Norethisterone

[Here4ivfinfo]

Hi everyone,

I’m about to begin my IVF journey. I wondered if anyone on here was in a similar place as me. This is my first cycle so I have no idea what to expect really. I have been taking Norethisterone for 14 days and then I have to wait for my period to come and then I think they scan me and teach me how to do injections. I wondered if anyone else had begun with just taking norethisterone for a fortnight? I know sometimes injections happen at this stage too. I have so many drugs in my fridge and cupboards and am just going along with what I am told to do but I wondered if anyone else had began with Norethisterone on its own. I also wondered how long it takes for a full bleed to occur after stopping it? I read 2-3 days.

Thanks xxx

[scotchegg]

Hi, the norethisterone is so your clinic can predict your cycle accurately in order to schedule appointments. Yes it should take a few days to start bleeding after stopping. In my most recent cycle I took 2 weeks worth of it and my period came 4 days after stopping. If by your scan appointment you haven't started bleeding they should just push everything back by a couple of days.

That box of meds certainly looks overwhelming but it's best to worry about one step at a time. They will explain at your scan appointment what to do next and should show you how to self-inject. First you'll be doing the stimulation injections which are very small and an easy one to start with.

Good luck - you've found the right place for advice and support

[Here4ivfinfo in reply to scotchegg]

Thanks very much for telling me this. They haven’t booked my appointment to my knowledge, they said to call when I have a proper bleed before midday and they will scan days 1-3. I am sure you can tell that patience is something I struggle with, that and wanting to know everything 🤣🤣🤣

[scotchegg in reply to Here4ivfinfo]

I struggle with the same - the two week wait is a nightmare! But try to just keep telling yourself, one step at a time x

[Kittykat198]

My first 2 cycles started with northisterone. I’ve taken northisterone a number of times though. Period usually arrived for me by about 5 days in. Sometimes longer. Always before 10 days though.

Best of luck!!

[gerifit]

Hi lovely, very common to be on norethisterone first, it’s called the down regulation stage. I’ve been on it numerous times! My period has always arrived around 3 days after finishing it, but it can be up to 7 days. Good luck! Xx

[Eloquentia]

Hi! I also took Norethisterone before stimulations. For me, this was probably the least pleasant part of the journey as it was making me very angry and unstable towards the end. I don't remember when my period came afterwards, I am afraid, but it was within the range expected by the clinic. Very best of luck with your first IVF round! I found it less taxing on the body than I feared but much more emotionally charged than I anticipated.