Norethindrone and Bloating: What Users Say

• man...
• May 9, 2021

Norethindrone for Endometriosis "I’ve been on Norlyda (norethindrone) for almost 2 months now. My doctor prescribed it to help with my severe periods due to endometriosis, and I was bleeding insanely badly and having severe cramps. Ever since I started this, I have yet to have a period. I take it at the same time every day, the most I’ve gone is 12 minutes past my pill time. The only side effects I've had were some acne for the first couple of weeks, but now my skin has stayed clear, my breasts are slightly smaller, I am slightly more bloated (but I do have IBS and endo), and I had some trouble sleeping for like the first 2 weeks, but nothing crazy-just had a hard time falling asleep. I have depression and anxiety, and this medication has not affected it. I think the key to this pill is taking it at the same time every day. So far, I would rate it 10/10."

• wea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2013

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been taking Jolivette for three months now, and couldn't complain about it. I used to have crazy irregular periods, for instance, the month before I started, I had a 10-day cycle, which meant two and a half periods in a calendar month, and the time before was 50 days. Since taking Jolivette, I haven't had a single period. No cramping, bloating, weight gain, mood swings, nothing. In fact, I've lost weight. It's also great because I no longer get migraines as opposed to being on an estrogen pill. Would recommend it to anyone."

• Tin...
• April 2, 2020

For Endometriosis "My ob-gyn started me on norethindrone following laparoscopic surgery to remove a 9 cm endometrioma from my right ovary and a 5 cm one from my left ovary. During the procedure, I was also diagnosed with Stage 3/4 endometriosis. I do not want to have a full hysterectomy as I am only 34 years old. I also did not want to do Lupron shots or take Orlissa. Since being on the mini-pill birth control, my moods have changed for the better, I am less irritable, and my anxiety/panic attacks aren’t soaring through the roof as much either. My first period on this medication was a lifesaver. I wasn’t reaching for the ibuprofen or acetaminophen like I normally would without being on anything. My period lasted 4 days (usually lasts 7 days). It has helped me become regular with bowel movements, and I’m less bloated. I also don’t feel as fatigued, and I have fewer migraines (when a migraine does come on, it isn’t as bad as they usually are). I have no complaints thus far with this birth control."

• 5ki...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was diagnosed with a uterine fibroid and bled extraordinarily heavy for 2 weeks straight; saturating an overnight maxi every hour for two weeks. Finally, I ended up needing a blood transfusion, and the on-call OBGYN prescribed this norethindrone to help slow the bleeding. No joke, it completely stopped within 24 hours! I do have some bloating, a moderate headache, and some uterine cramping, but it's definitely better than bleeding nonstop and paying a small fortune in feminine products!"

• Mom...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 6, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I love Micronor. I have been on it for 2 years, and I'm about to get off it because I want kids. For the first 3 months, I had some side effects (tender breasts, bloating, cramping, breakthrough bleeding). But after those 3 months, it was PERFECT! No symptoms, no mood swings (unless PMS), and sometimes, I would just not have my period, which was fun in summertime. I had tried Alesse, Yaz, NuvaRing, all of them giving me the worst headaches and weight gain. On Micronor, no weight gain, I was dieting, so I managed to go from 130 to 115 pounds in two years on that pill. :)"

• Dis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2022

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have struggled with depression and anxiety for years. When I decided to get back on birth control at age 43, my Dr. prescribed Heather because pills with estrogen had a high risk of adverse reaction with an antidepressant I'm taking. After 3 months of extreme fatigue, super irritability, increased depression/constant crying, hair loss, acne, insane bleeding with large clots, bloating, cramps, headache, and back pain, all my Dr. (who I used to love) said was, 'I'm sorry you're having trouble adjusting to the hormones.' I feel like I've been set back several months on the progress I'd been making with my emotional issues. I stopped taking it today and can't wait to get back to 'normal.' Beware!"

• J B...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 3, 2020

For Endometriosis "Been on 5 mg once a day now for six months. Taking for endo pain. New doc put me on this higher dose as a last resort and it’s now working well. Initially had bloating, moodiness, some insomnia, and mild cramps. Periods stopped after 3 mo. Have had spotting for long periods of time but recently stopped. I also had some migraines with aura about four times a week, but it completely has stopped, and they never caused pain, which my doctor monitored. I’m 50, but of late I have like hot flashes a lot. Used to get maybe a few a week at night, which caused insomnia. But of late, I get this wave of heat coming over me all times of the day. With the Covid thing, I take my temps twice a day, but nothing. I almost feel like I’m fighting a bug but no other symptoms. Overall, I would take it again as it’s completely changed my quality of life for the better. Anyone else having hot flashes? Lol."

• Abl...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 27, 2015

Norethindrone for Endometriosis "First 4 months I had a period every 2 weeks, extreme bloating (15 lbs), very tender breasts, but those all went away. After this, my periods evened out to every 28 days. I had some mild acne, and my PMS and cramps were very, very mild. About a year in, I went off these pills because I was very depressed and suicidal. I had also developed severe insomnia, social anxiety, and was constantly freezing. Within days of being off these pills, my depression disappeared (I have never been depressed before), I'm warm at a temperature below 78 degrees, and I can sleep. I can't have estrogen, so these pills were a godsend for my severe PMS and cramps, but the mental side effects were horrible and developed slowly. Be careful."

• mac...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 7, 2022

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been on Jencycla for probably close to 2 years now. I was taken off of regular BC because I was prone to migraines. My old pills were perfect, did everything they needed to do; lessened cramps, regulated my period, and helped with acne. Since being on these pills, I feel like a different person. I have major mood swings, become super moody, my anxiety is at an all-time high, I have bloating, 0 sex drive, and my periods are all over the place (missing a period one month, then having three the next). I experience period symptoms all of the time (cramping, spotting, nausea), my hair is thinning, and I am always tired. I've talked to my doctor about other progestin-only options, and none of them sound any better. Honestly debating going off them altogether because the only benefit this pill has had is preventing pregnancy and only because I take it at the exact same time every day."

• Dor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2021

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I literally just started taking this pill about a month and a half ago, and so far my anxiety has been much worse. I missed my period, I've had bad bloating, I felt sick to my stomach for a week, and to top everything off, I’ve gotten some sort of infection in my private area! I have NEVER in my life gotten an infection! I’m extremely unsatisfied with this pill, but my doctor refuses to put me on another one!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 8, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Ok, so weird experience. I switched to Errin after using Lutera, which made a benign lump in my breast grow. I decided not to mess with that and switched to progesterone-only Errin. When I first started using it, every week I would get really sad and moody. I also was pretty nauseous around the same time every day, and my boobs were really sore and bloated. Also, it stopped my period for two months, which was spooky. So after two months, I stopped using it for a month. This was also when my boyfriend and I got separated due to quarantine, so there was no need. I started it again a month ago, since I was going to see my boyfriend again, and absolutely no mood swings, no nausea, no painful breasts. I don’t know what happened, but I’m thrilled! Also, my breast lump hasn’t grown or changed at all, so no scares there."

• Anonymous
• January 15, 2016

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've only been on this medication for 1 week, and I've gained 10 lb. I haven't gained weight in over 5 years. I'm extremely bloated, water retention, headaches, and severe cramping. I want to give it a chance, but I'm 42, and these symptoms aren't tolerable. I feel bipolar and on edge. I'm scatterbrained and very emotional. No bueno!"

• ju1...
• May 9, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Started taking this pill in December 2014 and been on it since. I am not happy with it at all. I used to have regular periods, but Camila made it very irregular. I hate not knowing if I will have a period or not. My mentality changed as well; usually, I'm a very happy girl, but the pill made me into a raging mean lunatic. It gave me extreme mood swings, frequent migraines, problems with my vision, depression, hair loss, extreme bloating, no sex drive at all, vaginal dryness, increased acne on my chin, numbness in my feet, and lack of sleep. I am stopping this immediately. I do not recommend this. This pill is evil."

• Dev...
• April 24, 2016

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I would not recommend this pill for anyone, not any progesterone-only pill. Bloating that makes me look 3 months pregnant, constipation, 50 pounds of weight gain in under 2 years that won't exercise off, skin feeling too tight all the time, headaches, fatigue, appetite is weird, constipation and diarrhea, mood swings, hot and cold flashes, and a never-ending period. Medical staff all say it's normal and can't be the pill... so it's all in my head. I stopped this pill 2 nights ago and lost a third of my stomach as the bloating is decreasing. Stay away from these pills!"

• ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Was on the depo shot for 2 years. Everything was okay the first year, but I switched because my last 6 months on it was terrible! I had no period for 4 months, it made my depression worse, I was always bloated, gained over 30 pounds, had nipple discharge, and was struggling to stay self-lubricated during sex. I decided to switch to a pill, and my doctor recommended Errin due to my background of migraines. I have been on it for almost 4 months, and I got my period back a month into it. I am no longer constantly depressed or constantly bloated, it doesn’t seem to give me rapid weight gain (I lost two pounds since starting), no more nipple discharge (my breasts grew half a cup size, actually), and I have no dryness issues. I finally feel normal again. I would give it a 10/10, but I haven't been on it long enough. I would recommend anyone who had a good experience with depo that turned horrible to try Errin out."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2022

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I started this pill at my six-week postpartum mark after my second child. I’m 29 and never really had issues with my cycle. This is my first time using birth control since I was 17. I also take Bupropion, an SSRI, for PPD. I was feeling okay the first month. I got a normal cycle, with minimal cramping, but serious mood swings. The second cycle came, and the gates of hell emerged from my uterus. I honestly thought I had a miscarriage because I passed plum-sized clots for three days and felt like my uterus was put into a blender. I went to the hospital and had all the tests done, and they told me it was a heavy period. Well, I’m two months from that date, and I’ve not bled for maybe a week in three months. The cramps are bad, the mood swings are affecting my personal life, and I can’t seem to keep the bloating off. I have an appointment in a week to get it changed. I would absolutely not recommend this to anyone."

• Aba...
• January 27, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Don't let reviews scare you, everyone's body will react differently to different types of BC. That's why there are so many types. I have been using Micronor for 7 years. The first few months, I had the regular side effects your body has when adjusting to the hormone changes (cramps, bleeding, bloating, tender breasts, etc.). After 3-6 months, my body was mostly back to normal. You need to take the pill at the same time every day. If you don't take your pill on time, breakthrough bleeding could happen. This pill is not for you if you cannot keep a consistent schedule when it comes to taking your BC. Irregular bleeding and inconsistent periods will most likely happen. Personally, it made my periods better since my cramps before would cause me extreme agony. Coming down to sex, I have used condoms, pull out, or full unprotected sex and no pregnancy. The pill is 91% effective, not 100%, so don't be upset if you get pregnant. Having sex always opens the chance of pregnancy."

• Run...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been using Heather for 3 months. I was advised to switch to a no-estrogen pill since I am 38 years old and a smoker. My prior birth control pill was Ortho Tricyclen Lo, which was phenomenal! Since I began taking Heather, I am either extremely irritable and moody or completely emotionless. I have gained 8 pounds, yes 8 in 3 months, coming from someone who runs a full marathon every year and is an addictive runner. I have lost all motivation and energy to work out, due to being extremely fatigued! I’ve also experienced breast tenderness, severe bloating, painful low back pain, and muscle aches. Not to mention that I’ve had my period 6 times in 3 months! I will be stopping this medication as soon as my husband gets his vasectomy and his post-vasectomy test is clear!"

• poo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "If you enjoy having your period daily for a month and a half straight, and feeling bloated and pregnant - without actually being pregnant, then this is the pill for you. You get all the wonderful symptoms of early pregnancy, bloating, tender swelling breasts, weight gain, hunger, plus the added bonus of having your period every day as well. It is a win-win!! In case you can't tell, I'm being sarcastic. This pill is not worth the hassle. It would be more convenient had I actually been pregnant, than dealing with all that. Pretty sure I ended up being anemic before I finally said no more and stopped taking them. I was only on them for a month and a half, in which I had my period almost every day. Stopped taking the pills and period finally stopped a day or two later. This pill is garbage."

• Lem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2012

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I feel psychotic! I had a baby two months ago and needed a low dose estrogen pill. I feel overwhelmed, anxious, bloated, and very emotional. After having an emotional breakdown over nothing, I am stopping this immediately."

• Dai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I was on this pill for three days. I started taking it 4 weeks postpartum as directed by my doctor due to breastfeeding. Experienced horrible stomach aches, similar to food poisoning. I started bleeding very heavily and had severe cramping. I became very moody and experienced stomach bloating and gas. I am 24 hours free of this pill and feel 100 times better."

• For...
• August 30, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Symptoms: Weight gain, weight gain, weight gain, overall body pain, bloating, dizziness, tiredness. After years of taking this medication, I became extremely miserable and had to backtrack to find the cause. I rated this a 10 because it is an effective birth control for many reasons. Plus side: Symptoms disappear after you stop this medication."

• Che...
• July 19, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "First, I want to remind everyone that we all react differently to medications. If I would have gone off these reviews, I wouldn't have ever started taking this birth control, let alone any of them. I have been on it a month now. The first week, I had very high anxiety levels, which was difficult to push through, but after 10 days, it subsided. I do notice I am bloated pretty much all the time, but with time, I hope that will pass as well. I have had mild cramps every now and then. Otherwise, I am fine. Don't let bad reviews scare you off. I would recommend this pill."

• TTJ...
• December 16, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I am on this medication as I get migraines with an aura...preferred something I had control over vs. an IUD. No major issues-no acne, no weight gain, no pregnancy. Regular period. I have to take this pill at the same time every day (more than 15 minutes off can cause period to come early or not at all). That is my biggest complaint, however, set an alarm on your phone to remind you, and you should be fine. I notice my PMS symptoms are much worse since starting this pill (moody, nauseous, sore breasts, and bloated 1 week before period). My cramps are worse on this pill than before, however, completely manageable."

• Bri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 7, 2017

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on Nora-Be for 2 years now. I had tried other combination pills to help with my abnormal heavy bleeding and had adverse side effects (high blood pressure, mood swings, acne, bloating). There is no estrogen in Nora-Be, so my blood pressure went back to normal once I was on it. I find that my PMS is much more stable and my complexion even cleared up on it. No issues with weight gain or hair loss. It took about 6 months for my period to stabilize, but now I have a 4-day very manageable cycle instead of 7 days of extremely heavy and clotty bleeding. Nora-Be has changed my life! Highly recommended."