Taking Yaz After Norethisterone for Period Suppression
Yes, you can take Yaz (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol) after using norethisterone (norethindrone) to suppress your period, but you should wait until your next normal menstrual cycle begins before starting Yaz for optimal effectiveness and safety. 1, 2
Understanding Your Medications
Norethisterone (Norethindrone)
- A progestational agent used for short-term menstrual suppression
- Works by stabilizing the endometrial lining to prevent bleeding
- Should not be used for more than 6 months continuously 2
- Primarily used for temporary management of menorrhagia (heavy periods)
Yaz (Drospirenone/Ethinyl Estradiol)
- A combined hormonal contraceptive containing:
- Drospirenone 3mg (a fourth-generation progestin)
- Ethinyl estradiol 20μg (a synthetic estrogen)
- Unique 24/4 regimen (24 active pills, 4 placebo pills) 3, 4
- FDA-approved for contraception, PMDD, and moderate acne 4
- Contains drospirenone which has antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic properties 5
Transitioning from Norethisterone to Yaz
When to Start Yaz
- Wait for your next natural period after stopping norethisterone
- Start Yaz on either:
- The first day of your menstrual period, OR
- The first Sunday after the onset of your menstruation 1
How to Take Yaz
- Take 1 active pill daily for 24 consecutive days
- Then take 1 placebo pill daily for 4 days
- Take pills at the same time each day for best effectiveness 1
Benefits of Yaz
- Effective contraception with Pearl Index of 0.09 (adjusted) 5
- May help with premenstrual symptoms due to the unique properties of drospirenone 4, 6
- Can improve moderate acne 6
- Shorter hormone-free interval (4 days vs traditional 7 days) may provide more stable hormone levels 7
- Extended regimen options available (84/7) that can further reduce number of bleeding days 7
Important Safety Considerations
Contraindications for Yaz
Be aware that Yaz should NOT be used if you have:
- History of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
- Migraines with aura, especially if over 35 years old
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Liver dysfunction or tumors
- Smoking if over 35 years old
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Renal impairment 1
Potential Side Effects
- Cardiovascular: slight risk of blood clots, hypertension
- Gastrointestinal: nausea, bloating, abdominal cramps
- Endocrine: breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness
- Mood changes: depression, irritability 1
Drug Interactions
Yaz effectiveness may be reduced by:
- Certain antibiotics (though evidence is limited)
- Anticonvulsants
- St. John's Wort
- HIV protease inhibitors 1
Monitoring Recommendations
- Blood pressure should be checked before starting and periodically while taking Yaz 1
- Be alert for warning signs of serious side effects (severe headache, chest pain, severe leg pain, vision changes)
- Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider
Alternative Options
If Yaz is not suitable, consider:
- Other combined hormonal contraceptives with different progestins
- Progestin-only pills
- Non-hormonal methods like copper IUD
- Levonorgestrel IUD (especially good for menorrhagia) 2
Remember that while Yaz can be taken after norethisterone, starting it at the beginning of your next natural menstrual cycle will provide the most reliable contraceptive protection and minimize breakthrough bleeding.