mestranol + norethisterone at a glance
Medicine class
Combined hormonal contraceptive pill
Licensed use
Oral contraception
Sexually transmitted infections
Does not protect against STIs; condoms provide STI protection
What is mestranol + norethisterone used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Preventing pregnancy as a combined oral hormonal contraceptive.
How does mestranol + norethisterone work?
Mestranol is converted in the body to the active oestrogen ethinylestradiol. Together with norethisterone, it suppresses ovulation, thickens cervical mucus and alters the womb lining, making pregnancy less likely.
mestranol + norethisterone side effects
Common or expected effects
- Feeling sick or stomach upset
- Headache
- Breast soreness or swelling
- Irregular bleeding or spotting
- Mood changes, including depressed mood
- Changes in appetite, weight or sex drive
- Raised blood pressure
Get urgent medical advice
- Symptoms of a blood clot, heart attack or stroke
- Severe allergic reaction or angioedema
- New, severe or worsening migraine, especially with neurological symptoms
- Jaundice or other evidence of significant liver dysfunction
- Severe depression or suicidal thoughts
mestranol + norethisterone in pregnancy
This contraceptive should not be taken during pregnancy. If pregnancy is confirmed, stop it and contact a healthcare professional. Available evidence does not show that accidental exposure in early pregnancy requires additional fetal monitoring beyond routine antenatal care.
mestranol + norethisterone while breastfeeding
The Norinyl-1 product leaflet advises against use while breastfeeding because its oestrogen component may reduce milk production. Ask a clinician about a suitable alternative.
mestranol + norethisterone interactions
Check all prescription, non-prescription and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber.
Lamotrigine
Combined hormonal contraceptives can lower lamotrigine levels and destabilise seizure or mood control; specialist review may be needed.
Common questions about mestranol + norethisterone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is mestranol + norethisterone used for?
It is a combined oral hormonal contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy.
How does it prevent pregnancy?
It mainly suppresses ovulation and also changes cervical mucus and the womb lining.
Does it cause blood clots?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.