Camila is a progesterone-only pill (POP) containing the hormone Norethindrone. It helps manage endometriosis, a condition where you have painful and heavy periods.
How does Camila work?
Camila doesn’t treat the root cause of endometriosis; instead, it helps relieve symptoms by:
Suppressing ovulation, which helps prevent estrogen and progesterone fluctuation that may worsen your symptoms.
Thinning the uterine lining, which helps lighten and shorten menstrual bleeding. This reduces the severity of menstrual cramps.
In some people, Camila prevents the formation of new endometrial tissue, which is one of the main causes of endometriosis.[1]
Will I get side effects using Camila?
You might get side effects when taking Camila, although not everyone will experience them. These side effects may include:
Upset stomach
Weight changes
Tender breast
Change in appetite
Headache
For the full list of side effects, check the package leaflet that comes with your medication.
Will I get a period using Camila?
No, your period will stop when taking Camila, but you might get withdrawal bleeding (which will look like your period but will be lighter) or spotting while on it.
Camila thins the uterine lining, which is why you don’t get a period. After stopping treatment, your period should return to normal within a few days.
What doses of Camila are there?
Camila comes in one dose containing 0.35 mg of norethindrone. It’s taken daily for several months or longer. During this time, your doctor may increase your dose if your symptoms persist.
Treated trusted source:
Taniguchi, F, et al. (2017). Efficacy of Norethisterone in Patients with Ovarian Endometrioma. Yonago Acta Medica, 60(3), 182.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on August 18, 2025. Next review due on August 18, 2028.
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.
CamilaNorethindrone
How to take Camila
Swallow the pill whole with water. It should be taken at the same time every day for maximum effectiveness.
Don’t stop taking Camila unless your healthcare provider advises you to do so.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on August 18, 2025. Next review due on August 18, 2028.
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.
CamilaNorethindrone
There are some things you need to watch out for when taking Camila, and not everyone can use it. Here’s the official safety info. If there’s something you’re not sure about, let us know.
CamilaNorethindrone
Camila: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Am I protected from pregnancy while on Camila?
Answer:
Yes, if you take Camila every day around the same time, you should have over 99% pregnancy protection. But if you miss a pill or take it at a later time, your protection is reduced. In some cases, you’ll need to use another form of birth control for the next seven days.
What if I miss a pill while using Camila?
Answer:
If you've missed a pill, take it as soon as you remember, and take the next pill as normal. One missed pill shouldn't affect your symptoms of endometriosis, but you may get some spotting.
If you’re relying on Camila for birth control, you’ll need to use barrier contraception, like a condom, for the next seven days. For more information, check the package leaflet that comes with your medication.
Does Camila cause weight gain?
Answer:
Some women may experience weight gain while taking Camila. However studies show that any weight you do gain on Camila tends to be lost again once you stop using it.[1]
How long does Camila take to work?
Answer:
Camila works fast, reaching peak concentration within a few hours. But it might take weeks or even months to relieve the symptoms of endometriosis.
If your symptoms persist or worsen after six months, let your doctor know. They might increase your dose or suggest an alternative treatment.
How well does Camila work for endometriosis?
Answer:
In one study, patients taking Norethindrrone (the active ingredient in Camila) for six months experienced smaller endometriomas (cysts on the endometrium that cause painful periods). This means they have less painful periods and cramps.
Additionally, all patients reported a reduction in painful, heavy periods after six months, showing that Camila is suitable for managing endometriosis.[2]
Can I get Camila through private health insurance?
Answer:
Most private healthcare plans cover endometriosis treatment, but there may be some that only cover specific brands. So if you’re looking to get Camila and have private health insurance, you should check your plan to make sure it’s covered.
If it isn’t covered, your insurance may cover a similar version. Otherwise, you can always get Camila from a private service without cover – but you may have to pay the full price for your treatment.
Treated trusted source:
Dean, J, et al. (2019). Norethindrone is superior to combined oral contraceptive pills in short-term delay of menses and onset of breakthrough bleeding: A randomized trial. BMC Women’s Health, 19, 70.
Taniguchi, F, et al. (2017). Efficacy of Norethisterone in Patients with Ovarian Endometrioma. Yonago Acta Medica, 60(3), 182.
Last updated on Aug 18, 2025.
How we reviewed this page:
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Aug 18, 2025
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell, Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
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.
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Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
Cristina writes content for Treated, and reviews content produced by our other writers to make sure it’s clinically accurate.
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.
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