Skip to main content

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Endometriosis User Reviews (Page 2)

Brand names: Lo Loestrin Fe, Junel Fe 1/20, Blisovi Fe 1/20, Junel Fe 24, Loestrin 21 1/20, Junel Fe 1.5/30, Larin Fe 1/20, Junel 1/20, Hailey 24 Fe, Microgestin 1/20, femhrt, Hailey Fe 1/20, Nortrel 1/35, Microgestin Fe 1/20, Hailey 1.5/30, Larin 24 Fe, Aurovela Fe 1/20, Gemmily, Larin Fe 1.5/30, Larin 1/20, Taytulla, Tarina Fe 1/20, Nortrel 7/7/7, Aranelle, Junel 1.5/30, Balziva, Alyacen 1/35, Layolis Fe, Microgestin 1.5/30, Nortrel 0.5/35, Nylia 1/35, Generess Fe, Minastrin 24 Fe, Jinteli, Estrostep Fe, Fyavolv, Nexesta Fe, Alyacen 7/7/7, Blisovi 24 Fe, Melodetta 24 Fe, Brevicon, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7, Necon 0.5/35, Microgestin Fe 1.5/30, Tri-Legest Fe, Briellyn, Philith, Dasetta 1/35, Hailey Fe 1.5/30, Charlotte 24 Fe, Wera, Wymzya Fe, Pirmella 1/35, Gildess Fe 1/20, Aurovela Fe 1.5/30, Aurovela 1/20, Tarina 24 Fe, Kaitlib Fe, Tilia Fe, Dasetta 7/7/7, Oshih, Vyfemla, Finzala, Blisovi Fe 1.5/30, Mibelas 24 Fe, Gildess 24 Fe, Pirmella 7/7/7, Cyclafem 1/35, Cyclafem 7/7/7, Gildess Fe 1.5/30, Norinyl 1+35, Necon 7/7/7 Leena Zenchent Fe Femcon Fe Nylia 7/7/7 Zenchent Cyonanz Aurovela 24 Fe Taysofy Leribane Aurovela 1.5/30 Cyclafem 0.5/35 Tri-Legest Gildagia Lomedia 24 Fe Dasetta Rhuzdah Gildess 1.5/30 Gildess 1/20 Merzee Larin 1.5/30 Chabelina Fe …show all brand names

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone has an average rating of 6.4 out of 10 from a total of 71 reviews for the treatment of Endometriosis. 48% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 25% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone

  • eva
  • March 6, 2008

Loestrin 21 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "Taking this medication for endometriosis has made all my symptoms better. I no longer have the horrible cramping and irregular bleeding. There isn't any more inflamation but i do suffer acne and have gained 15lbs in the past 2 months using loestrin"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • miss__E
  • December 8, 2014

Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "My doctor recommended me to take this birth control pill as I was diagnosed with endometriosis outside of my ovary and had to get a large cyst removed. So far since I've recently started these hormones I have been feeling great. I just noticed that it makes me very hungry, but my mood has been excellent. Feeling great can't complain."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report
  • Anon
  • February 15, 2011

Nortrel 7/7/7 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I've been on Nortrel 7/7/7 for about 6 months. I went on it to help with my endometriosis. The first couple months, the pain was actually much worse. Though that settled and is somewhat better now. Not totally gone though. I've gained about 10 pounds in those 6 months. I retain a lot of fluid while taking the active pills, and my breasts are continuously sore and heavy. I'm going to try something else with a lower estrogen level to try and get rid of this water weight."

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
7 Report
  • Anonymous
  • October 28, 2011

Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I LOVED this birth control when I first started it. I was switched from Levora hoping that it would help my endometriosis - that time of the month is very painful for me. This pill worked WONDERFULLY for that. I had minor cramps for two days or so, max. No other side effects too. It made my periods shorter and lighter, and I could easily tell when I was going to start my period and stop it. After a few months the timing went WAY off. My period would come WAY too early, then I'd just be spotting on my placebo pills. It became very unpredictable. It's also pretty expensive as there is no generic. For those reasons I'm now taking Apri. I would recommend this pill though, especially if you have endometriosis."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
7 Report
  • MadHa...
  • June 5, 2019

"I was on Loesterin for 7 days and I had to stop taking it. Loesterin made me so dizzy, and it got worse each day. I couldn't function. I do not know if it is a side effect that will go away. Loesterin gave me a much smaller appetite and no weight gain. I lost 2 lbs in 3 days because I did not feel hungry, at all. My breasts did not swell or get tender. I did have a mild - moderate headache almost the entire. I got no acne from it, my sex drive was beyond non existent the entire week, and my vagina was a little irritated. My mood was not disrupted and my emotions stayed in check while on it. I am not on birth control for pregnancy prevention, I have endometriosis and have to take a combination birth control pill with no breaks in order to keep severe pelvic pain and extremely bad menstrual cramps away."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • KES
  • September 10, 2019

Tri-Legest (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I've been on Tri-Legest for many years, maybe 10 years. I had very inconsistent, long, very heavy flow periods when I was a teenager and went on the pill for that reason, though this was not that pill. I switched a few times because of mood effect, weight gain, etc. With TriLegest I had 8 good years with a consistent, light and not too painful period. I moved out of the country and where I live I cannot get it, so I was off Trilegest for about 2-3 months and on some generic horrible Colombian pill that made me feel absolutely crazy, so I went off the pill completely. Also, I started to have terrible cramping on one side and pain during sex. I was able to get a new prescription when I visited the states and started it after about 4 months total of being off it but the pain persisted and got worse and then a week ago I had an endometrial ablation..."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Greta
  • November 11, 2016

"I have tried over 15 different birth controls, each with different terrible side effects. Eventually I had surgery for a uterine tumor and endometriosis, and the surgeon suggested LoLo. No acne, very little bleeding (unless i forget to take a pill), no unsual body changes or emotional outbursts or anything, and no more tumors, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts. I've been on it for 4 years now without pain. I think it lowers my sex drive and makes me a little sleepier/less active than usual, but its worth it to live pain free. My doctor has had to continue to fight to get my insurance to cover it, but they usually cover at least part of it."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • CATLO...
  • March 7, 2011

Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I just started taking it after I was finally diagnosed with endometriosis after suffering for many years with painful cramps. I took it on my first day. Today is my second and I don't have any cramps. Thank goodness I'm not in pain. I'm still bleeding heavy but no pain. We'll see if this continues to work."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report
  • Anonymous
  • April 30, 2016

Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I was put on this medication because I suffer from endometriosis related pain as well as extremely irregular periods (I had about 3-5 periods a year versus once a month). I can happily say that I no longer double over in pain, it's still uncomfortable but not unbearable, my periods are also much more consistent. However, I have noticed mood swings that I have never had a problem with before, as well as more than normal breakouts (mostly around my chin and cheeks). I also experienced a bit of nausea the first couple months I was taking it, eating right before you take it helps a lot. Overall it did what my doctor and I set out to initially do, but it does have some side effects i'm not thrilled about."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • AP120...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 1, 2016

Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "My doctor started me on Microgestin over a year ago to control my endometriosis symptoms. So far, it has helped completely with the irregular bleeding I was experiencing. I still have pain, so it hasn't 100% helped with that aspect. One side effect that almost made me stop altogether was the breast tenderness. I do notice that I get a small amount of acne at times. I have suffered with migraines for 17 years and I honestly feel that this medicine brings them on or makes them worse. I have recorded 21 migraines in less than a year so am currently considering switching to another method of birth control."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Gapeach
  • July 18, 2018

"I've been on the microgestin Fe 1.5/30 21 day pack for over 2 yrs now. I love it-- no periods-- ever, helped with my endometriosis pains, less headaches, little to no acne, the only negative I have is my sex drive being practically gone. But with all the rest being uber positive I could care less about the sex part."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • alys
  • May 26, 2015

"I've been on this birth control for severe chronic pain due to endometriosis. I have been taking it for about 9 months continuously with no placebo. I have not had a period since taking it which makes the pain a lot more bearable. I have gained about 10-15lbs. Major sweet tooth that I didn't have before. My breasts are also bigger. In all I'd definitely recommend this pill for endometriosis pain. My chronic pain is still there, but wayyy more manageable! I plan to stay on this pill, skipping periods as long as my doctor allows. It's the only thing that has lessened the pain."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Nik
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 1, 2018

"I am on day 9 of Taytulla and am already experiencing side effects. It is to be expected though. I haven't been on BC in years and was having some extreme hormonal issues. Anxious, depressed, painful periods. I am taking it for my Endometriosis specifically. I started getting migraines about day 5 and it has progressively gotten worse. I vomited last night and cannot handle any type of heavy food. I have the chills, seeing spots and am extremely sensitive to light. My stool has been soft as well. But my skin looks great and I do not feel anxious or depressed as of now. I've been treating my migraines and dizziness with a cold cloth on my eyes and relax in a quiet dark room at night instead of indulging in technology. I will report back if I see progress or not, but I am going to give it a solid three months. I will be taking Taytulla straight through, no sugar pills to prevent a period. Give your experience time because everyone is completely different and your body needs to adjust."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • bspez
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 28, 2017

"I was put on this medication for my endometriosis that I was diagnosed with and I took it for 36 days.. on the last day I took it I had a full blown panic attack that has now lasted for 8 days. I can not sleep, I can hardly eat, and whats worse is that I can not feel anything I am completely numb. Can anyone tell me how long it took them to start feeling back to normal?"

Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Ashly...
  • December 2, 2016

Microgestin 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I started my first pack October 1st, two mn ago. Since then I've been on my period on & off the last six of the eight weeks. Spoting on the days I were suppose to get my period but living with full blown endo all eight weeks. This by far is the worse birth control I've ever taken. Side effect out this world. First it was the cramping, then the headaches, then chronic fatigue even after food. What made it strange is the horrible mood swings making a monster. (Literaly) My emotions were gone, all I felt was anger & numbness. I had no idea it was the birth control until my OB informed me yesterday that generic brands are made in other countries, made with god-knows-what. So today was put on a name brand birth control. We shall see!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Yoga...
  • December 11, 2016

Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I have stage 4 endometriosis. I have been taking lo loestrin 26 for one month. I am miserable. Bleeding almost every day, weight gain, swelling over my entire body, terrible nausea and diarrhea, and unmanageable exhasution. I am a physician and trying to avoid a second excision surgery and the terrible periods with adenomyosis, but these side effects make me feel worse than before. I can barely function except for work. I skipped the placebo pills and to no avail, I am still bleeding. Time to call the surgeon's office. So disappointed with this drug,"

Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • endow...
  • November 25, 2016

"I've been on this pill for 2 months and so far so good. I was diagnosed via laparoscopy with endo almost 3 months ago and had one of the worst cases my doctor has ever seen in her 30+ years of practice. I did not want to go on Lupron so my doctor suggested this. I have had almost no pain so it's been great! My only complaints is that I do get random spotting for 2-3 days every month (hopefully that'll stop as I continue the medicine) and my acne is HORRIBLE. I'm breaking out all over my lower face, my neck, chest, back, even on my forearms and earlobes. I would obviously rather treat my endo then my acne but I hope it clears up soon! For endo, however, this pill is great."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Micky
  • June 7, 2016

Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "Due to a recent endometriosis diagnosis my doctor switched me to Lo Loestrin from Sronyx. The first day I took the pill I started cramping and bleeding like never before. I usually have really bad cramping, body aches, heavy bleeding but only for 3 days. It's now been 9 days on the pill and I am still bleeding heavily, cramping and having body aches. I don't understand and am so worried. I started the pill to control all these symptoms but its been very frustrating and confusing."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Princ...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 16, 2016

Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "Well my expeirence so far has been really bad, I have had excessive weight gain, Acne breakouts here and their not too bad though, Ive had no period for a long time but now im somewhat bleeding and its not even heavy, The bad thing is im getting really bad ovary cramps, I feel very bad with mood swings their driving me crazy and im eating like im pregnant. I have pregnancy symptoms without being pregnant -.-... I dont know i wouldnt recommend this for anyone but i half to suffer on it for like 2-3 more months."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Anony...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 11, 2016

Junel Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "This was my first pill I started on back in 2011 and stopped in 2012. This pill was great. No side effects in the beginning. Light periods. Unfortunately, I had to stop it when side effects started happening after 9 months.. Broke out in nickel sized hives and had bad insomnia."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Kat
  • October 13, 2016

"I have been on this birth control for 2 months now as was prescribed to me. My Dr. Put me on it after my surgery for Endometriosis... The birth control was to regulate my period so my painful & continual periods would cease... Well it ceased the constant cramps and I dont take the sugar pills and skip having my period altogether. I have no libedo, which is not normal. I never gain weight, I've gained 11lbs. I just read a ton of the other reviews and am surprised no one is having this one symptom I have... I am cometely numb to feelings... others - family, friends & my husband say I've acting way different and cold towards them... Its like I have no feeling of love, anger, or sadness! So I am getting off of it and I do not reccomend it"

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Squis...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 21, 2018

"I started taking Microgestin Fe 1/20 last year to help control endometriosis with great results! Less daily pain, more regular periods that aren’t as heavy, and no mood swings/nausea. The huge downside for myself personally is the weight gain. I’ve gone from my normal 140 to about 161lb in less than 6 months even through exercising and dieting. If it weren’t controlling my pain and the lesions from endometriosis I wouldn’t be taking this BC."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • BcDLP
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 11, 2015

Necon 1/35 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "The Necon 1/35 works great for my endometrieosis . In conjunction with the laparoscopy that I had it has really kept the severe pains away. Now all I feel during menstruation is discomfort. And my periods are extremely light. No more heavy pads and 7 day long cycles. My cycles have been longest 3 days and only require a liner. On the negative side..... I HAD clear porcelain skin. From the very first day of the pill I began getting 3 little bumps between my eyes. After 3 months my face looks like a pizza pie with every single topping on it. I have a breakout on every section of my face. Like another reviewer stated, I also gained 10lbs. But like her I am (was) underweight so I definitely don't mind."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Dogmom
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 29, 2020

"Love it. I have severe endometriosis as well as a blood clotting disorder so finding birth control options isn’t quite as easy. I’ve tried numerous birth control options including the IUD and nothing’s worked as great as norethindrone. I haven’t had my period since starting it and it’s helped HEAVILY with the endometriosis. Initial side effects are intense as your emotions are like you're pregnant. One minute I’d be happy then crying for literally no reason. That only lasted for a couple weeks. I am starting to experience minor cramping again Once every couple months since the endo is growing back but it’s not nearly as bad as it would be without it."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1 Report
  • amross
  • July 23, 2009

Femcon Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "This medication worked really well for a while to control breakthrough bleeding and regulate my periods. I recently started to bleed irregularly and experience more serious cramping. I just found out that my endometriosis has advanced and I have been upgraded to Nortrel 1/35. I'll try that for a while to see if that will help me while I am awaiting hysterectomy."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

Learn more about Endometriosis

Care guides

Symptoms and treatments

Medicine.com guides (external)