Norethindrone and Depression: What Users Say

• 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."

• Ms ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2021

Norlyda (norethindrone) for Endometriosis "Nuvaring user aged 19-22, tried again at 29. In 2016, I began having pelvic pain, turned out to be a ruptured cyst. In 2019 and 2020, I underwent testing for endometriosis. In 2021, I had a triple-surgeon operation for endo and was put on Norlyda to keep hormones in balance, at the age of 34. I noticed tiredness with the first packet. I am about to finish my third pack, and my skin itches horribly every day, my vision gets blurry, I'm sweating more, feeling depressed (and coping differently), and have gained 13 lbs!! These are listed side effects for Norlyda, unbeknownst to me. What's not listed is that my nipples look incredibly ugly now, my butt crack hair grows quickly, and I have more acne breakouts. BUT, I am living pain-free and with little effect on my pooping schedule. My periods are sporadic, usually shorter with darker blood. My whole body changed using this birth control. :( Sorry if TMI, but I think it's important to share, and I hope I helped someone with my experience."

• Not...
• January 14, 2021

Heather (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."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 7, 2020

Errin (norethindrone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started this birth control in April of 2020, and this is almost my 7th month being on it. The first month was okay, but it made me really depressed. I was prescribed this birth control because I can’t take combination pills due to the fact that I have migraines. I’ve been bleeding twice a month since then, and I was told to give it time and that it would get better after the 6-month adjustment period. I’m still bleeding 2 times a month, and it’s been almost 7 months. I keep track of everything on the Flo app, and I always seem to bleed around the time that I’m supposed to “ovulate.” I’m not sure if that has something to do with it or what, but it’s very, very annoying. It’s doing its job, though I just wish I wouldn’t bleed 2 times in 1 month. It’s annoying enough having 1 period, and now I have 2."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2020

Camila (norethindrone) for Birth Control "This pill, Camila, is awful!!! I’ve been off and on it a few times, unsure whether it was the pill or just me. Nope, it was the pill. If you enjoy crying nonstop for no reason, extreme anxiety and depression, unable to get out of bed due to exhaustion, weight gain, and anger issues, this pill is right for you! If not, run. This pill completely changed who I was, and I didn’t like it at all. I was no longer my motivated, bubbly self but rather a very mean crybaby who slept all the time. Not to mention the constant spotting and headaches. I couldn’t stand this pill anymore, so I quit. Highly do not recommend."

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

Heather (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!"

• Bri...
• June 30, 2016

Ortho Micronor (norethindrone) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on plenty of birth control methods. From the ring, patch, IUD, and pills. Nothing seemed to work, then (as a healthcare professional) I decided to research and try Norethindrone (Ortho Micronor). This was the best decision, Sharobel and Micronor are my favorites! No weight gain (like I've had on others), no anxiety issues/depression. Sex drive is the same. I will NOT go back to anything else! I'm so grateful."

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

Heather (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."

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

Jencycla (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."

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

Ortho Micronor (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."

• Ali...
• November 6, 2020

Heather (norethindrone) for Birth Control "I don't normally leave reviews, but I definitely felt obligated to share my experience with the Heather birth control pill. This is a mini pill, so of course, I was taking it after I had my son, so I could continue to breastfeed him. Not only did it make me gain all 30 lbs back that I initially lost after I had him, but it completely wrecked my normally clear skin. Aside from physical issues, the reason I really wanted to leave this review is because of the mental side effects it gave me. I am regularly a very happy person, however, this BC made me extremely depressed, which is definitely not good for a woman who just had a baby! I don't believe it should be prescribed for women, period, but most definitely not for new mothers. It did its job of allowing me to not get pregnant and still breastfeed, so I gave it a couple of stars, however, other than that, I would recommend something else."

• Bit...
• July 29, 2014

Lyza (norethindrone) for Birth Control "So I have been taking Lyza for 5 months now. If I am 1 hour or more late on taking my pill, then I will automatically start a bleeding cycle for at least 5 days. I have no clue when my period actually is anymore. I also have had a 15-pound weight gain. I have also been losing hair, been depressed, and other odd things. I do not like this birth control at all, it does not work well with my body."

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

Errin (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."

• Xan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2019

For Endometriosis "Norethindrone is an absolute nightmare of a drug. Started at 5 mg, and immediately after starting dosage, the insomnia started, and when I could sleep, I would be woken up by extreme night sweats (think stepped out of the shower soaking)—I get daily hives, the most insane mood swings I think I have ever had, and extreme depression. Do not take this drug!"

• ju1...
• May 9, 2015

Camila (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."

• Jah...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 12, 2018

Jencycla (norethindrone) for Birth Control "I've been in all different kinds of birth control since I was 14. They have all had horrible side effects. I started this BC after having my first daughter because I was breastfeeding. I have never experienced a single side effect. Due to insurance issues, I wasn't able to get this specific one, and they switched me to 'the same formula just a different brand.' It was a no-go!! I had mood swings and severe depression instantly. I only took it for like a month. Anyways, got insurance all sorted out and was able to get Jencycla again. No joke, guys, my depression has actually IMPROVED since being back on this mini pill. And still no side effects. I've been taking it for about 1.5 years total, with a small 3-month break. 10/10 would recommend."

• o4D...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2022

Deblitane (norethindrone) for Birth Control "HORRIBLE experience!!!! I’ve been on it 10 days, and the side effects are so bad that I have to stop immediately (my gyno agrees). On day 2, I started having bad headaches off and on daily. Then developed brain fog, huge mood swings with anger flares and depression, exhaustion/fatigue… and today, crying fits that now just won’t stop. I’ve never been unknowingly drugged, but I imagine this is what it would feel like – totally out of control of your body and emotions and so unlike yourself that there is no solid ground. I can’t believe how awful I feel and how quickly I’ve tanked. I wish I could report someone for making this drug, I feel like someone else completely, and people that know me well agree I am markedly 100% not myself at all. Trying not to interact with people so that I don’t say or do anything that I regret, and praying that my body goes back to normal soon. I’m an inch away from calling the crisis team."

• Anonymous
• February 17, 2011

Jolivette (norethindrone) for Birth Control "I was prescribed Jolivette due to my high blood pressure, which was being caused by Ocella birth control. For the first 3 months, I did not experience any side effects besides the irregular period, which was advised in advance. After 3 months, I first noticed the side effects below: extreme weight gain (50 pounds!) and cravings for food that I had not previously eaten. Oily scalp and hair loss, this was a first for me and I thought that I was just getting older, but then confirmed that it was Jolivette! (I'm 30, by the way). Anger and stress to the extreme. Depressed for no reason (I actually thought I was pregnant and would take home and doctor tests, but they resulted as negative every time). Chest and stomach pains."

• tde...
• April 10, 2017

Heather (norethindrone) for Birth Control "I've had trouble finding a birth control that wouldn't make me gain weight, give me UTIs, or make me depressed. I have finally found the one! This birth control has given me no issues at all. At first, my period was a little irregular when adjusting to this pill, but now it comes regularly and I have no negative side effects. You do have to be a little more exact with the time you take this BC, but I have my phone alarm set every day to the same time, so it's usually not a problem. The only time it is, is when my schedule is a little out of whack. Other than that, this is the best birth control I've taken and will continue to take."

• Des...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 18, 2021

Nora-Be (norethindrone) for Birth Control "My wife doesn’t think she has any side effects from Nora-BE. And when I brought it up last night, she threatened me with divorce. She seems to like it because she doesn’t seem to have a period when she’s on it. But this pill is seriously messing with my wife’s mood and has completely destroyed her sex drive. I quote, “she would rather eat rusty nails than have sex with me.” This pill is literally destroying my wife’s emotions and has caused constant depression, and it all started after she started taking Nora-BE. And there is nothing I can say or do to get her to make the connection between this pill she takes every single morning and the way she has become so abusive and depressed on it... but what do I know? “I’m too stupid to understand how she feels.” My wife was never like this before, and everything I have read here from you ladies explains so many things, and I see so many similarities."

• Cam...
• June 8, 2016

Ortho Micronor (norethindrone) for Birth Control "Before this, I tried one mini pill and had mood swings/breakouts. Then tried the combined pill (Lucette) and gained weight rapidly- even went up a cup size in a week. As a result, I felt depressed because of my weight gain. I then tried the IUD, intercourse felt like being stabbed internally, and I had bleeding every day for four months with flesh clots. Although my GP claimed this wasn't because of the IUD, they eventually removed it due to an ovarian cyst. Within days, all side effects stopped, but my GP put me on Cerelle, which made me have insane mood swings and depression. This is the first pill with no side effects other than light breakthrough bleeding every few months."

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

Errin (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."

• Rac...
• July 15, 2015

Nora-Be (norethindrone) for Birth Control "I've tried many, many forms of BCPs. Having given up hope that I could find a decent pill that didn't cause weight gain and depression, I made an appointment to get a Mirena IUD or the Implanon. I asked my doctor one more time if she thought there were any low-dose options I should try, and she put me on this. So far, so good. I can normally tell what the side effects are very quickly upon trying a new pill. This one seems fine so far, and it's only been a few weeks. With all pills containing estrogen, I feel very foggy, a bit depressed, my athleticism suffers, I don't sleep as well, and I gain weight. I already lost 3 pounds when switching to this pill without any dietary changes. I feel great when climbing/hiking/running."

• Dee...
• January 8, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Spotting at first, then gushing for days!! Took it for fibroids to control heavy periods. Worst mistake! I bled more than I did without the pill. Depression, tiredness, irritability were all my symptoms!"

• HOR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2022

Deblitane (norethindrone) for Endometriosis "I am halfway through my 3rd pack, and I refuse to take this again. I was taking it for hemorrhagic ovarian cysts. Not only is it causing me to have severe mood swings, crying fits, and severe depression, I'm now also bleeding for 2 weeks. This medication was supposed to help with my hemorrhagic ovarian cysts and avoid hysterectomy, but I'm constantly on the ledge of committing myself to the hospital. The only thing this medication is great for is causing severe depression, excessive bleeding, and making me feel like I'm pregnant, hormonal, and crying over every little thing anyone says or does. This hasn't fixed any problems other than make me want to give up on life. I did not utilize this for birth control. I can no longer take estrogen birth control because I had blood clots. This created WAY more problems. I'd rather just have surgery to remove the problems than to take this pill that makes you feel this bad."