Are Fatigue And Delayed Periods Normal While On Norethindrone For A Month?

Posted on Thu, 16 Aug 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 Answered on

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : I am on Norethindrone. I have been in it for about a month now. I am 2 days late on my period and have been getting super fatigued and my breasts feel a bit sore and heavy. Is this normal or should I get a pregnancy test?

Answered by Dr. Purushottam Neurgaonkar (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Feedback. Effects of progesterone hormone. Home urine pregnancy test.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

First of all, I would like to know about the background that led you to take Norethindrone tablets for one month.
and secondly, have you planned to stop the tablets now?

Your symptoms can be due to the effect of progesterone hormone in the pills that might cause abdominal and breast discomfort, extreme fatigue and heaviness.

If your prescribed dose of taking Norethindrone tablets is finished by now, I will suggest you stop the pills.
Doing regular exercise and drinking plenty of water is advisable.
Once the hormone levels in your body start falling, your symptoms might improve.
Also, you might get withdrawal bleeding within 3 to 7 days after stopping the tablets.
Use of simple analgesic like Paracetamol as needed can be of help

Usually, when you are continuously taking progesterone tablets, chances of getting pregnant are almost nil.
But if you have episodes of unprotected sexual activity in this cycle, and if you want to rule out pregnancy then I will suggest you get morning's first sample of urine checked for a pregnancy test.

Please feel free to communicate with me again.
Your feedback will be of help to suggest you better treatment options.
I hope this answer helps you. Thanks.
Dr. Purushottam Neurgaonkar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana