Last update Feb. 7, 2016

Mestranol + Norethindrone

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

Birth control pill that contains the combination of an estrogen (Mestranol) and a progestin (Noretindrone) for oral use.

Mestranol is a synthetic estrogen that is metabolized to Ethinylestradiol with similar actions as estradiol. A latest up
date no published data on excretion in breast milk, found were found. However, it is known that its metabolite Ethinylestradiol is excreted into milk in no or small amount.
There is evidence (albeit inconsistent) that estrogen-containing pills may decrease milk production, especially during the first few weeks postpartum with a daily dose above 30 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol.
It may reduce the protein content of the milk.
No problems have been observed in infants whose mothers were treated, except one isolated case of transient gynecomastia.

Norethindrone or Norethisterone is a progestin derivative of 19-nortestosterone. It is excreted in breast milk in clinically non-significant amount and no problems have been observed in infants whose mothers were treated with it. Its plasma levels in these infants were undetectable or very low.

With other similar combined contraceptives no differences have been observed in the frequency of breastfeeding or the amount of milk produced or weight gain of breastfed infants compared to other contraceptive methods (intrauterine devices, isolated progestogens). However, it would be advisable to avoid them until breastfeeding is well established (4-6 weeks).

During lactation, progestin-only contraceptive pills are preferred to Estrogen containing ones, otherwise, the lowest estrogen dose should be used.
Within the first 6 postpartum weeks, non-hormonal methods are in the first line of choice.

Hormone containing contraceptives do not affect the composition of milk, minerals (Mg, Fe, Cu, Ca, P) fat, lactose and calories but only a few the proteins.

Alternatives

  • Desogestrel (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Etonogestrel (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Mestranol + Norethindrone in other languages or writings:

Group

Mestranol + Norethindrone belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Mestranol + Norethindrone in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. - / 70 %
Molecular weight 310 / 298 daltons
Protein Binding - / 97 %
VD - / 4 l/Kg
Tmax - / 1.8 hours
50 / 8.5 hours
M/P ratio - / 0.3 -
Theoretical Dose - / 0.0001 mg/Kg/d
Relative Dose - / 2.2 %

References

  1. (ABM) Johnson HM, Eglash A, Mitchell KB, Leeper K, Smillie CM, Moore-Ostby L, Manson N, Simon L; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.. ABM Clinical Protocol #32: Management of Hyperlactation. Breastfeed Med. 2020 Mar;15(3):129-134. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. CDC - Curtis KM, Tepper NK, Jatlaoui TC, Berry-Bibee E, Horton LG, Zapata LB, Simmons KB, Pagano HP, Jamieson DJ, Whiteman MK. U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2016. CDC - MMWR Recommendations & Reports. 2016 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Tepper NK, Phillips SJ, Kapp N, Gaffield ME, Curtis KM. Combined hormonal contraceptive use among breastfeeding women: an updated systematic review. Contraception. 2015 Abstract
  4. Berens P, Labbok M; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. ABM Clinical Protocol #13: Contraception During Breastfeeding, Revised 2015. Breastfeed Med. 2015 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. OMS. Criterios médicos de elegibilidad para el uso de anticonceptivos Quinta edición. Who Library. 2015 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. Altshuler AL, Gaffield ME, Kiarie JN. The WHO's medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use: 20 years of global guidance. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. WHO. Department of Reproductive Health and Research World Health Organization. Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use: 20 years of global guidance. WHO/RHR/15.07. 2015 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Berens P, Labbok M; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Protocolo clínico de la ABM n.º 13: Anticoncepción durante la lactancia, revisado en 2015. Breastfeed Med. 2015 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. Lopez LM, Grey TW, Stuebe AM, Chen M, Truitt ST, Gallo MF. Combined hormonal versus nonhormonal versus progestin-only contraception in lactation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Abstract
  10. CDC. Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use, 2013: adapted from the World Health Organization selected practice recommendations for contraceptive use, 2nd edition. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  11. Bahamondes L, Bahamondes MV, Modesto W, Tilley IB, Magalhães A, Pinto e Silva JL, Amaral E, Mishell DR Jr. Effect of hormonal contraceptives during breastfeeding on infant's milk ingestion and growth. Fertil Steril. 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  12. Rowe H, Baker T, Hale TW. Maternal medication, drug use, and breastfeeding. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013 Feb;60(1):275-94. Abstract
  13. Mwalwanda CS, Black KI. Immediate post-partum initiation of intrauterine contraception and implants: a review of the safety and guidelines for use. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2013 Abstract
  14. Urzica D, Gales C, Zamfir C, Nechifor M. The influence of oral steroidal contraceptives on magnesium concentration in breast milk. Magnes Res. 2013 Abstract
  15. Espey E, Ogburn T, Leeman L, Singh R, Ostrom K, Schrader R. Effect of progestin compared with combined oral contraceptive pills on lactation: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Abstract
  16. CLM - Comité de Lactancia Materna de la AEP. Preguntas frecuentes sobre lactancia materna. Folleto. 2012 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  17. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). U S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2010. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2010 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  18. Piya-Anant M, Worapitaksanond S, Sittichai K, Saechua P, Nomrak A. The combined oral contraceptive pill versus bromocriptine to suppress lactation in puerperium: a randomized double blind study. J Med Assoc Thai. 2004 Jun;87(6):670-3. Abstract
  19. WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  20. AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs. Transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk. Pediatrics. 2001 Sep;108(3):776-89. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  21. Dórea JG. Oral contraceptives do not affect magnesium in breast milk. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2000 Abstract
  22. Moretti ME, Lee A, Ito S. Which drugs are contraindicated during breastfeeding? Practice guidelines. Can Fam Physician. 2000 Sep;46:1753-7. Review. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  23. Dorea JG, Miazaki ES. The effects of oral contraceptive use on iron and copper concentrations in breast milk. Fertil Steril. 1999 Abstract
  24. Lawrie TA, Hofmeyr GJ, De Jager M, Berk M, Paiker J, Viljoen E. A double-blind randomised placebo controlled trial of postnatal norethisterone enanthate: the effect on postnatal depression and serum hormones. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1998 Abstract
  25. Dorea JG, Myazaki E. Calcium and phosphorus in milk of Brazilian mothers using oral contraceptives. J Am Coll Nutr. 1998 Abstract
  26. WHO. Progestogen-only contraceptives during lactation: I. Infant growth. World Health Organization Task force for Epidemiological Research on Reproductive Health; Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction. Contraception. 1994 Abstract
  27. WHO. Progestogen-only contraceptives during lactation: II. Infant development. World Health Organization, Task Force for Epidemiological Research on Reproductive Health; Special Programme of Research, Development, and Research Training in Human Reproduction. Contraception. 1994 Abstract
  28. Costa TH, Dorea JG. Concentration of fat, protein, lactose and energy in milk of mothers using hormonal contraceptives. Ann Trop Paediatr. 1992 Abstract
  29. Shaaban MM. Contraception with progestogens and progesterone during lactation. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 1991 Abstract
  30. Vido I, Cepický P. [Pharmacologic arrest of lactation. Comparison of Deprenon, lisuride, terguride and mestranol]. Cesk Gynekol. 1989 Abstract
  31. World Health Organization (WHO) Task Force on Oral Contraceptives. Effects of hormonal contraceptives on breast milk composition and infant growth. Stud Fam Plann. 1988 Abstract
  32. Betrabet SS, Shikary ZK, Toddywalla VS, Toddywalla SP, Patel D, Saxena BN. ICMR Task Force Study on hormonal contraception. Transfer of norethisterone (NET) and levonorgestrel (LNG) from a single tablet into the infant's circulation through the mother's milk. Contraception. 1987 Abstract
  33. Nilsson S, Mellbin T, Hofvander Y, Sundelin C, Valentin J, Nygren KG. Long-term follow-up of children breast-fed by mothers using oral contraceptives. Contraception. 1986 Abstract
  34. Betrabet SS, Shikary ZK, Toddywalla VS, Patel D, Vaidya P, Saxena BN. ICMR Task Force Study on hormonal contraception. Biological activity of ethinyl estradiol present in the breast milk. Contraception. 1986 Abstract
  35. Madhavapeddi R, Ramachandran P. Side effects of oral contraceptive use in lactating women--enlargement of breast in a breast-fed child. Contraception. 1985 Abstract
  36. Cooke ID, Back DJ, Shroff NE. Norethisterone concentration in breast milk and infant and maternal plasma during ethynodiol diacetate administration. Contraception. 1985 Abstract
  37. Tankeyoon M, Dusitsin N, Chalapati S, Koetsawang S, Saibiang S, Sas M, Gellen JJ, Ayeni O, Gray R, Pinol A, et al. Effects of hormonal contraceptives on milk volume and infant growth. WHO Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction Task force on oral contraceptives. Contraception. 1984 Abstract
  38. Peralta O, Díaz S, Juez G, Herreros C, Casado ME, Salvatierra AM, Miranda P, Durán E, Croxatto HB. Fertility regulation in nursing women: V. Long-term influence of a low-dose combined oral contraceptive initiated at day 90 postpartum upon lactation and infant growth. Contraception. 1983 Abstract
  39. Díaz S, Peralta O, Juez G, Herreros C, Casado ME, Salvatierra AM, Miranda P, Durán E, Croxatto HB. Fertility regulation in nursing women: III. Short-term influence of a low-dose combined oral contraceptive upon lactation and infant growth. Contraception. 1983 Abstract
  40. Croxatto HB, Díaz S, Peralta O, Juez G, Herreros C, Casado ME, Salvatierra AM, Miranda P, Durán E. Fertility regulation in nursing women: IV. Long-term influence of a low-dose combined oral contraceptive initiated at day 30 postpartum upon lactation and infant growth. Contraception. 1983 Abstract
  41. West CP. The acceptability of a progestagen-only contraceptive during breast-feeding. Contraception. 1983 Abstract
  42. Fotherby K, Towobola O, Muggeridge J, Elder MG. Norethisterone levels in maternal serum and milk after intramuscular injection of norethisterone oenanthate as a contraceptive. Contraception. 1983 Abstract
  43. Koetsawang S, Nukulkarn P, Fotherby K, Shrimanker K, Mangalam M, Towobola K. Transfer of contraceptive steroids in milk of women using long-acting gestagens. Contraception. 1982 Abstract
  44. Melis GB, Strigini F, Fruzzetti F, Paoletti AM, Rainer E, Düsterberg B, Fioretti P. Norethisterone enanthate as an injectable contraceptive in puerperal and non-puerperal women. Contraception. 1981 Abstract
  45. Toddywalla VS, Mehta S, Virkar KD, Saxena BN. Release of 19-nor-testosterone type of contraceptive steroids through different drug delivery systems into serum and breast milk of lactating women. Contraception. 1980 Mar;21(3):217-23. Abstract
  46. Nilsson S, Nygren KG, Johansson ED. Ethinyl estradiol in human milk and plasma after oral administration. Contraception. 1978 Abstract
  47. Nilsson S, Nygren KG, Johansson ED. d-Norgestrel concentrations in maternal plasma, milk, and child plasma during administration of oral contraceptives to nursing women. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1977 Abstract
  48. Saxena BN, Shrimanker K, Grudzinskas JG. Levels of contraceptive seroids in breast milk and plasma of lactating women. Contraception. 1977 Abstract
  49. Seth U, Yadava HS, Agarwal N, Laumas KR, Hingorani V. Effect of a subdermal silastic implant containing norethindrone acetate on human lactation. Contraception. 1977 Abstract
  50. Giner Velázquez J, Cortés Gallegos V, Sotelo López A, Bondani G. [Effect of daily oral administration of 0.350 mg of norethindrone on lactation and on the composition of milk]. Ginecol Obstet Mex. 1976 Abstract
  51. Guiloff E, Ibarra-Polo A, Zañartu J, Toscanini C, Mischler TW, Gómez-Rogers C. Effect of contraception on lactation. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1974 Abstract
  52. Balmer HC, Macdonald DJ. Hormonal therapy for suppressing lactation. Can Fam Physician. 1971 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  53. Karim M, Ammar R, el-Mahgoub S, el-Ganzoury B, Fikri F, Abdou I. Injected progestogen and lactation. Br Med J. 1971 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  54. Billingsley FS. Lactation suppression utilizing norethynodrel with mestranol. J Fla Med Assoc. 1969 Abstract
  55. Kora SJ. Effect of oral contraceptives on lactation. Fertil Steril. 1969 Abstract
  56. Gillibrand PN, Huntingford PJ. Inhibition of lactation with combined oestrogen and progestogen. Br Med J. 1968 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  57. Kaern T. Effect of an oral contraceptive immediately post partum on initiation of lactation. Br Med J. 1967 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  58. Nickerson CW, Berkman VO. Lactation inhibition by norethindrone with mestranol. Rocky Mt Med J. 1967 Abstract
  59. CURTIS EM. ORAL-CONTRACEPTIVE FEMINIZATION OF A NORMAL MALE INFANT: REPORT OF A CASE. Obstet Gynecol. 1964 Abstract

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