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Norethindrone for Endometriosis User Reviews

Brand names: Errin, Camila, Jencycla, Incassia, Deblitane, Emzahh, Sharobel, Norlyda, Heather, Lyleq, Tulana, Affodel Gallifrey Norlyroc Lyza Nor-QD …show all brand names

Norethindrone has an average rating of 5.3 out of 10 from a total of 89 reviews for the treatment of Endometriosis. 40% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 38% reported a negative experience.

Norethindrone rating summary

5.3 average rating out of 10

89 ratings from 98 user reviews.

Compare all 63 medications used in the treatment of Endometriosis.

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Reviews for Norethindrone

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

Norlyda (norethindrone) "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."

4 / 10
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96 Report
  • Joy
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 17, 2020

Heather (norethindrone) "Before taking Heather, I had horrible pelvic pain and cramps and was experiencing several symptoms commonly found in peri-menopause. I finally have more than 6 hours of sleep every night. My foggy brain is getting better. I no longer feel pelvic pain and cramps like I used to. And my mood has improved. I no longer feel as fatigued as I used to. And most of the body aches I used to feel are gone! I had a little skin outbreak in the first month after I started using the pill, but it cleared. I would recommend this treatment to anyone who may benefit from it. It changed my quality of life for the better."

10 / 10
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60 Report
  • Fireb...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 11, 2020

Errin (norethindrone) "Errin is a medical miracle. I have been off birth control for quite some time and have started this wonderful medication. My sex drive is up, I feel so much energy, I'm excited for my husband to come home. So far, no bleeding or spotting. And I have been urinating like crazy, so it looks like I am dropping a ton of water weight. I'm excited to see what next month holds as far as my period goes. Thank you for whomever made this drug. My husband and I love you."

10 / 10
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45 Report
  • mandy...
  • May 9, 2021

Norlyda (norethindrone) "I’ve been on Norlyda (norethindrone) for almost 2 months now. My doctor prescribed it to help with my severe periods due to endometriosis, and I was bleeding insanely badly and having severe cramps. Ever since I started this, I have yet to have a period. I take it at the same time every day, the most I’ve gone is 12 minutes past my pill time. The only side effects I've had were some acne for the first couple of weeks, but now my skin has stayed clear, my breasts are slightly smaller, I am slightly more bloated (but I do have IBS and endo), and I had some trouble sleeping for like the first 2 weeks, but nothing crazy-just had a hard time falling asleep. I have depression and anxiety, and this medication has not affected it. I think the key to this pill is taking it at the same time every day. So far, I would rate it 10/10."

10 / 10
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39 Report
  • Tinker
  • April 2, 2020

"My ob-gyn started me on norethindrone following laparoscopic surgery to remove a 9 cm endometrioma from my right ovary and a 5 cm one from my left ovary. During the procedure, I was also diagnosed with Stage 3/4 endometriosis. I do not want to have a full hysterectomy as I am only 34 years old. I also did not want to do Lupron shots or take Orlissa. Since being on the mini-pill birth control, my moods have changed for the better, I am less irritable, and my anxiety/panic attacks aren’t soaring through the roof as much either. My first period on this medication was a lifesaver. I wasn’t reaching for the ibuprofen or acetaminophen like I normally would without being on anything. My period lasted 4 days (usually lasts 7 days). It has helped me become regular with bowel movements, and I’m less bloated. I also don’t feel as fatigued, and I have fewer migraines (when a migraine does come on, it isn’t as bad as they usually are). I have no complaints thus far with this birth control."

10 / 10
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41 Report

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  • kldn
  • June 4, 2008

Aygestin (norethindrone) "I had 3 surgeries in 3 years for endometriosis. Tried several different birth control pills and Lupron. I missed over 80 days of school each year for two years and then was homebound for several months the third year due to the chronic pain of endometriosis. After about 6 months on Aygestin and several doses, I was back to 'normal.' Since then, I have only had one surgery in 6 years. I have taken the medicine daily for 7 years, without it, I don't know where I would be."

10 / 10
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98 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 6, 2020

Heather (norethindrone) "I’m 47, and my OBGYN put me on Heather after I had issues with cysts and endometriosis about 2 years ago, and it has worked amazing for me in regards to pain. I don’t get my period as often now, and my pain went from a 9 to a 1 in about 6 months. It has been a life changer for me. I can’t say how well it works for actual birth control since I’ve never been able to conceive, even before starting this medication."

10 / 10
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34 Report
  • Kitty
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 26, 2016

Nora-Be (norethindrone) "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..."

8 / 10
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51 Report
  • Sarah
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 10, 2018

Camila (norethindrone) "I've been on Camila now for just about 4 months. This is actually my first time ever being on an oral contraceptive at the bright age of 30! I chose the mini pill instead of a combination pill, as it has decreased risk of developing blood clots (DVT/PEs). I work in an ER, so there was no escaping this unfortunately (scarred for life lol). Anyway, so far I have really had limited side effects. My sex drive is actually WAY increased, despite the labels saying it will decrease. My periods are somewhat lighter (this was my incentive for even initiating an oral contraceptive), and I am hoping that they will continue to lighten up with time. My cramps are somewhat less severe, also hoping for these to let up with time. No increased acne issues. No weight gain. I have felt some occasional feelings of tiredness and not really wanting to do much, but I'm uncertain if that is related to this medication or not. I would highly recommend this medication to a friend!"

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

Aygestin (norethindrone) "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."

8 / 10
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28 Report
  • J Bird
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 3, 2020

"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."

8 / 10
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26 Report
  • princ...
  • November 19, 2009

Aygestin (norethindrone) "Having no periods every month is wonderful, and all my pain from endometriosis has subsided. I feel wonderful, but I did experience quite a bit of weight gain with this medication, but in the long run, it is worth it."

9 / 10
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59 Report
  • HLN
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • June 12, 2014

"I have endometriosis and fibroids and had a terrible time last year when I visited my sister in Colorado. I was having horrific cramps that radiated up my back, in my butt, and down my legs. I ended up in the ER there and was told I may have had a cyst burst. I was told that higher elevations will make cramps a lot worse if you are not used to the elevation. When we drove up in the mountains, the cramps got significantly worse. They gave me some strong pain medication, but it really only made me groggy, and the pain was still there. When I came back home and visited my doctor, she put me on these. So far, it has been over a year, and I have had no periods, no cramps, and no pain! It's like a miracle! Unfortunately, I have gained weight though."

9 / 10
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44 Report
  • Ablos...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 27, 2015

Ortho Micronor (norethindrone) "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."

6 / 10
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39 Report
  • appen...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 20, 2022

Aygestin (norethindrone) "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!"

9 / 10
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14 Report
  • blondie
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 10, 2018

Heather (norethindrone) "Taking this medicine is a severe mistake. This drug does not at all reduce cramping, bleeding severity, or promote bodily menstrual regularity. Instead, after only 2 months of using it, my hair is falling out in the shower, my acne is severe, I've gained 11 pounds, and my anxiety is unbearable. This drug has caused me to have a period every 2 weeks since being on it, and with each period, I am vomiting and swelling up. My breasts are so tender that I cannot even put a bra on. I am entirely exhausted all of the time - something I never had an issue with until taking this medicine. I have an appointment first thing tomorrow to come off of this drug - what a nightmare."

4 / 10
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24 Report
  • Xano
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 4, 2019

"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!"

1 / 10
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22 Report
  • MissL...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 9, 2020

Aygestin (norethindrone) "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!"

4 / 10
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19 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 29, 2011

Camila (norethindrone) "I started this after my second lap surgery for my endometriosis. Had no problems the first month, but have now been bleeding nonstop for 6 weeks. I really liked the fact that I didn't suffer from the side effects that I feel with a typical combination pill (weight gain, nausea, etc.), but I cannot take the bleeding and pain anymore. I have had to take 2-3 pills a day to control the bleeding and am still experiencing spotting and cramps. I'm sure that this is the right method for controlling endometriosis for some women, but it is definitely not right for me."

3 / 10
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38 Report
  • Stale...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 14, 2021

"Be warned of the side effects!!! I was prescribed this medicine for fibroids, heavy menstrual bleeding, and possible Endometriosis. There is 1 plus side... I was supposed to get my period on June 8th and have seen no signs of it yet (today is June 14th) I've been on this med since May 25th. After only 2.5 weeks, I stopped taking it 2 days ago. My body does not like it one bit! I have nausea, shakes, diarrhea, insomnia, lack of appetite, blurred vision... the list goes on. Even though I haven't taken it in 2 days, I still can't sleep. It's 5:49 am as I'm writing this and I've been up all night with diarrhea. I can't wait for this med to leave my system. I really wish I had a positive experience because it did help with my menstrual cycle like the Dr. intended. I don't know what I'm going to try next. I think I'm just going to get a hysterectomy and be done with it. I'm 43 and have 2 kids."

1 / 10
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13 Report
  • Anonymous
  • October 11, 2012

Jolivette (norethindrone) "The longer I take it, the more I bleed. I've had unexplained hair loss. I've been on it for several months now. The first two months were fine, then the next two I had two full periods a month. Now I'm having three, with no end in sight of when I'll stop bleeding."

3 / 10
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33 Report
  • MLenore
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 17, 2020

"Have used it as Errin 4 months. Not sexually active but had an endometrioma removed about a year ago and was told this may help prevent it from happening again. The first month is pretty hard while my body adjusts to it. It makes me feel really tired and if I take it with just water and no food, I feel sick to my stomach. But after about the first 3-4 weeks I’m normal again. No mood swings or weight gain. 37 year old for the record."

9 / 10
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  • jenni...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 12, 2021

"I have been on this medication for over 4 years now. It did not come without its side effects and still does. But the pain I endured before was awful and while the side effects are first were tough to get through I am much happier now than I was living in pain. It takes at least 6 months to feel normal again. It's a tough go but it's a decent pill to prevent the pain and periods. Side effects I still have: Hot flashes Mood swings (take it everyday around the same time to help with this) Insomnia Night sweats Melasma (spots on face) Letheragic first few months and sometimes still occurs Dry vagina Painful sex Loss of libido"

8 / 10
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  • EHano
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 28, 2019

"So, so glad reading the reviews here that I am not alone. I was actually given this pill before I was diagnosed with endo. I proceeded to have heavy, EXTREMELY painful periods that would last for weeks. The mini pill gave me the most severe pain I have ever experienced in my life, not just with my menstrual cycle. It was that bad. Other issues: I had pain when I was ovulating, I'm pretty sure it was giving me cysts, hair loss (though that did start to alleviate around month 6), acid reflux, nausea, severe acne (and I already had really bad skin to begin with). Besides that it gave me pretty bad anxiety all around. I stuck with this pill for 9 months before calling it quits. My cycle never became regular, and I couldn't take the severe pain anymore. And I never had any issues with taking it on-time every day either, so that wasn't a factor."

1 / 10
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16 Report
  • Hope
  • March 16, 2019

Norlyda (norethindrone) "I was having awful periods & my side was always hurting even when I wasn’t on my period. I started taking Norlyda in October. I had adjustment bleeding mid-November that lasted a few weeks. Previously I’ve always had regular periods, but since starting Norlyda I haven’t. After the adjustment bleeding, I had my last real period in December. A week after, I had another “period” that lasted 3 days. I bled a little mid-January but since then none. Since starting the pill, I’ve had bad stomach problems & still had side pain. I stopped taking it the last week of February. It’s now March 16th & have started bleeding again. I don’t like that it stopped my periods all together. It didn’t help with my pain & I had almost constant diarrhea. I tried changing my diet, etc. & NOTHING made me feel better. Now that I’m off the pill, I haven’t had a stomach episode in about 3 weeks. My side still hurts some but it was no where like it was when I was on the pill."

8 / 10
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16 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.

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