Nora-Be and Mood Swings: What Users Say

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

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!"

• Whi...
• March 10, 2017

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."

• col...
• June 10, 2010

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."

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

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."

• Anonymous
• January 15, 2016

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!"

• Dev...
• April 24, 2016

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!"

• Bri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 7, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on Nora-Be for 2 years now. I had tried other combination pills to help with my abnormal heavy bleeding and had adverse side effects (high blood pressure, mood swings, acne, bloating). There is no estrogen in Nora-Be, so my blood pressure went back to normal once I was on it. I find that my PMS is much more stable and my complexion even cleared up on it. No issues with weight gain or hair loss. It took about 6 months for my period to stabilize, but now I have a 4-day very manageable cycle instead of 7 days of extremely heavy and clotty bleeding. Nora-Be has changed my life! Highly recommended."

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

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."

• JDa...
• July 15, 2015

For Birth Control "25 yo married with no kids. I took Nora-Be for almost a year. Spotting and irregularity for the first 3 months, as expected. Periods became more consistent after that (and lighter), but I still had them every month (not a big deal to me). The thing I did have a problem with was the extreme mood swings and increased yeast infections. My doctor and my husband didn't believe me about the mood swings, but I knew I wasn't *really* that emotionally unstable! I kept going with it because I didn't stand up for myself until I went and spoke to two different pharmacists. They were the first ones to believe me about the mood swings, so I finally got the courage to stop Nora-Be. I am on a different POP (for almost a year now) and no more mood swings!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I started taking Nora-Be in January of 2018 for my periods (horrible cramps and heavy periods) and for birth control. Since I've been taking this, I haven't really noticed any bad side effects, except maybe my weight gain. In 16 months, I have gained 30 pounds. Other than that, I haven't had any bad mood swings, acne (other than what I normally have gotten my whole life). I can't take regular birth control with both hormones because there is a history of blood clots in my family. Overall, I like this medication, it's helped my bleeding and cramping so much."

• ADG...
• July 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I am on the third month of this pill. No pregnancy, which is the point, and no mood swings or weight gain. BUT ... I am having my period for the third time this month. First month went well, period came on time, lasted a week. Second month, same thing, but this month has been just more than obnoxious. I had my period, then nothing for two days, then slight cramps and another light period for another four days, then nothing for about five days, and yet again cramps today, and next thing I know, I'm bleeding again. Hopefully, this resolves itself soon. Outside of that, it is as if I'm not taking anything."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on Nora-Be for 4 months now. For the first 3 months, the spotting seemed never-ending. It would stop for a few days and then start again. It was so annoying feeling like I should always keep a tampon in, just in case. I've gotten increased acne, but not too bad. I've also had an increased appetite and gained about 15 lbs! Major bummer! I wasn't eating well either, but I've NEVER gained weight this fast! This past month, no spotting. My period actually came a couple of weeks later than expected. I almost thought I was pregnant. This pill was useful as birth control-2 stars for that. But now I've been experiencing mood swings and depression in overdrive. I cry so easily and so often now. I'm planning on trying the full pill."

• Can...
• August 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 26, and I switched from a combination pill to Nora-Be, and I hated it. I was on it for 7 months, and at first it was okay for the first 2 months, then I started having 2 or 3 periods in one month for 7 days at a time. I have had extreme mood swings, depression, and major weight gain. I don't use scales because they are discouraging, but if I had to guess, I would say I've gained 15 to 20 pounds, if not more. I eat healthy and exercise at least 2 to 3 times a week. I have decided to try out a diaphragm. I'm done with hormones. Ladies, these hormones are no good for us. Even though they are effective for birth control, it's not worth emotional and physical distress. My advice: try a non-hormonal method."

• Jes...
• September 15, 2016

For Birth Control "I was prescribed Nora-Be back in March of this year. Prior to taking this, I never had an irregular monthly cycle. Every month before, I knew my cycle like clockwork. I started taking Nora because I was recently married, and my husband and I were not ready for a child of our own just yet. Within the first few months, I hated it. I experienced acne, mood swings, and my cycle would come on at weird times and stay on for 7-10 days as opposed to my usual 3-5 days. I told my doctor I didn't like it, and she suggested I stick with it because it takes at least 3 months for my body to adjust. My cycle came on, and I have bled every day for 1 solid month. I trashed the pills and pray my body can eventually rid the hormone. Rids birth by preventing sex."

• emi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 29, 2016

For Birth Control "Horrible experience with this medicine!!! Now granted, I didn't get pregnant, so I guess you could say it was 'effective.' BUT the frickin' mood swings that go along with it!!! I was constantly worried about EVERYTHING. I would go from being in a great mood to down in the dumps, depressed within minutes. I would get so frustrated I would *embarrassingly* almost punch my husband during any tiny argument. I also had a headache almost every day. I have noticed a lot of reviews mention weight gain, I can't say I experienced that per se, but I do notice that after a couple of weeks off of it, I have stopped craving carbs as much. Good luck to ya if you do try this medication. Just monitor moods."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2021

For Birth Control "The worst birth control ever. Please read reviews and don’t be a know-it-all like me: 10 lbs, 100 mood swings, and 12-day periods later. This is by far the most awful experience I’ve had on birth control. I was encouraged to use this progesterone only because of my severe migraines and to prevent pregnancy. I would rather have the migraines and another baby than be on this pill. A man must’ve created it because it literally turns me into an angry fat mommy and spouse. Beware you’ve been warned!"

• Anonymous
• June 30, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "34 yo; overweight; PCOS: I went to the doc for BC because my PCOS was causing abnormal bleeding again. I wasn't prescribed a combo pill because I've had migraines before and was assured Nora-Be would stop the prolonged bleeding I was experiencing. Nope. My flow increased dramatically on day 3, I've had stronger cramps than I've ever experienced before, my whole body is swollen (feet and legs especially), my mood and energy have plummeted, and my frustration has increased. After much research, I've discovered that the progestin norethindrone is the worst kind for PCOS."

• Sta...
• May 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I stopped taking the depo shot due to the negative effects on my mood, weight gain, and sexual appetite. I was not on any birth control for about a year and then decided to try Nora-Be. I’ve been on it for about 3 months now and out of the entire 12 weeks, I’ve been bleeding for about 9 weeks. It is terrible. Not just a little spotting. No. BLEEDING. I’ve also had BV (bacterial vaginosis), which I’ve never had before. I also gained about 10 pounds in 3 months, which is scary. I am done with this pill. The only positive thing I have to say about it is that my acne has cleared since being on this pill. However, I also started taking a probiotic for the BV, so that may have been what helped the acne too."

• Lil...
• April 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 39. Have 3 kids. I had been using the NuvaRing for several years and loved it. No problems. But because of my age, having diabetes, my doctor put me on Nora-Be. I just got off my cycle, started this pill, and 3 days later I started bleeding again and have been for 5 days, and I mean extremely bad, going through a pad and tampon every 30 min. I have read other reviews and see this is common, but I have had mood swings, headaches, dizziness, cramps, bloating, increased appetite, and heart flutters. I'm not taking this BC anymore. I'm done having kids now anyway, so I think I'll just tie my tubes and not go through or worry about this anymore."

• Kay...
• February 21, 2018

For Birth Control "I started taking this after my IUD came out, and my doctor advised that this was a safe pill for me since I have a history of elevated BP. Upon starting to take the pill, my breasts became incredibly tender, and none of my bras would fit. After about 3 months on this, I gained about 20 pounds even while following a healthy diet and exercising regularly. I would also bleed every other week and had constant mood swings. It did its job, though, I didn’t get pregnant, but the side effects, I felt, ended up being too much for me to deal with."

• Mad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 14, 2019

For Endometriosis "I got on this Nora-Be pill maybe 3ish years ago. Thought it was helping my endometriosis. But my gynecologist and hormone doctor told me it wasn't great for helping endo. I'm taking progesterone as a hormone pill. Nora-Be has made my life change for the worse. Horrible acne, weight gain, and unwanted hair on my face. Also, my mood has changed since I've been on it. I stopped taking Nora-Be today, and I know once it gets out of my system, I'll be way better. In the near future, probably 2-3 months, I do want to get back on a better birth control that will help it better. I do not recommend this birth control to any women with endo. Does not help and makes things worse for you. I am 26 years old and without insurance right now. Without it, the pill for 3 months is over $130. Again, I do not recommend this birth control."

• Cca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2019

For Birth Control "After being on a combination pill for almost 8 years, my doctor wanted me to switch to a progestin pill due to the fact that I have a liver condition. While I protested, I switched. As soon as I switched, the first day I got acne, and the second I started to get major headaches all day that lasted until the end of the pill. The fourth day, my period started with HEAVY bleeding like never before, with huge clots, bad cramps, and crazy mood swings and depression. I called immediately to switch back to the combination pill as soon as possible. I might just be a bad case, but I'm just putting this out there to let others know it wasn't effective for my case."

• Ale...
• January 12, 2018

For Birth Control "By far the worst birth control I have ever taken! I'm 33 years old and have tried several brands and never reacted as horribly as I did on Nora-Be! It made me suffer from terrible migraines, bad stomach aches, mood swings, nausea, some dizziness, and all on a daily basis. The worst part of it was the humongous cystic acne it caused all over my face. Unfortunately, it was the only b.c. I could consume since I was breastfeeding, but after 4 months, I just had to put an end to my misery and discontinue it. Especially after the bad stomach aches that caused bloody stool. What the heck?! This pill should be illegal."

• nic...
• January 3, 2018

For Amenorrhea "So let's just start with the fact I'm trans (FTM) and that I was on another medication right before this. Went to my doctor to switch medication to stop horrible mood swings, headaches, nausea, etc. The Nora-Be was prescribed and started a period 15 days after my original December one. It's now day 7 of this period (mine used to be 3-5 days, mind that) and it's just rubbish. I was told it'd thin out my lining so then I don't have a period EVER again, but now I don't believe them and I'm gonna email my doctor about it because she said it WOULDN'T do what it's currently doing to me. She even said because it'd stop the periods, I'd stop feeling so much dysphoria around my gender... haha, that's a lie."

• All...
• February 9, 2016

For Birth Control "Awful. Horrendous mood swings. Depression. Anxiety. Night sweats."