce naturally. The medication helps restore normal menstrual periods.

Levonorgestrel Explained

• Levonorgestrel is a medication used to prevent pregnancy in a woman. It is most often used immediately after sex to prevent becoming pregnant.

Norethindrone Side Effects

• The side effects of norethindrone acetate include vomiting, dizziness, mood swings, disrupt in sleeping patterns, hair loss, breast tenderness and acne.

Levonorgestrel Side Effects

• Side effects of levonorgestrel are similar and include upset stomach, irregular bleeding, headache, depression and diarrhea.

Warning

• Seek professional medical advice before deciding upon using either of these two medications.