Are you currently using birth control pills as part of your family planning routine? Perhaps you are thinking about starting them for the first time. If so, this detailed guide is here to help you understand everything clearly.
Today, we will talk about a very common medicine used to prevent pregnancy. This medicine contains two active ingredients called Mestranol and Norethindrone. Reading this guide will give you a solid understanding of how these pills work and what you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Mestranol and Norethindrone are combination hormone pills that prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation.
- Take your pill at the exact same time every single day to ensure maximum protection.
- Never smoke while taking these birth control pills because it sharply raises your risk of dangerous blood clots.
- These pills do not protect you against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
- Tell your doctor about every medicine, vitamin, or herbal supplement you take.
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What Are Mestranol and Norethindrone?
Simply put, this medicine is a type of birth control pill. In medical terms, doctors call it an oral contraceptive. These tiny pills contain a combination of two female hormones. Those hormones are estrogen and progestin.
These two hormones work together inside your body to stop ovulation. Ovulation is the monthly release of an egg from your ovaries. When an egg is not released, pregnancy cannot happen. This is the main way these pills keep you safe from unintended pregnancy.
Sometimes, doctors prescribe this medicine to treat other health conditions besides preventing pregnancy. If you have questions about why your doctor chose this medicine, ask them for details. Your doctor is your best source of personalized medical advice.
Things to Tell Your Doctor Before Taking This Medicine
Before you start taking this medicine, you must share your complete health history with your doctor. This step is extremely important for your safety. Tell your doctor right away if you have ever had any of the following health conditions.
| Health Condition or Habit | What You Must Tell Your Doctor |
|---|---|
| Blood Problems | History of blood vessel diseases, blood clotting issues, or stroke. |
| Cancers | Past or present breast, cervical, uterine, ovarian, or liver cancer. |
| Heart and Blood Pressure | High blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or recent heart attack. |
| Other Illnesses | Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, gallbladder disease, migraines, or lupus. |
| Lifestyle and Family Status | If you smoke cigarettes, have unusual vaginal bleeding, are pregnant, or breastfeed. |
| Allergies | Any known allergy to hormones, other medicines, foods, or preservatives. |
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You take this medicine by swallowing it with water. Some people feel a little sick to their stomach when they start taking it. Taking your pill with food can help reduce that upset stomach feeling.
The most important rule is to take your pill at the exact same time every day. Follow the exact order printed on your medicine pack. Use the medicine strictly as your doctor tells you, and never take more than prescribed.
Every medicine pack comes with a patient package insert filled with helpful details. Make sure you read this paper leaflet carefully every time you get a new refill.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you forget to take your pill on time, look at the patient leaflet for specific instructions. Missing more than one pill can lower the birth control power of this medicine.
In situations where you miss doses, using a backup birth control method like a condom is the safest choice. Talk to your pharmacist if you are ever confused about what to do after missing a pill.
What to Do If You Take Too Much
If you think you swallowed more medicine than your doctor prescribed, take action right away. Call your local emergency services right away or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Remember that doctors prescribe this specific medicine only for you. Never share your birth control pills with anyone else under any circumstances.
Important Things to Watch While Using This Medicine
Using birth control pills safely requires you to stay mindful of several daily health habits and warnings.
- Avoid Smoking Completely: This is the most crucial warning. If you smoke while taking birth control pills, your risk of blood clots and stroke increases drastically. This danger becomes even higher if you are over 35 years old. Doctors strongly advise you to quit smoking entirely while taking this medicine.
- Keep Medical Checkups: Visit your doctor regularly while you take this medicine. Routine physical checks, breast exams, pelvic exams, and Pap smears are vital for your ongoing health.
- Pregnancy Warning: If you suspect even slightly that you might be pregnant, stop taking the pills right away. Call your doctor right away to confirm your health status.
- Body Changes: This medicine can sometimes cause your body to hold onto extra water. You might notice mild swelling in your fingers, hands, or ankles. It can also raise your blood pressure. Let your doctor know if you notice any unusual swelling.
- Sun Sensitivity: Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight while taking these hormones. Wear protective clothing when you go outside and apply sunscreen to prevent sunburns.
- Other Medicines: Tell your doctor about every single medicine you take, including vitamins and herbal products. Some medicines interfere with birth control pills and make them stop working. Examples include certain antibiotics, seizure medicines, and herbal products like St. John's wort.
- No Protection Against Sexually Transmitted Infections: Keep this fact firmly in mind. Birth control pills only prevent pregnancy. They offer zero protection against HIV, AIDS, or any other sexually transmitted infection. Always use barrier methods like condoms for full infection protection.
Possible Side Effects of This Medicine
Just like any medicine, these pills can cause side effects in some people. While many side effects are mild, others require urgent medical attention.
Serious Side Effects That Need Immediate Medical Attention
- Chest pain, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood.
- Pain in your leg, arm, or groin area.
- Sudden severe headaches, dizziness, or fainting spells.
- Trouble speaking, weakness, or numbness on one side of your body.
- Severe stomach pain or vomiting.
- Yellowing of your eyes or skin.
- New breast lumps or unusual nipple discharge.
- Unusual heavy bleeding between your periods.
Common Mild Side Effects
- Breast tenderness or tightness.
- Mild nausea or stomach upset.
- Mood changes such as feeling irritable, anxious, or sad.
- Skin rashes, acne, or dark patches on your skin.
- Light spotting between periods after the first three months of use.
- Slight weight gain.
When to Seek Emergency Help
If you experience crushing chest pain, sudden trouble breathing, signs of a stroke, or severe allergic reactions, call 911 (US/Canada), 999 (UK), or go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department right away.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Take your birth control pills at the exact same time every single day.
- Never smoke tobacco while using these hormones to prevent dangerous blood clots.
- Remember that these pills protect against pregnancy only, not sexually transmitted infections.
- Seek medical help right away if you notice serious warning signs like chest pain or severe headaches.
- Always share a complete list of your current medicines with your doctor.
- Talk directly with your doctor if you have questions, rather than relying on unverified internet sources.
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