Aygestin (Norethindrone Acetate)

Common Use

Aygestin contains the active ingredient norethindrone acetate, which is a synthetic form of the female hormone progesterone—in simple terms, it is a man-made version of the hormone that plays a key role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It may be used alone or in combination with estrogen, depending on the condition being treated.

Aygestin is used to treat several gynecological conditions:

Amenorrhea – the absence of menstrual periods for several months (not caused by pregnancy). Aygestin helps restore normal menstruation by mimicking the natural progesterone surge that triggers a period

Endometriosis – a condition where the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus, often in the abdomen or pelvic area, causing painful and irregular periods, chronic pelvic pain, and sometimes infertility. Aygestin works by stopping the growth of this abnormal tissue

Abnormal uterine bleeding – irregular or excessive bleeding from the uterus that is not part of a normal menstrual cycle

Aygestin works by:

Stopping the normal growth of the uterine lining (endometrium) during the menstrual cycle

Causing hormonal changes in the uterus that help restore normal menstrual periods

Reducing the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus in cases of endometriosis

Dosage and Direction

For restoring menstruation (amenorrhea) and treating abnormal bleeding:

The usual dose is 2.5 mg to 10 mg daily for 5 to 10 days during the second half of a 28-day cycle

Your period should start 3 to 7 days after taking Aygestin is discontinued

For treating endometriosis:

The starting dose is 5 mg daily for 2 weeks

The dose may be increased by 2.5 mg daily every 2 weeks, up to a maximum of 15 mg daily

Treatment for endometriosis is usually long-term, and your doctor will monitor your progress

Take the medication exactly as recommended by your doctor. Do not exceed the dose without your doctor’s approval.

Precautions

Important: Aygestin is NOT used for:

Testing for pregnancy

Preventing miscarriages

Controlling bleeding caused by fibroids (non-cancerous uterine tumors) or cancer

Blood clot risk: Aygestin increases the risk of blood clots, which can lead to:

Phlebitis (inflammation of the veins)

Breathing problems (pulmonary embolism)

Vision problems (retinal vein thrombosis)

Stroke (cerebrovascular accident)

Before taking Aygestin, inform your doctor if:

You are planning to have any surgery (including dental surgery) – you may need to stop the medication temporarily

You smoke – smoking increases the risk of blood clots, especially in women over 35

You are pregnant or breastfeeding – Aygestin should not be used during pregnancy or while nursing

You have a history of any of the following conditions:

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Seizures or epilepsy

Migraine headaches

Diabetes

Asthma

Heart, liver, or kidney problems

Stroke, blood clots, or thrombophlebitis

Cancer of the breast or genitals

High cholesterol or high fats in the blood

Depression

Excessive weight gain or swelling during menstrual cycles

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Contraindications

Aygestin is contraindicated—meaning you should not take it—in the following situations:

Pregnancy – can cause harm to the developing baby

Thromboembolic disorders – such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism

Thrombophlebitis – inflammation of a vein with blood clot formation

Cerebral apoplexy – stroke (past or present)

Known or suspected breast cancer

Serious liver dysfunction or liver disease

Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding – cause of bleeding should be determined before treatment

Missed abortion – a pregnancy that has ended but the tissue remains in the uterus

Possible Side Effects

Any medication can cause side effects, and individual reactions vary. You may experience:

Signs of allergic reaction – acne, allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling), blood clots in the arteries, veins, eyes, or lungs

Other possible side effects:

Nausea and vomiting

Headache

Dizziness

Depression

Sleeplessness (insomnia) or irritability

Breakthrough menstrual bleeding

Breast enlargement or tenderness

Cervical changes or secretions

Change in menstrual flow (heavier, lighter, or irregular)

Weight gain or fluid retention

Fatigue

If you experience any side effects that become bothersome or severe, contact your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Aygestin may interact with other medications. Inform your doctor and laboratory operators about all medications and herbal products you are taking if you are being treated with Aygestin. Some medications can affect how Aygestin works, including:

Certain antibiotics (such as rifampin)

Anticonvulsants (seizure medications)

St. John’s wort (herbal supplement)

HIV medications

Always tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter products you use.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it is almost time for your next dose. If that’s the case, skip the missed dose. Do not try to make up a missed dose by taking an extra one.

Overdose

If you suspect that you have taken too much of this medication, seek immediate medical attention.

Storage

Store Aygestin in a dry place, away from sunlight, at room temperature between 15–30°C (59–86°F). Keep it out of reach of children.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.

About Our Service Cydoctors.com is an online pharmacy based right here in Cyprus. We understand that managing gynecological conditions like endometriosis, amenorrhea, or abnormal bleeding requires consistent, reliable access to your medication—so we’ve made our service straightforward, dependable, and built with your convenience and privacy in mind. Because we’re local to the island, we can arrange delivery in the shortest possible time. For our customers in Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos, we’re pleased to offer overnight delivery, so your Aygestin can be with you by the next day, helping you restore balance and get back to feeling like yourself again.