Norgeston is a prescription-only mini pill, which means it contains no oestrogen. This might make it more suitable for women with medical conditions like migraine or who are breastfeeding.
Tell us about your health, and get pill recommendations that are tailor-made for you from our experts.
Norgeston is a contraceptive pill that contains just one hormone, levonorgestrel, a type of progesterone that is highly effective at preventing pregnancies.
Progesterone only pills like Norgeston are sometimes known as mini pills, or POPs. They are just as effective as the combined pill at preventing pregnancies when taken correctly.
Every month, when your body gears itself up for pregnancy, ovulation takes place. This is where the ovary releases an egg that travels to the uterus to be fertilised by sperm. If the egg is fertilised, it latches on to the wall of the uterus and begins to grow. If the egg isn’t fertilised, you don’t get pregnant.
Hormones in the body cause ovulation, and thicken the uterine wall, which creates the right conditions for a fertilised egg to attach itself to the wall and grow there.
The body already contains the naturally occurring hormones progesterone and oestrogen, and when the hormone in Norgeston, levonorgestrel, is added to the mix, it alters the hormonal balance slightly. Ovulation is prevented, and the mucus in the cervix is made thicker, making it a lot more difficult for sperm to reach an egg.
If you take it correctly, Norgeston is over 99% effective. So to put this into perspective, out of 100 women taking Norgeston over a 12-month period, less than one will get pregnant. This is known as ‘perfect use’ of the pill.
It’s not quite as effective if you miss the odd pill or are late taking it. This is sometimes called typical use, where effectiveness drops to around 91%. So out of 100 women taking it for a year, nine will become pregnant.
If you want to get as much protection as you can from Norgeston, aim for ‘perfect use’.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
There are 35 pills in every strip of Norgeston. Each pill has a day of the week printed next to it, and you should follow the direction of the arrows. Take one pill at the same time every day, without taking any breaks between one strip and the next.
If you need to, swallow each pill whole with water, but don’t chew the pills.
Start taking Norgeston on the first day of your period, as this gives you immediate protection from pregnancy. If you’re switching from a progesterone only pill to Norgeston, you can start taking Norgeston at any point without your protection from pregnancy being affected.
If you’re switching from the combined pill to Norgeston, start taking Norgeston the day after your last active pill. You don’t need to use any extra contraception, such as condoms.
If you miss a pill, follow the instructions that come with your medication.
The missed pill window for Norgeston is three hours, so if you’re less than three hours late taking a pill, your protection from pregnancy shouldn’t be impacted. Just take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day. Take any pills that follow at the usual time.
If you’re more than three hours late, or you’ve missed more than one pill, you may be at greater risk of getting pregnant. Take your next pills as you would normally and use additional contraception, such as condoms, for the following seven days. If you’ve missed any pills in a strip and had sex during the week before missing any pills, your risk of becoming pregnant will likely be increased.
If you miss more than one pill, or if you’re more than three hours late in taking a pill and are concerned, speak to your prescribing clinician so they can discuss the situation with you and advise you on the next steps.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Oral Contraceptive Pills. Stat Pearls. U.S.A. NCBI. [Accessed 19-08-21]
The long-term influence of combined oral contraceptives on body weight. Human Reproduction. U.K. Oxford Academic. [Accessed 19-08-21]
Brilliant service
Absolutely brilliant service got my pills very fast
Great
Great
Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)
Meet Daniel
Registered with GPhC (No. 2202465)
Meet Sanjeda
Registered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
Meet CraigDelivery, consultation, treatment. It’s all included in the price.
| Quantity | Starting from |
|---|---|
| 105 Tablets | £26.95 |
| 175 Tablets | £39.95 Save £4.97 |
| 350 Tablets | £65.95 Save £23.88 |
| Quantity | Starting from |
|---|---|
| 84 Tablets | £33.95 |
| 168 Tablets | £56.95 Save £10.95 |
| 336 Tablets | £102.95 Save £32.85 |
| Quantity | Starting from |
|---|---|
| 84 Tablets | £29.95 |
| 168 Tablets | £43.95 Save £15.95 |
| 336 Tablets | £73.95 Save £45.85 |
| Quantity | Starting from |
|---|---|
| 84 Tablets | £27.95 |
| 168 Tablets | £43.95 Save £11.95 |
| 336 Tablets | £66.95 Save £44.85 |
| Quantity | Starting from |
|---|---|
| 84 Tablets | £39.95 |
| 168 Tablets | £63.95 Save £15.95 |
| 336 Tablets | £109.95 Save £49.85 |
| Quantity | Starting from |
|---|---|
| 84 Tablets | £64.95 |
| 168 Tablets | £109.95 Save £19.95 |
| 336 Tablets | £202.95 Save £56.85 |
| Quantity | Starting from |
|---|---|
| 84 Tablets | £25.95 |
| 168 Tablets | £38.95 Save £12.95 |
| 336 Tablets | £61.95 Save £41.85 |
| Quantity | Starting from |
|---|---|
| 84 Tablets | £25.95 |
| 168 Tablets | £41.95 Save £9.95 |
| 336 Tablets | £75.95 Save £27.85 |
We know health, but you know you.
Our experts tell you what’s safe, but you decide what’s best.
Answer a few questions and tell us about yourself. Get tailored advice from our clinicians so you can choose better.
Choose your treatment and how often you have it delivered.
We know things change. It’s the nature of life. We’ll check in regularly to make sure your treatment is still right for you.
Pause. Change. Skip. Start again. Any time you like.
On time
Good
Pleased with the service, very straightforward to order and delivery was very fast.
Everything was quick and professional
Shipping is speedy and the product is amazing.
Excellent company
Mini pills: Here are some other options.
Probably the most well-known brand of mini pill. 12 hour leeway if you're late taking it.
Very similar to Cerazette and Zelleta. 28 day pill. 12 hour leeway if you take it late.
Desogestrel-based mini pill, very similar to Zelleta, Cerelle and Cerazette.
Similar to Cerazette, Zelleta and Cerelle, but you don't need a prescription for it.
Desogestrel pill that works just like Cerazette and Cerelle, but doesn't need a prescription.
Norethisterone-based alternative. 3 hour window if you're late taking it.
Same hormone and same dose as Cerazette and Cerelle. 12 hour window if you're late taking it.
We're making healthcare more about you. Sign up to our newsletter for personalised health articles that make a difference.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
If there’s a particular treatment or condition you’re looking for, tell us and we’ll look into it for you.
Submit your question here, or tell us if you’ve found an issue on our site.
We’ll get back to you very soon. We aim to respond to all queries in one working day.
You’re signed up to our newsletter. Keep an eye on your inbox for our latest update.
By clicking 'Subscribe now' you're agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
