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Effects of Norethisterone
Hello, I have a burning question on the extended use of Norethisterone (5 mg). I have been diagnosed with endometrosis and my right ovary was surgically removed three years ago. Since the surgery, I have been put on this medication and I'm wondering whether I am the only one taking Norethisterone for 3 years and what kind of effects will it have one me? I will be grateful if someone gives me some helpful info or advice on the matter. Thank you.
Hi there,
For the record, I was on Jolivette (norethindrone 0.35) for 6 years and it worked well over time to suppress my endo. At the end of the 6 years, I hardly had any pain during my period. Just some mild soreness which is normal I think.
I had to switch because it begun irritating my gastritis. Now, I'm on Aygestin (norethindrone 5 mg). The side effects are more on the Aygestin - but I will take these over the endo pain.
For the record, I was on Jolivette (norethindrone 0.35) for 6 years and it worked well over time to suppress my endo. At the end of the 6 years, I hardly had any pain during my period. Just some mild soreness which is normal I think.
I had to switch because it begun irritating my gastritis. Now, I'm on Aygestin (norethindrone 5 mg). The side effects are more on the Aygestin - but I will take these over the endo pain.
From what I have read this is a progesterone only medication. It is similar to Visanne which a lot of women in Canada and the US use. Progesterone only has started to be used to treat the symptoms of Endo by suppressing your periods. It is similar to that of a regular BCP.
If I am honest I haven't really met many that can last on progesterone only longer than 3 months because of side effects but there are some who say this drug changed their life. Every person is different.
With that being said all medications have side effects and long term ones really depend on each person.
I need to understand your question though. You said you have not started it but need to be on it for 3 yrs.... Who said that? The doctor? Usually with medications like this it is taken to see how you respond to it (Did endo pain go away or not) or is your goal 3 yrs? Please let me know so I can help respond better to this question.
I want to make it clear that there is NO CURE for endo however the gold Standard for treatment is minimally invasive lap excision (cut out) surgery by an Endo specialist. It is very important that you know this because there are a lot of Gyno's out there that do not have the skill to excise or the knowledge in understanding the different looks and colors of the disease itself. Medications are band-aids and will only suppress the pain from Endo and will not stop it from growing. Only excision cutting it from the root will give you relief.
If I am honest I haven't really met many that can last on progesterone only longer than 3 months because of side effects but there are some who say this drug changed their life. Every person is different.
With that being said all medications have side effects and long term ones really depend on each person.
I need to understand your question though. You said you have not started it but need to be on it for 3 yrs.... Who said that? The doctor? Usually with medications like this it is taken to see how you respond to it (Did endo pain go away or not) or is your goal 3 yrs? Please let me know so I can help respond better to this question.
I want to make it clear that there is NO CURE for endo however the gold Standard for treatment is minimally invasive lap excision (cut out) surgery by an Endo specialist. It is very important that you know this because there are a lot of Gyno's out there that do not have the skill to excise or the knowledge in understanding the different looks and colors of the disease itself. Medications are band-aids and will only suppress the pain from Endo and will not stop it from growing. Only excision cutting it from the root will give you relief.
Have a conversation with your doctor about why they suggested the Norethisterone and what your can expect. If you're experiencing any new symptoms or side effects, write them down and track them so you can review them with your doc. That's the best way to get answers to your questions! Some things you may ask:
How long before you expect to see results?
What kind of track record in terms of effectiveness does this medication have?
What are the primary short-term side effects of this medication?
Does this medication have any long-term side effects that I should be aware of, such as diabetes, sexual side effects, or weight gain?
Are there ways to minimize these side effects?
How do you monitor this medication? Are there specific tests you run to help monitor this medication?
What are you prescribing this particular medication over a similar medication?
How will we know when it’s time to stop taking this medication, or if the dose will need to be changed?
Hope this helps!!
-mw
How long before you expect to see results?
What kind of track record in terms of effectiveness does this medication have?
What are the primary short-term side effects of this medication?
Does this medication have any long-term side effects that I should be aware of, such as diabetes, sexual side effects, or weight gain?
Are there ways to minimize these side effects?
How do you monitor this medication? Are there specific tests you run to help monitor this medication?
What are you prescribing this particular medication over a similar medication?
How will we know when it’s time to stop taking this medication, or if the dose will need to be changed?
Hope this helps!!
-mw
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