Ortho Micronor and Sore Breasts: What Users Say

• Mom...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 6, 2017

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. :)"

• Abl...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 27, 2015

For Endometriosis "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."

• gil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2016

For Birth Control "My doctor prescribed Micronor because I experienced depression and migraines with other pills. So far, so good - the first two months were totally fine, I didn't notice any changes to anything. This month I have had a little breast tenderness, but not significantly, and a couple of days of light breakthrough bleeding. I have regular unprotected sex and, so far, no babies... I'm happy with this drug and plan to keep using it until I want a baby."

• Aba...
• January 27, 2020

For Birth Control "Don't let reviews scare you, everyone's body will react differently to different types of BC. That's why there are so many types. I have been using Micronor for 7 years. The first few months, I had the regular side effects your body has when adjusting to the hormone changes (cramps, bleeding, bloating, tender breasts, etc.). After 3-6 months, my body was mostly back to normal. You need to take the pill at the same time every day. If you don't take your pill on time, breakthrough bleeding could happen. This pill is not for you if you cannot keep a consistent schedule when it comes to taking your BC. Irregular bleeding and inconsistent periods will most likely happen. Personally, it made my periods better since my cramps before would cause me extreme agony. Coming down to sex, I have used condoms, pull out, or full unprotected sex and no pregnancy. The pill is 91% effective, not 100%, so don't be upset if you get pregnant. Having sex always opens the chance of pregnancy."

• Nic...
• August 9, 2015

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

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!"

• Hds...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I've read a lot of the other reviews because I have been having trouble with anger and frustration, and it is over little things that shouldn't normally bother me, so I wondered if it was Micronor. I have been taking it for three months now. It's the first pill I have used for contraception, and like a lot of other women here, I was recommended this one because I have a history of migraines. My periods haven't stopped and aren't any heavier. I don't get cramps much anymore, so that's a bonus. No visible weight gain and no bad skin. The only thing I really noticed is breast tenderness for the first month, pretty much constantly, but it wasn't unmanageable. I think, give it time, it affects change over time."

• TTJ...
• December 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I am on this medication as I get migraines with an aura...preferred something I had control over vs. an IUD. No major issues-no acne, no weight gain, no pregnancy. Regular period. I have to take this pill at the same time every day (more than 15 minutes off can cause period to come early or not at all). That is my biggest complaint, however, set an alarm on your phone to remind you, and you should be fine. I notice my PMS symptoms are much worse since starting this pill (moody, nauseous, sore breasts, and bloated 1 week before period). My cramps are worse on this pill than before, however, completely manageable."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on this pill for 2 months now (2 packets). I have had 2 periods every month, very angry, moody, no patience, and my boobs constantly hurt really bad. I will not be taking this anymore. I am on the 3rd day into the pill where I’m supposed to be bleeding, and nothing. But the first or second active pill, I will start bleeding heavily, so I am stopping. I am backwards, and I can’t deal with a period every 10-12 days. I know it varies per person, it is just not for me. Best of luck to everyone else and thanks for sharing your experiences."

• Ash...
• March 20, 2014

For Birth Control "I liked my Ortho Micronor. I first started it because I was afraid of the combination pill. I don't like the idea of taking estrogen. When I first started, I noticed my breasts were slightly sore, but nothing too uncomfortable. It has a more strict timeline than the combination pill, and you have to be sure to take it around the same time each day - a 3-hour window. The more inconsistent you are, the greater the chance of breakthrough bleeding/pregnancy. I still got a period while taking Micronor, which I was happy about. That's my one true HEY-IM-NOT-PREGNANT flag. I stopped taking Ortho Micronor just because I wanted something more effective and hassle-free. I recently chose an IUD. If I have any problems with this IUD, I would most likely return to using this."

• Jab...
• February 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I am not allowed to take a combo pill because I have migraines. I started Micronor, and it has been terrible. I get my period every two weeks, my breasts are extremely sore all of the time, and I'm constantly spotting. I am also irritable, moody, and have cramps all of the time. Before I started it, my period was always on time...predictable to the hour it started. I don't think it's worth bleeding constantly and being irritable and depressed...so I have stopped. Back to condoms it is."

• Ilu...
• September 19, 2009

For Birth Control "I experienced a heavy period and breast tenderness at first after I switched from Ortho Novum 7/7/7. After the first pack, the tenderness was gone, my period went back to normal, and my sex drive increased. I like it a lot."

• aa9...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking Micronor for around 4 months now, it’s the first birth control method I have ever taken and was prescribed it because of a close family history of blood clots (caused by Yasmin), so estrogen-containing methods were a no-go for me. I’ve had very minor side effects, periods are always on time and regular with little bleeding, no spotting during the month, and my mood has stayed stable. I have zero cramping on my period, whereas before I started the pill, I would have a few mild cramps. However, I have started to have more common instances of dry eyes and very, very painful back pain that makes me feel as though I’m suffering from osteoporosis, as well as very mild breast pain and growth. However, these are side effects of the pill and could be expected. All in all, I’m thoroughly glad I made the decision to go with Micronor, as the side effects are very minimal, and I have not gotten pregnant."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I am taking Micronor for over a year now. My doctor prescribed it because I have bad migraines, which get worse with combination pills. I was super happy in the beginning because my migraines stopped completely, but over time the other side effects became worse and worse: my breasts are extremely swollen and painful, my husband cannot hug me, it really hurts, terrible cramps, spotting for 15 days nonstop, and mood swings. I had to stop, unfortunately. I'm not sure if Cerazette could be better, but it looks like it is about the same."

• ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2012

For Birth Control "I've only ever taken Loestrin Fe. My doctor urged me to switch due to my risk of stroke on Loestrin because of my migraines. I NEVER had any side effects. With Ortho Micronor, I'm all over the place! The first two weeks of use, my taste was off. Nothing tasted the way it was supposed to, and some things were a very muted version of their signature flavor. I have had mild abdominal cramps, but none during menstruation. But prior, I experienced severe breast tenderness. Not enjoyable at all! My period lasts a straight seven days at the beginning of a new pill pack. The very worst side effect: at about the third week, my head, face, and neck became extremely oily. If things don't even out, I'll be looking for a new pill."

• Hay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I started taking the Micronor pill after the Cerelle pill didn't agree with me. I was on Micronor for 3 weeks and had to stop it, I was getting different side effects, my breasts were so sore I could barely touch them, and I was getting cramps constantly (up to the point I was taking tablets every four hours). Then I started getting really weird cramps, which I can only describe as contractions. I felt hot and sweaty with these pains and felt like I was going to pass out. I stopped taking it after I had 3 of these attacks as it was making me feel unwell. Has anyone else had this side effect on the Micronor pill? I haven't had any since stopping this pill. The only good thing about it was it did actually stop the bleeding."

• Ban...
• June 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I like this 'mini pill' way better than the combo pills. A week after switching, I had a long period that lasted for about 12 days. However, after that, I didn't have a period again for about 5 months! When college finals stress came around, I got my period again twice, six weeks apart. Since then, things have calmed down and I don't have a period again. As far as other side effects go, when I first switched to this pill, I had some headaches and cramping for the first month, but those went away as my body adjusted. The only lasting side effect is that my breasts are swollen and tender a lot more, but it's not too bad. Plus, they look more full, which is not a complaint. I don't think this pill is helping my skin like the combo pills with estrogen, but it certainly isn't hurting it either. I do use condoms with this pill to prevent pregnancy, as it's not as effective as the combo pill."

• zuz...
• December 13, 2009

For Birth Control "After I started taking it, my breasts got so tender I couldn't even walk fast. Instead of not having a period, I had mine more than usual. After very bad three months, everything is good. But they are VERY SENSITIVE in timing. If I'm half an hour late taking them, I get my period! But not just time, but also STRESS, whenever I'm stressed or get very upset, I also get my period."

• Che...
• October 26, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started taking this pill about six weeks ago. The first couple of weeks I had a bit of bleeding, but I think that was partly my fault, not taking it at exactly the same time each day, but since I have, all has been well. My boobs seem quite sensitive but larger, so I cannot complain. All in all, I cannot fault it, no spots, headaches, or noticeable weight gain as yet."

• Col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I just started birth control again, and after a bad experience with the combo pill, my doctor recommended the mini or Micronor. While I have noticed a slight weight gain (5 lbs), my biggest concern is how tender my breasts are! Constantly tender to the touch, not just around the time I am going to start. I have no problem remembering to take the pill, my sex drive hasn't changed, and my periods are only two days long. I have experienced some acne, but besides the tender breasts and acne, I'm a happy camper. I'll most likely stay on this for a while!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2016

For Birth Control "The very next morning after I started taking this birth control, I started very heavy bleeding, which was accompanied by big, thick clots. I started it at my 6-week postpartum appointment after seeing the doctor, and everything was clear and looked good. I had not been bleeding at all. I am exclusively breastfeeding, so the only reason I decided to take this one. I have no doubts about its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, but I have only ever had a baby when trying. I think, personally for me, the side effects were too much. I was affected by so many of them in such a short time: increased hunger, nonstop bleeding, sore breasts, breaking out on my face, and I'm 30 years old, I don't need that. I saw the doctor again, and no problems still, just the pill. I stopped, and the very next day, bleeding stopped."

• Anonymous
• January 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this BC for 2 and a half weeks, and so far, the only thing that I have experienced is breast tenderness and more tired than usual. I'll give another update after a month. I take it at the same time every night, around 12 midnight."

• Mis...
• January 12, 2017

For Birth Control "I was put on Micronor 4 months ago because I had a headache with previous pills. I am about ready to stop this, also, last month I had breakthrough spotting for 2 1/2 weeks. This month, 4 days prior to the end of the pack, I developed abdominal cramps, I mean really bad, and a lot of breast tenderness. Now I've been bleeding very heavily with terrible cramps for 3 days. This is the worst!!! Confused."

• Anonymous
• August 13, 2019

For Amenorrhea "I have been on Micronor for 3 years. I have migraines with aura, so this was the only birth control possible for me at the time. I was 16 when I first started the pill and got very light spotting at first, then everything disappeared. I didn't get my period for 2 years, no PMS, no spotting, no nothing. I didn't gain any weight, no acne, no headache. It was bliss for 2 years, then anxiety came by. I had nausea all the time, and I didn't want to eat, so I lost 15 pounds in one summer (I was 18, 5'9, and 125 pounds before). Then around November last year, I started having my period again. Before the pill, I was regular and had little to no PMS, but now I had crazy nausea, headache, sore breasts, and bloating for a week before I got my period. Plus, it lasted longer than before and hurt so much more. Now, I get my period every 4 to 5 days, and they last 6 days. I will be switching to Kyleena (an IUD) soon. I'm giving this a 9 out of 10 because it gave me peace of mind for 2 years and I never got pregnant."

• SDa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on this pill for 22 days for abnormal, frequent, heavy periods. I'm 44 years old. I felt much sleepier than usual (which I don't mind, as an anxious person!) and my breasts have been large and very painful the entire time. I started spotting on the 17th day, and by day 18, I started a very heavy, extremely painful period that is still going strong on day 6. I never miss work and was in bed almost all day yesterday. This is a worse period than my usual, but the PMS was less bad, and it came an extra week later, which was nice. Not sure if I can continue though!"