Is norethisterone a lifestyle drug? Results of database analysis.

Norethisterone has several indications in gynaecology and primary care. At low dose ( ≤ 1 mg a day) it can be use in combination with oestrogens either as a contraceptive or in hormone replacement therapy. At higher dose ( ≥ 5 mg daily) it can be used for menorrhagia, to treat metropathia haemorrhagica, and to postpone menstruation. Norethisterone is not available in a formulation greater than 5 mg. Recent evidence has suggested that at conventional doses (5-10 mg/day) it is not effective for menorrhagia. 2 In Oxfordshire we have been exploring prescribing for menorrhagia as part of implementing the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ recommendations for the initial management of menorrhagia in primary care.