Norethindrone and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• ACa...
• May 1, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have tried every type of birth control, from implants to IUDs to rings to 5 different types of combined BCPs, but Ortho Micronor is my favorite. I take generic Micronor and it has the least amount of side effects of any hormonal birth control method I have ever used. It’s the only pill that doesn’t cause me mood swings. I have not had any notable extra acne, no facial hair, no weight gain. All other combined pills made me emotional, weepy, agitated, and irritable. I have PMDD, and Yaz actually made it worse. I will take Norethindrone for as long as I can. It’s been the best yet for me. I know every body is different, but I wish I tried this sooner. I would have saved myself a lot of painful and emotional trial and error."

• ACa...
• May 1, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have tried every type of birth control, from implants to IUDs to rings to 5 different types of combined BCPs, but Ortho Micronor is my favorite. I take generic Micronor and it has the least amount of side effects of any hormonal birth control method I have ever used. It’s the only pill that doesn’t cause me mood swings. I have not had any notable extra acne, no facial hair, no weight gain. All other combined pills made me emotional, weepy, agitated, and irritable. I have PMDD, and Yaz actually made it worse. I will take Norethindrone for as long as I can. It’s been the best yet for me. I know every body is different, but I wish I tried this sooner. I would have saved myself a lot of painful and emotional trial and error."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I love this birth control! I have struggled since I was 16 with finding a birth control that was right for me. I have had so many issues with abnormal bleeding, mood swings, weight gain, etc., and have not liked the fact that the long-term effects of birth control can lead to heart disease, blood clots, and more. This birth control has changed my life. I have lost all of my mood swings, I feel so much better in general, I have lost weight, and most of all, ladies, my sex drive is THROUGH THE ROOF. Not that me or my husband are complaining. It's been a very nice thing. All you have to do is take it every day at the same time. And no matter how busy your schedule, you can set a simple alarm on your phone. Try this pill! You won't regret it!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Whi...
• March 10, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I am back on this birth control after not being on anything for a few years, but my periods were becoming such a nuisance with my busy schedule (9 days of heavy bleeding and clots). Due to my migraines with aura, I can't take anything with estrogen in it. I'm not sure if I'm an anomaly or why there are such terrible reviews, as I no longer have periods at all. It completely stopped my cycle, but I have to make sure to take it at exactly the same time each day. I still feel like myself - without the mood swings or crying. I am slightly more fatigued at night and fall asleep earlier, which might be a good thing. My vaginal discharge is thicker. I've actually noticed my acne improving and haven't noticed any weight changes."

• 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."

• Mca...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 7, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "You have to be patient with this stuff. The first 3-6 months come with some pretty annoying side effects such as multiple periods a month, mood swings, and acne, but luckily for me, no weight gain. I take it for normal birth control and have been on it for about 8 months now, and I like it. My acne has actually gone away, and I get a period every other month that lasts about 3 days! I know this pill reacts differently on people, but I have no problem with it. I guess you can’t base your actual opinion off of using it for a week. Give it a chance and be patient. Also, you should be taking it at the same time every day for it to be most effective!!"

• Lov...
• January 31, 2013

Norethindrone for Birth Control "This birth control did prevent me from getting pregnant, which is the main concern. However, I have never bled so much in my life. I am someone who has always had perfect periods without birth control. I went from that to bleeding three weeks out of the month, and it never would stop. It wasn't necessarily heavy bleeding, but it is very aggravating to bleed constantly. This medicine also made me have acne, and I normally have very clear skin. It made me have mood swings that my husband noticed. He even asked me when his nice wife was coming back. I decided after giving this three months to go for a permanent birth control method."

• 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!"

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2020

Norethindrone for Endometriosis "I have had excessive bleeding, blood clots, and bad cramps since 2016. This medicine, Aygestin, is my last resort, I've been trying to avoid surgery. This medicine has helped with my symptoms, however, I have experienced some side effects from Aygestin: 1. Allergy symptoms: runny nose and sneezing (daily). 2. Acid reflux (daily). 3. Nervousness (occasional). 4. Mood swings, feeling uptight (daily). 5. Feeling hot (daily). 6. Trouble sleeping (occasional). 7. Frequent urge to urinate. 8. Weight gain. Although I had these side effects, it is still better than what I had previously experienced, I am considering surgery. I just want to feel somewhat normal again."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2021

Norethindrone for Amenorrhea "Starting Errin has seriously been a life-changer. I’m 37, and for the last two years or so, I’ve been dealing with major hormonal fluctuations, migraines, super heavy periods lasting 10 days, mood swings, insomnia, you name it. Basically, all the symptoms that come along with perimenopause. All of my symptoms essentially disappeared after taking Errin… and the best part is my mood has significantly improved. I’m more calm and feel more at peace on the daily. I’m so happy I decided to give this a try."

• Ven...
• May 6, 2016

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm 41 and have had heavy periods for 3 years. I was bleeding for 10 straight days before seeing my OB. I did tests and vaginal ultrasounds, and my OB says everything looks fine. She put me on Micronor because of my HBP and because of my age. I was having breakthrough bleeding for 3 weeks after starting on Micronor. After the 3 weeks, I guess I had my period because it was heavier. I still had a little spotting afterwards, and thankfully it tapered off after a few days. Now no blood, it stopped, and I'm period free. I'm now in my first week of my second pack. I don't really have any side effects, just a little hungrier, but no weight gain yet. My complexion is fine, no mood swings, my sex life is fine, no depression either."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• CCa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 7, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I started taking Nora-Be over 7 years ago after having my baby. I was breastfeeding at the time, and going on this mini pill made sense. Throughout the past 7 years, I’ve gained 37 pounds. I didn’t change my diet or exercise. I had horrible migraines and sensitivity to light. My hair was falling out like crazy. My periods were so irregular. I would have random bleeding and spotting throughout the month. I had horrible mood swings and anxiety. I would feel sad and stressed out for no reason. I had bad insomnia, and my blood pressure also increased. I never got pregnant, though. I never ever made the connection that Nora-Be could be the reason why I was experiencing all these issues. I kept going to the doctor throughout the years, and no one made the connection either. I finally stopped taking it 3 days ago. I hope it gets better for me. I’m in the process of losing weight and just being healthier. Everyone is different, but I wouldn’t recommend Nora-Be."

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

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been taking Errin for a week now. I started it the first day of my period. I usually have a 2-3 day period, but it stayed on for 6 days, it wasn't heavy. I get emotional due to the pill, I have lost weight, and I also notice my bottom is getting rounder! I'm experiencing light cramping, my hair is still intact, and no acne. I will follow up with you guys in about a month if there are any changes..."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2020

Norethindrone for Endometriosis "The doctor placed me on this when I came off the birth control patch and had magnified symptoms such as excruciating cramps and extended bleeding. While these were both suppressed by the norethindrone, this medicine brought on a whole host of new side effects: hot flashes, night sweats, oily skin and hair, acne, water retention, breast tenderness, and - holy heck - the MOOD SWINGS! I feel like I'm yelling at everyone! I have PMDD, and this medicine has made it 10x worse, where I cannot stand to be around anyone and vice versa. I decided to tell my doctor about it this week, and he wanted to give me the Minivelle Dot to see if that would help, but I felt even worse after wearing it for 5 hours. I decided to go back on Xulane because at least that controls all the symptoms, even if I do have spotting for most of the month. I'd rather deal with that than feeling like this!"

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

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."