Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Endometriosis User Reviews

• Art...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 28, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "First, I want to say how terribly saddened I am to see the comments from so many women about endometriosis and taking birth control pills to 'cure' it. It goes to show how severely inadequate and ignorant our health care system is when it comes to women and this debilitating disease. Birth control does not fix endo. It does not cure it. The ONLY treatment that has a chance of curing endo is expert excision surgery by a skilled surgeon. Laparoscopy is just a diagnostic tool, not a treatment. Birth control can help some of the symptoms for some women, but it does nothing to actually fix it. Please, ladies, ask questions, research your disease. Most doctors still don't know the basics of endo, which is frightening!"

• coo...
• September 25, 2010

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I have been taking Loestrin 24 for a couple of months now, and I can honestly say I am very satisfied with the results. I have tried about four different birth controls in the last two years, and with all of them, I had experienced a lot of side effects. My doctor always put me on moderate to high doses of birth control because of my PCOS and endometriosis, which then led to more side effects. This is the only pill I have been on that I have experienced no side effects, and the best part is I have my sex drive back. I have lost about ten pounds since taking this, but a lot of that is water weight from the other birth controls. My periods are very light, and there has been minimal cramping as well. I'm very happy."

• Dil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I was experiencing long and heavy periods to a point of becoming anemic with a hemoglobin of 6.1. This pill was recommended by my nurse practitioner. It stopped my period on my first dose. So far, the only side effects I have experienced are mild nausea for about an hour after I take it (so I take it at night), constipation (I incorporated intake of 5 prunes to my daily diet), and sweet cravings (instead, I drink black unsweetened coffee or tea, and it makes my sweet cravings go away). My mood is positive!"

• Jun...
• August 7, 2018

"I've been taking this medication for one and a half weeks. My MD told me not to expect any results until after a full month, but I've noticed dramatic improvement immediately. My endometriosis had come back after having a laparoscopy seven years ago, which isn't unusual. I was planning on going straight for another surgery, but my MD convinced me to try this birth control first. So far, I am extremely happy. I was at the point where I was in so much pain I could barely eat or work. I am going to be taking this medication continuously, and if all goes well, I will probably get the Lupron shot. Based on all of the reviews, I was very afraid to try this medication, so I just wanted to post that it's working for me and it's working fast. Either way, give it a try if rx'd... I'm wondering if some of the problems people are having with the meds are actually just symptoms caused by the endo."

• 201...
• April 19, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "As I aged, and after my son was born by C-section, my periods were getting more painful, where it was hard to function the day I got my period. I saw my doctor, who found endometriosis and recommended a hysterectomy or the pill. Microgestin Fe it is! It has been WONDERFUL. I am skipping the placebo week and taking a pill every day. I haven't had a period in a year, and I feel amazing. Acne has also cleared. Two not so great things: gas, all day, every day, and a sweet tooth that was never there before. I have not gained any weight in a year, but I work out pretty regularly. So happy with my pill regimen."

• cra...
• August 6, 2009

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "My doctor had me continuously take Loestrin 24 to stop having my period altogether (I have endometriosis), which was great! I was doing well, but then I started to feel weird after a while and had gained weight, so as an experiment, I stopped. I went right back to intensely painful and heavy periods, so now I am going right back on it."

• gar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I have been suffering from endometriosis for 3 years. A low estrogen pill with iron 'reminder' pills has been the only thing to help my severe cramps and bleeding. My periods are lighter, but unfortunately not shorter. I'm willing to overlook that because I don't get nausea or headaches as much."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 26, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I've been on Loestrin 24 Fe for two years now. I have a moderate case of endometriosis, and this has been fantastic. The first two, maybe three months on it were a little iffy, I experienced nausea and emotional problems, but significantly less pain. Everything's been peachy ever since. I only need to take one or two Midols to get through each period."

• 197...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I started Microgestin 1/20 at age 38 for painful periods due to endometriosis. The first two days, I was so sick, but it went away. I think my situation is unique because I was put on this pill to reduce periods. I skip the placebo pill week and continue onto the next pack of active pills to avoid a period. It's amazing! My 'gut' finally feels great! A few not-so-great things: 5 LB weight gain almost immediately. GAS. I became really gassy. Not cute. Not sure how to deal with that. SWEET TOOTH. Never had it before. Now I've got one. Overall, I'm pleased."

• Ana...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 23, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I have been on this for almost two years, and I am so glad that I am on it! I gained zero weight (I actually lost weight), I am not moody, my skin is smooth and clear, the periods are SO much better! I only get a little bit of a flow, and the cramps are minimal. I actually barely get a period anymore, but my GYN said it was normal."

• Kat...
• May 12, 2011

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I have taken this medication for 6 years. I have no side effects. I take it continuously and do not get a period. It has improved my life so much. I have so much less pain. I had tried so many different birth control pills, and this is the one that works for me."

• Anonymous
• January 2, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "The first 2 months I took this pill, I wanted OFF and a new OB. I had horrible side effects from nausea to paranoid anxiety. I've now been on it for 6 months and love it. I have no side effects, no periods (continuous use), and I have endometriosis and NO cramping! It's a literal miracle. I have had a 10 lb weight gain, but I have also recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and have stopped working out, whereas before I attended Zumba weekly to bi-weekly. I don't know what to attribute it to for sure, but I would say maintaining your weight would not be difficult even if it was the pill. If you're googling because you were just put on it and are freaking out, I suggest pushing through. This has worked miracles for me!"

• Anonymous
• September 4, 2011

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "My doctor initially had me taking Loestrin just like a regular pill, to help keep my horrendously painful periods a little shorter and more predictable. However, with endometriosis, even a 4-day period was too much for me. I would be doubled over in pain. It hurt to walk around, sit, and forget about even doing anything else. It got to the point I was so terrified of getting my period that I had to do something. So my doctor decided to keep me on Loestrin, but told me to skip the placebo pills and just keep taking the pills continuously. Pro: I have not had a period in months, and I am so thankful. Cons: my breasts are constantly heavy and sore, and my nipples sometimes hurt to touch. Small price to pay for endometriosis relief, though."

• Kry...
• February 29, 2012

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I have horrible pain during my periods due to endometriosis, and I've tried many other drugs to help control it. In August of 2011, I had the laparoscopic surgery to remove some of the endometriosis, this surgery did not help me one bit. So my doctor put me on Loestrin just recently (Feb. 2012), and the first few days the only side effect I had was nausea and some slight stomach cramping. About 2 weeks into it, I started bleeding - not spotting - not as heavy as a period, I'd say it was a good mix. Now I'm having constant cramps, they're pretty intense. They feel somewhat like my pre-period cramps, which are terrible due to the endo. I'm just waiting for my period to come and hoping it will be better. But so far, the side effects have not been worth it."

• Gra...
• July 16, 2018

"Treated for heavy, painful periods with cramping in between. Never wanted to use birth control, I don’t like the idea of putting hormones in my body. Starting the 2nd week of the 2nd month of Larin Fe 1/20. It seems like most of those experiencing bad side effects are switching over from a different pill, maybe that’s a contributing factor. Being my first experience with birth control, so far I am loving it. No pain between periods, lighter, less painful periods. Only side effects I have had are mini mood swings. Three times so far where I’ll get upset over stupid things, but the bad moods do not last very long. No weight gain, I lost 2 lbs. I’ve read some women complain about hair loss, but mine has gotten thicker and grown 2-3 inches. No acne yet either. So far, I am very happy with my experience. I was very wary due to the reviews, but this was all my insurance would cover, so I took a risk, and I’m glad I did because so far, so good. I’ll be back after the initial 3 months to review again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 29, 2012

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I was on Loestrin 24 Fe for just over three years. I stuck with it so long because it made my cramps disappear, cleared up my face, and made my periods from hell go down to pretty much nothing. I still got them every month, which was good, but the one thing that bothered me a lot was spotting almost every month! It's driving me crazy. My doctor just put me on Sprintec, so we'll see if that helps."

• 602...
• July 8, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I'm on my 2nd round of Necon 1/35. I started taking it because the doctor thinks I have endometriosis, but no one is really sure. My periods are extremely painful, and I lose my appetite completely. The side effects of Necon are the same as symptoms of pregnancy, which is kind of alarming. I'm also even more depressed and anxious than I was before I started taking it. I take it without the placebo week, and my period was lighter but longer. It's been two weeks, and I've still had terrible pain."

• hai...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 11, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "During the first 2-3 weeks of starting this, I had a slight headache, but that's a given when starting a new medication. I've been taking this for 8 months, and I've put on 15 pounds. (Diet and physical activity have not changed.) No more sex drive, I'm more moody about anything and everything, and I get acne really easily. I am only taking this to help my endometriosis, and it gets the job done, so dealing with these side effects really isn't bad at all compared to dealing with endometriosis without pain medications."

• sta...
• August 21, 2010

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "This pill has been awful for me. My doctor prescribed it after my laparoscopy and a period of induced menopause due to endometriosis. It has caused major moodiness, and I either get my period when it is not supposed to come or don't get it at all. Slight weight gain. My breasts hurt all the time, more than ever! I asked my doctor to switch me to something else. He put me on Notrel 777, and that is great! Hope everybody can find something that works well for their body."

• JNe...
• March 24, 2009

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I think this has to be the best product. I've been dealing with problems from endometriosis since I was 12. Abnormal cycles, painful abdomen, bowel problems, etc. I had laser surgery to remove the endometriosis in July last year, and afterward, was placed on Ovcon 35 continuous. I had a small amount of breakthrough bleeding and pain for about a month after starting treatment. It's great now. I'm hoping to avoid further surgery for quite a bit of time."

• the...
• September 28, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I have been very happy on this birth control pill for about three years. I am only switching because I want fewer periods. Before I took this birth control, my periods were horrible. I had every symptom in the book. This birth control did cause slight weight gain, however, I also went on it when I turned 18, so it could have been metabolism slow down as well. My breasts also grew, no complaints here about that, though. I don't get cramps, moodiness, headaches, nausea, or severe stomach upsets with this birth control. Also, my period is like clockwork every month, until recently when I endured a lot of stress. I do still get slight stomach upset and bloating along with slight fatigue. All in all, it is an amazing birth control!"

• Anonymous
• April 11, 2011

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "My doctor prescribed me this for endometriosis, it helps a lot with the pain and bleeding for the most part. I can't take other pills because the hormones make me really sick. I've been taking it for three months. The side effects are pretty bad at first, but it does get better."

• cmw...
• January 2, 2012

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I have been taking this medication since December 14th, 2011, for endometriosis that I was diagnosed with on December 7th, 2011. After the first couple of days, the nausea started, so I started taking it at night. That was a little better at first. Then my legs started having severe restlessness and pain... It was so bad a couple of times that I almost had to go to the ER. I am now just feeling generally ill. I stopped taking it 2 days ago. Also, I had a tubal and endometrial ablation in 2009, so I'm not taking it for periods or pregnancy."

• Anonymous
• October 23, 2009

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "In 2007, I started with Loestrin 24, it worked for about almost two years in controlling the endometriosis pain. Then suddenly, the pain came back very strong, and I ultimately needed surgical laparoscopy. I spotted the entire time on Loestrin. Currently looking for another drug to prevent the endometriosis from coming back."

• eva...
• March 6, 2008

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "Taking this medication for endometriosis has made all my symptoms better. I no longer have the horrible cramping and irregular bleeding. There isn't any more inflammation, but I do suffer from acne and have gained 15 lbs in the past 2 months using Loestrin."