Micronor is a slightly older, traditional version of the mini pill which needs to be taken within a 3 hour window every day. Unlike standard newer desogestrel mini pills, it doesn't stop you releasing an egg. However, it may be worth a try if you're someone who is organised, and are experiencing bleeding problems on the newer mini pills.
What is in the Micronor pill?
35mcg
Androgenic progestogen
Alternative to Micronor pill
This contraceptive sits in Group 2 and has the same hormonal ingredient as:
Bleeding patterns is unpredictable with progestogen only pill use. Science isn't quite sure why this happens, although we think it's that the vessels in the womb lining become more fragile and therefore it becomes thinner over time. Women using the traditional progestogen only pills like Micronor may have bleeds like normal. Others may have infrequent or no bleeding at all. For some women this is disconcerting, others love it! But it is a normal side effect. However if your bleeding pattern suddenly changes, consider doing a pregnancy test.
Can Micronor cause weight gain or loss?
There's no evidence that weight is affected by Micronor. However weight gain, or loss, could be impacted by a number of factors that may be related to hormones and the menstrual cycle, such as water retention. Make sure to take a look at The Lowdown's users' reviews to see how our community reports Micronor impacts on their weight. You can also take a look our guide to contraception and weight to find out more.
Does Micronor make acne better or worse?
The progestogen-only pill can increase the amount of sebum (oil) produced in the sebaceous glands of the skin leading to more spots. This affects women in varying amounts and many women don't notice a difference at all. If you suffer from acne it may be worth considering stopping progestogen-only contraception and switching to a combined method (combined hormonal contraception containing oestrogen is used as a treatment for acne) or non-hormonal method. Your doctor can also discuss medical treatments for acne with you. Take a look at our user reviews or head to our guide on acne and the pill to find out more.
Can I take Micronor whilst breastfeeding?
As it's a progestogen-only pill, Micronor is safe to take while breastfeeding. Read more in our guide to postpartum contraception.
Can I buy Micronor online?
Whilst we don't currently stock Micronor, we do provide access to 30+ other brands of pill including progestogen-only pills like Norgeston pill which is a similar, slightly older version of the progestogen-only pill. Find the full list and find out more about our pill prescription service.
Detailed information
How the Micronor pill works:
Micronor is a small tablet you swallow daily that (unlike the combined pill) only contains one hormone – progestogen. It prevents pregnancy by making the fluid in your cervix thicker (which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb), and preventing the lining of your womb thickening enough for a fertilised egg to implant in it.
There are a few things that can stop the progestogen-only pill from working properly including vomiting, some medicines, or missing a pill. Take a look at our complete guide to the progestogen-only pill.
How to use the Micronor pill:
Micronor must be taken within 3 hours of the same time every day. We recommend keeping your pill packet somewhere you look at everyday (like your makeup bag) to remind you to take it, or set an alarm on your phone. Most types of progestogen-only pills are designed to be taken for 28 days with no break between packs. Depending on where you are in your cycle when you start the pill, you might not be protected against pregnancy straight away. Find out more about the progesterone only pill.
Coming off the pill is easy - you just stop taking it. When you do, you're no longer protected from pregnancy. If you want to stop the pill but do not wish to become pregnant then you might want to consider switching to another form of contraception before you stop taking your pill. Read our complete guide to coming off the pill.
How safe is the Micronor pill:
Micronor is very safe for most women. The development of small fluid-filled sacs (cysts) on your ovaries is a possible side effect but they are usually harmless and disappear without treatment. If you do become pregnant while you’re using the progestogen-only pill, there’s a small risk of you having an ectopic pregnancy. It's also important to remember that the pill does not protect you from STIs.
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