Last update April 28, 2026

μεστρανόλη + νοραιθιστερόνη

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 (COC).

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. (Curtis 1964)

NORETHINDRONE or Norethisterone is a contraceptive progestogen derived from 19-northstastterone used as a single product or associated with ethinylestradiol. It is considered safe for breastfeeding. Detailed information and references can be found below under “Noretisterone”

Breastfeeding was not inhibited in women treated with mestranol-noretindrone during the first week of life, although they required more supplements than untreated women. (Kaern 1967)

American Academy of Paediatrics: COCs are usually compatible with breastfeeding. (AAP 2001)

For a detailed discussion with references:

  • on why non-hormonal methods are the first choice during the first 4–6 weeks postpartum, followed by IUDs and progestin implants,
  • on the potential problems associated with the use of combined estrogen-progestin contraceptives,
  • the possible decrease in milk production with estrogen use,
  • and why progestin-only contraceptives are preferable during breastfeeding,

see below: “(Combined Estrogen + Progestin Contraceptives, COCs)”


See below the information of these related products:

Alternatives

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

μεστρανόλη + νοραιθιστερόνη is Mestranol + Norethindrone in Greek.

Is written in other languages:

Group

μεστρανόλη + νοραιθιστερόνη belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing μεστρανόλη + νοραιθιστερόνη 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. 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)
  2. 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)
  3. CURTIS EM. ORAL-CONTRACEPTIVE FEMINIZATION OF A NORMAL MALE INFANT: REPORT OF A CASE. Obstet Gynecol. 1964 Abstract

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