Norethindrone and Cramps: What Users Say

• Neo...
• February 15, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I had a blood clot during my first pregnancy and this is the only thing they could prescribe. I have been taking it for 7 days and I'm moody, crampy, my face broke out (I have clear skin), no sex drive, spacy, I'm extremely tired and I'm so overly hungry. I'm very athletic so it's frustrating. Birth control is ridiculous. I have never found a good one. Even the IUD moved twice! Where the hell is male birth control?"

• Bel...
• November 30, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Started Norethindrone 0.35 mid-March 2020. I was 41, so ob/gyn said this was the only safe option to regulate my irregular periods. For the first 2 months, I was nauseous, couldn't eat, and lost 10 lbs. I was very sad, and anxiety shot through the roof. I chalked all these symptoms up to my emotions about the pandemic, but in hindsight, it was mostly norethindrone making me feel poorly. I stopped taking it in November, a few days before my 42nd birthday because the side effects had gotten out of hand. I had constant cramps, back pain, night sweats, numb fingers and toes, headaches for days, low libido, vaginal dryness, erratic emotions, irregular period that came every 20 days or so. When I stopped, all the side effects went away. I'd rather deal with the natural feelings of my period than add negative side effects from a pill. If this is the best medical science can do for people who menstruate in their 40s, it's a pretty sad affair."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 19, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I started googling this before I went on, and the majority of posts are negative - so I'm posting due to a positive experience. I started a month and a half ago after being on a combo pill for my entire life. So far, no issues, no weight gain, the only kinda weird thing is that I haven't gotten a period. Don't hate it, but will probably think I'm pregnant constantly because I'm so paranoid that way. LOL. No side effects so far aside from a bit of cramping!"

• Jpa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2020

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was prescribed Errin as an alternative birth control because of having high blood pressure. The first 3 months were normal with my period lasting about 5-6 days. On the 4th month, I started bleeding profusely! I would bleed through heavy pads in 3 hours. The bleeding was full of huge clots. I lost so much blood that I was pale and required to come into the doctor's office for a checkup. The cramping was unbearable. There is no way this medication is worth the pain and money it costs in feminine products. The birth control works in preventing pregnancy because who would want to have sex with you when you are bleeding through your clothes! Terrible experience."

• Lul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2020

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This is the most awful birth control pill I’ve ever taken in my entire life, and I’ve tried several. I took it exactly on time every day for one week. Starting with day 3, I had a constant headache, nausea, acne, pain in my legs, generalized pain in my body (back, joints, etc.). By day 5 I was bleeding a little, then by day 7 I was bleeding a LOT - like if someone just drew blood straight from my arm and dumped it in the toilet. It wasn’t even like normal period blood, it was so bright red and thin. And on top of the other symptoms, I was dizzy and had cramping, too. It also gave me intense hot flashes and a slight fever, I was sweating practically all the time, and I would wake up several times a night. AWFUL! I would absolutely never recommend this pill to anyone. If I could give it negative stars, I would."

• EM0...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2013

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This medication was amazing at the beginning, but now it has caused severe moodiness and abnormal uterine bleeding. (I've had 2 full periods in 3 weeks) and some days I start spotting and get cramps even though I take my pills on time."

• Tri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was prescribed norethindrone from the pill club due to being estrogen dominant. I suffered badly from heavy bleeding, so I decided the pill was the best option. I took the pill, and the bleeding immediately stopped. I could almost cry. Until two weeks later of consistently taking the pills. Now I’m bleeding so heavy, like a period, and it won’t stop. These pills are supposed to prevent a period, and I started them to avoid this. Now I’m cramping and crying because I can’t stop bleeding. I know breakthrough bleeding is normal, but not like this. I wish I never started this stupid pill. I’ve just decided to get my uterus removed and my ovaries. I don’t want to deal with period problems anymore. This pill didn’t help. Avoid."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Not...
• January 14, 2021

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Read reviews, but thought... hey, everyone is different, so it may help. YEAH RIGHT. I’m on month 3, and my periods are horrible. I was put on Heather to regulate them, but it’s made my days longer. I was originally 6-7 days a month, now I’m 11-15 days. I’m already anemic and was hoping this would be the answer. Not to mention acne. It’s awful. I’ve never had acne. Tender breasts for 2 months, mood swings & depression. Crying for no reason. I’m discontinuing this."

• Mea...
• May 8, 2020

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was put on Norethindrone 5 mg up to three times a day. I take it twice a day right now. I've been on it for almost three months now. This is my last option or I have a hysterectomy. I'm 32, I am trying to put that off. TBH, this works for me. Here are the side effects I have had. I do get night sweats, I do get occasional cramping, but only at night, and yes, they are like period cramps, but nothing like I was having. I can't even have one glass of any type of alcohol without getting sick, and I cannot skip a dose to drink, so that's all off the table. I do get random spotting, and it lasts maybe a couple of days. It's not too bad. I cannot go without eating on this, or I get really ill. I have gained some weight, which birth controls are notorious for doing to women, so it's a common one. 7. Sometimes you do get mood swings, but any hormone, including regular birth controls, can cause this. It's something you just need to work on, realizing it’s happening and then trying to manage the situation."

• Tis...
• April 30, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have uterine fibroids, and I'm anemic. I elected to have the myomectomy, however, all surgeries were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to stop the bleeding and keep my blood levels up, I was prescribed norethindrone to stop my cycles altogether. The first three weeks or so, I didn't have any bleeding. However, at one month, I began experiencing severe acne at 42 years old! The same week, I noticed bleeding and then more frequent breakthrough bleeding while at work and when I woke up. I called to tell my gynecologist about these incidents, and the dosage was increased to 1 in the AM and 1 in the PM...the bleeding never stopped. Three packages of overnight superpads and 1 box of super tampons later, I began having excruciating contraction-like cramps. I couldn't even stand up straight. I've gained 15 lbs, and within 2 months, all of this...I'm not going to take this medication. I'll take my iron pills and hope for the best with my cycles. But nothing should feel like this."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I’m reaching out because I’ve been experiencing a really weird side effect symptom when taking progesterone-only BC. Overall, side effects have been minimal... light cramping, nausea, and headaches, but nothing I can’t handle. The issue is insomnia. I had the same problem when I tried a hormonal IUD. I don’t know why, and I can’t find any literature on the issue, but it seems an increase in progesterone blocks my ability to fall and stay asleep. I was taking different sleep meds to try to help, but after about a week and a half, I had to go off of the Micronor. I just can’t function without adequate sleep. It’s very frustrating because otherwise, this pill would work. Has anyone else had this issue? Does it go away?"

• Lul...
• July 12, 2019

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "49 years old, got on this medication to regulate insanely heavy periods. At 7 weeks, I have not yet had a period - yay! However, in the last two weeks, I began developing lower abdominal pain and cramping on the right side. At times, there is a great deal of pressure, causing an urgency to urinate. Very distracting and uncomfortable and has me using the bathroom every hour. My doctor said to try to stick it out, but I am getting off of this medication due to these side effects. I read online that progesterone can cause changes and functioning to the GI tract like mine. I also have some nausea and heartburn with this medication, so I don't think it is for me. I also noticed my hair falling out at about week 5. Everybody is different, but I think I will try a more natural approach to lightening my periods. Good luck, everybody!"

• 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."

• Kor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been on this birth control, Heather, for 2 months. I'm pretty sure the mechanism of action for this drug is actually just abstinence because bleeding and cramping for 3.5 weeks each month is not conducive to having sex. The depression (which I have no prior history of) doesn't help. My medical professional never warned me about any side effects and has since told me to 'stick it out', so I'll give it a full three months. I had been on estrogen-based birth control for over 20 years and loved it, but hypertension :( At this point, though, I'd almost rather have the hypertension. And can I just take a moment to rant that in all my many trips to the gyno over the years for birth control, no one has EVER brought up vasectomy, when uterine ablation (literally burning out the inside of the uterus) has been suggested though. Come on!! Vasectomy was the first thing my partner suggested (bless him), so we may end up going that route."

• woo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 6, 2023

For Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy "I'm taking this pill for a different reason than most. I'm transgender (FTM), and I use it to stop my period while waiting to start HRT. I'm on 5 mg, and it works great. I have heavy periods with intense cramps that leave me writhing on the floor in pain. It took 3 months for my period to fully stop, but each month was lighter than the last, and I didn't have any debilitating cramps. I occasionally get cramps with no bleeding, but I mentioned it to my doctor, and she said it's nothing to worry about, seeing as I'm on a lower dose. My body still has a monthly hormone cycle, I just don't bleed. If you're looking for relief from all period symptoms, this may not be for you. For this nature of medication, everyone is very different. My experience is not what everybody else will experience."

• 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."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Before I got on this pill, I looked up the reviews and was terrified from all the terrible things I read, but my gyne highly recommended it for me, and I’m happy she did. I’ve been on this pill for about two months now, and my experience has been great. Before getting on this pill, I would have terrible heavy periods that came along with cramps, acne, tender breasts, and mood swings. I have not gotten my period at all since starting it, only spotting with minor cramps. And I have not had any other terrible side effect. I would say give it a try because not everyone’s body is the same."

• col...
• June 10, 2010

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I had been on the combined oral pill for many years and had tried many different kinds. I have experienced every kind of mood swing possible, severe cramping and abdominal pain, headaches, nausea, heartburn, moodiness, and had severe irritability, and uncontrollable bursts of tears before and during my period! As well as a decrease in libido. I felt out of control! I went to the doctor, she told me I was experiencing PMDD, which is much worse than PMS. She put me on Nora-Be since it only has a synthetic progesterone and no synthetic estrogen (which apparently increases all of the craziness). Only taken for a short time, but better already! I have more control of my emotions, and my libido is back in overdrive! Breasts are tender though."

• Cia...
• December 21, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I started these birth control pills Norlyda 2 weeks ago. After the second day of taking them, I started a period that lasted for 8 days. It stopped and came back 4 days later. It has now been on for another week and still hasn't ended. It’s heavy, and I’m going through tampons like crazy. I have to wear a pad as well because the flow is so heavy. The cramps are horrible. I’ve been on birth control pills before and never had an experience like this. I’ve contacted my doctor and was told that this is normal because my period has to regulate and that it can take up to 3 months with these pills to regulate. Meaning that I can be bleeding like this for 3 months. There is no way losing this much blood for all these days is normal. I will be contacting my doctor again to see if they can prescribe me another kind of pill because I cannot deal with all this bleeding and cramping. Also, these pills don’t have placebos. You never know when your period is going to arrive. I do not recommend these."

• CCa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I am on my second pack of Jencycla and highly considering calling it quits. My periods were always 3-4 days prior to taking this pill, and the past month, my period lasted for 9 days and was heavy the entire time. My period stopped for 5 days, and now I'm bleeding again. In a little over a month, I've gained close to 5 lbs, my skin feels different, I have on/off depression and moodiness, and seriously, the random and constant cramping. Also, I don't know if anyone else has noticed this, but I swear I can smell chemicals from my skin, and it only started once I started taking this birth control. It's a very noticeable and strong chemical smell that's especially strong on my hands. No amount of washing with soap gets rid of it. I'm giving this one more month, and if the side effects don't stop/slow down, I'm going to try a different pill."

• Kri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2019

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Okay, so I have been on this for a week now. My face hasn’t broken out more than usual. I have insanely irregular periods, and literally the day after starting this, my period ended, and it hasn’t started up again. Before, I would have maybe two days of no period, and then it would hit me like a freight train again. My body feels much better than it has in years! Again, I have only been on this for a week. I haven’t had any weight gain or random spotting... yet? Idk. Before I got put on this birth control, I literally bled, had intense cramps, mood swings, and migraines pretty much daily. I’m not saying it’s good for everyone, as everyone’s bodies are different. It has worked wonders for me. I will post another review as time goes on. I also haven’t had any issues with my hair falling out or being dull. It’s so nice to not be so damn hormonal every day. I feel so much better health-wise now. I think it’s honestly balancing out my chemicals, but I’m not a doctor."