Norethindrone and Headaches: 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."

• 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."

• Tes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Just finished my first pack and was nervous reading these reviews. I lost 4 lbs this month through my regular diet and exercise, and the pill did not seem to affect that. I do not have any acne, and my hair is planted firmly in my head. I have not experienced so much as a spot or cramp. The only thing I did notice was a headache that lasted for about 30 minutes the first day and slightly decreased appetite in general. I much prefer this over my previous IUD."

• Myr...
• February 9, 2012

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "After multiple surgeries, office procedures and tests done on me, the results show low progesterone. My doctor put me on this pill. For the last two months and now going into my third pack of pills, I no longer have heavy, long periods. I do recall that missing a dose or taking my pill late caused me to have a period, spotting, or long, heavy periods. Now, I make sure I take them every day at the same time. So far, it works and I have not had a period or spotting in about 35 days. I am not pregnant; occasionally, I get a light headache or feel a little dizzy and realize that I need to eat something. After I eat, the light headache and slight dizziness go away. I've lost weight instead of gaining weight from the pill."

• 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!"

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2016

Norethindrone for Endometriosis "Ok, almost 3 months into taking Nora-Be, and I'm back with an update... So, I had breakthrough bleeding the first 2 months, but it slowly went away. You have to make sure to take the pill at the exact same time every day. I've lost weight, typically, looking at BC makes me gain weight. All the pain and bleeding I had for years with endo is gone. I haven't been taking the week 4 pills and jumping to a new pack, but I just read somewhere that pop doesn't have placebo pills, so the 4th week is also hormone? I'm not 100% on that yet. Ok, back to side effects... No more acne, but skin feels dry. I'm dry everywhere, unfortunately. Small price to pay for a pain-free, cyst-free existence. No headaches, no nausea, no more breakthrough bleeding. Will update in another month..."

• 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?"

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2020

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started taking Jencycla to help with heavy bleeding. My cycles were the opposite of what they should be... so instead of having my period for a week and not bleeding for three weeks... I was bleeding three weeks and not having my period for a week! I did have minor headaches when I started this. My pharmacist told me it would take at least 3 months to see any results, so to keep taking it. The first two months were the same old thing, but then last month was my third month, and I went 17 days without any bleeding!! And this month has now been 22 days without any bleeding. Knock on wood, I think it is working for me. So don't give up after a month or two, give it time to get in your system!"

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2014

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I started taking this because my doctor said that this pill uses a hormone similar to progesterone (what the human body produces). The other pills I've tried (Tri-Cyclen, Yasmin) use estrogen, which is more likely to cause blood clots, heart attack, high blood pressure, and stroke. I had minor spotting, and then no period at all. I have had a few headaches, but I am not sure if they're related. I've also had WAY less of an appetite, which was usually the opposite when I took birth control in pill form. I'd love to have a more natural form of birth control, but at this point, I'm happy with Micronor as a solution."

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

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."

• 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. :)"

• ama...
• May 11, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I was on a combo pill for years before Micronor, and it was the worst. I had terrible mood swings, weight gain, an increase in appetite, and low sex drive, and the headaches were TERRIBLE. Once I started getting aura migraines, my doctor made me switch. I thought Micronor would be just as bad or worse. Thankfully, however, everything has been good! I've only noticed around an 8 lb weight gain, and it pretty much all went to my chest, I went from barely a B to a full C. Can't complain about that, lol. My only real complaint is that my face, which has always been clear even throughout my teenage years, now breaks out every so often. No mood swings, decreased appetite, up sex drive, bigger boobs, regular periods, and no babies. Go Micronor!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• SJa...
• March 6, 2017

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "In the past, I did not take any form of birth control due to the high hormone levels. I have recently had to be put on the Nora-Be for abnormal bleeding, unbelievable cramps, and just all-over debilitating monthly experiences. I have been on the 'mini pill' for 2 months so far. The first month's period was still painful but only 2 days and not the full 7, there was very little clotting, and I could still function in daily life. Not bedridden with a heating pad or ingesting a whole bottle of painkillers. It is now month 2, and my cycle should have started 4 days ago. I'm not worried one bit that it hasn't!! LOL. I have had no headaches, no neck pain, no discomfort at all. Can't really say if my weight loss is due to the pill or diet and exercise."

• 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!"

• app...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2022

Norethindrone for Endometriosis "For years I had been experiencing on-and-off excruciating period cycles. Suspected endo for a while, ended up going to the ER for an appendectomy; lo and behold, as they're working on that, they call in an OBGYN to take a look at some weirdness who ended up diagnosing me with endo via biopsy. Apparently was Stage 3. Started me on 0.35mg Errin which helped at first with preventing pain and digestive issues. Not many side effects, but it did make my cycle shorter (30 days to 20) and lighter. The effectiveness started to wane after around 7 months. Didn't have the worst of my old cramps, but still worse than average and seemingly heavier from before I was on medication, so he switched me over to 5mg Aygestin. Very obvious side effects to start - headaches, hot flashes, some insomnia, definitely plenty of moodiness - but these went away completely after the first month or so. No periods or breakthrough bleeding at all, absolutely no pain. Optimistic for this one working long-term!"

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

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."

• Shi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2023

Norethindrone "This pill had changed my life! After suffering for nearly three years with unbelievable childbirth-level pain with each cycle and taking a ridiculous amount of Advil each month, I decided to try this pill. The first month had some unpredictable light bleeding, and I would have a light headache each evening (not too bad at all). After that, the headaches went away, and when I get my period, it's very, very light with very, very mild cramping, and sometimes I don't get a period at all. For me, this is a major life change. No more crazy pain, no more destroying my body with pain meds. I've been on it for over 4 months now. I take this pill in the evening at EXACTLY the same time. I can't tell you how happy I am to have found it. I no longer spend hours online trying to find something that will help with my adeno and endo pain. I hope it works for you too!"

• Anonymous
• October 30, 2011

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Started taking this 10 days ago, and feel terrible! Headaches, acne (and I have amazing skin normally), urine smells funny, and emotionally very unsettled. Will be going back to see the doctor ASAP, and exploring other options! Do your research before taking this pill."

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2013

Norethindrone for Birth Control "So far, so good. I've been taking this pill for almost 2 months (I know it's kind of a short time to claim results), but it's been treating me well. I made sure I put an alarm on my phone to ensure that I take it on time every day. So far, I have experienced headaches from time to time. About two times, I took the pill about 2 hrs late and had light bleeding from then up until a week, which is a pain. I know more time will tell for real results, but I just wanted to give a review of beginning side effects for me."

• 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!"

• Nic...
• August 9, 2015

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have taken the pill for 26 days. The 27th, I have decided to stop! I have been bleeding heavily for 26 continuous days, plus cramping, headaches, absolute lack of libido, bigger sore breasts, need to sleep 5 extra hours per day (naps all the time), extreme sadness, vaginal dryness despite the bleeding, heavy legs, general growing fatigue, and incapacity to function normally! I switched to another pill (Lolo from Actavis), and so far, so good. I am thankful for the reviews here because I did not feel alone or getting crazy with such painful side effects. The extreme sadness was really odd. Lolo is not a mini-pill, but it has a low amount of estrogen. I am hopeful. I could not move with Micronor despite being very active normally."

• Kat...
• July 16, 2015

Norethindrone for Amenorrhea "I have never reacted well to hormonal medication. Even on Mirena, I had serious reactions. I expected horrible things from Micronor. I was wrong. After 3 weeks of headaches and sore breasts, I felt better than normal. My skin has cleared up, I've lost 10 lbs, gained a cup size, and my libido has increased. Most importantly, my periods have become regular, lowering my cancer risks. While I wish it didn't function as birth control, it's an acceptable side effect for me right now, as there are no medications for this that aren't birth control!"

• Cec...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 14, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been using Errin for about a year now, and honestly, I love it. Before Errin, I used a combined BC pill, and I had awful side effects. My limbs went numb, I had terrible headaches, I was very dizzy and nauseous. My healthcare provider recommended a POP because of my past experience with estrogen. Since being on Errin, I have honestly had no side effects. Definitely recommend this BC for those who can’t have estrogen like me."