Norethindrone and Acne: What Users Say (Page 5)

• SPQ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I just stopped taking the Camila birth control pill after 5 months. Initially, I did not have a period at all—this lasted approximately 3 months. Once I did get my period, I broke out in cystic acne all over my chin. There would be (on average) 5 large and deep pimples around my chin. No matter what I tried, these pimples would not go away. In addition, I gained 12 pounds in about 6 weeks. I run, bike, go to yoga, and eat the same foods consistently. I finally decided to stop taking the pill two weeks ago and switch to NuvaRing. My skin has already cleared up (I have one small zit now, and it’s almost gone), and my bloating is decreasing. Although this pill did prevent pregnancies, it was not worth the side effects."

• Nik...
• March 17, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been taking Lyza after being switched from my combination birth control at Planned Parenthood because of migraines. I had no problems with the old pill. Always had clear skin, and now I'm constantly broken out. 7 lb weight gain seems to be mostly in my belly. I feel extremely emotional. I took a few different combination pills over 20 years and never noticed any side effects. I'm hoping my body adjusts to the lack of estrogen and weight gain subsides, and acne clears up. I'm giving it another month."

• sno...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2023

For Birth Control "I started Mylan Norethindrone 0.35 in late Oct 2022 after a 13-year hiatus from birth control. The first week was great, I had no side effects at all. Then week 2 started and I bled EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. between Nov 2022 through Mar 2023 when I finally stopped taking it - 5 MONTHS STRAIGHT. They say it's just your body adjusting and can take 3-6 months. But to actually bleed every day for five months? And it's not like it was just light spotting. It was a period twice a month and then light bleeding every single day in between. The bloating was also constant, as was the acne that I had never had before in my entire life, I even broke out on my chest, back, and shoulders. Also, I weighed 130 lbs when I started the pill as I do personal training 3-4 times a week and eat clean. When I stopped taking the pill, my weight was up to 145 lbs. Final note: when I got my first period after stopping this pill, I had the worst cramps I've ever experienced, I was in so much pain I couldn't even stand up straight."

• Inc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2023

Norethindrone "I took it for a full three months. My boobs have gotten larger, and I've gained maybe five pounds (now 144 pounds). I have started having low blood sugar episodes when I haven't eaten. I get shaky and anxious during those, like I MUST eat. I have gotten some acne, and my libido is zero. However, this pill did regulate my period, make it much lighter than it was, and it alleviated the bad headaches I get at the start and end of my period. I feel the side effects outweigh the good (especially the weight gain and blood sugar issue). I am 50... hopefully menopause will come soon enough."

• Jas...
• March 22, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I started this pill 6 months ago due to my family history of clotting issues. I had mood swings, irregular periods, and slight acne issues the first 4 months, but everything has evened out now. The periods are regular now but less intense."

• Geo...
• January 19, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I was prescribed the pill after having frequent migraines with auras using my last birth control. Initially, the pill was okay, I didn’t get frequent periods, which was a plus, but my breasts were always sore and I gained weight. Gradually, the frequency of my periods began to increase. A year into taking the pill, my period comes monthly, lasting about 14 days, headaches are frequent, acne awful, I’m overweight, low sex drive, and breasts are always sore, and I am an emotional wreck. Each month I say I’ll stop after I finish this pack. Due to my blood pressure, this is my last option for pills, and I’m nervous about other birth control methods."

• Anonymous
• September 19, 2019

For Endometriosis "This pill is the absolute worst. I only took it for 3 weeks. It broke my skin out so bad. My cycle stayed in for 9 days or more, had heavy clotting, and spotted several days. I wouldn’t recommend taking this pill, find other alternatives for heavy cycles. For some reason, doctors say it takes a while to work, but it didn’t take long for it to have a negative effect on my body."

• DON...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 12, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I decided to give this pill a try, and I honestly HATE it. I have been on it for 10 months, and the only thing that was nice AT FIRST was not having a period. My periods stopped once I started taking the pill, and I haven't had one since. I used to break out a lot a few years ago, but once I got my first BC pill, which was a combined pill, I almost never broke out. Since I've been on Lyza, I don't think I have gone more than 1-2 days at a time without breaking out. I'll finally get it cleared up for one day, and then boom, the next day painful zits pop up. I've had enough, and I can't wait to get off this pill and go back to a combined pill."

• DON...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 12, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I decided to give this pill a try, and I honestly HATE it. I have been on it for 10 months, and the only thing that was nice AT FIRST was not having a period. My periods stopped once I started taking the pill, and I haven't had one since. I used to break out a lot a few years ago, but once I got my first BC pill, which was a combined pill, I almost never broke out. Since I've been on Lyza, I don't think I have gone more than 1-2 days at a time without breaking out. I'll finally get it cleared up for one day, and then boom, the next day painful zits pop up. I've had enough, and I can't wait to get off this pill and go back to a combined pill."

• Nur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2018

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I used to be on birth control for years to inhibit the growth of ovarian cysts. I stopped and was off pills for 6 years. Unfortunately, I am still very fertile, and as a single mom in a committed relationship, I did not want to have more children, especially since I will be 40 next year. I decided to try the mini-pill to avoid the effects of estrogen. This worked in that I didn’t get pregnant while on it, but it caused me pretty much every side effect. I developed acne on my face, my mood swings were crazy and very negative, my appetite greatly increased and I gained weight, I no longer had natural lubrication since my vagina became very dry, I noticed an obvious decrease in libido, and my breasts became very sore and tender the whole time on the pill. I did experience some very light spotting, but I wouldn’t have a problem with that if it weren’t for the other symptoms. Unfortunately, I’ll have to resort to another method of birth control. I had high hopes for this pill."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 21, 2018

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've enjoyed the non-estrogen birth control. I'm petite, active, healthy diet, and the only thing I take is this pill and no other medications. I have had a small increase in acne outbreaks and weight gain, but I'm also in nursing school, working, and planning a wedding, so I don't blame my birth control entirely on a little 3 lb weight gain or acne. I take a week off between each pack so my body can be natural and have a period, that is for my own health reasons. I overall am much happier with this BC than any other I have tried, and the risks are far less than the estrogen-based options. Also, it took time, as with all BC, for my body to adjust to new hormones and monthly changes that are from my would-be cycle. I recommend estrogen-free BC to all females due to decreased risks."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 14, 2019

For Birth Control "After a year taking this pill, I have experienced a downward spiral that I did not realize was caused by this pill. The first year it was okay. Periods were lighter, it was much better than the terrible cramps, vomiting, and heavy flow I was experiencing before. My skin was so clear. No weight gain. No mood swings besides slight PMS symptoms. All of a sudden this summer I had terrible depression despite things going great. I developed an anxiety to where I felt like I was literally facing a lion even though I was just walking to class. When even the slightest bit embarrassed or speaking to someone, my face would get flame red hot and flush so bad. Let it be known I am NOT a socially shy or awkward person. My acne came back FULL FORCE. Ten-day cycles persisted for months. And I bled for half of the month. I would cry all the time and feel sad and anxious. The only reason I'm giving it a 2 is because I never got pregnant at least. I'M DONE! I'm done with the mini pill as of today!!"

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "So far, so good! I was previously on Ortho Tri, but then swapped to the generic version, TriNessa, and it was horrible! I had breakthrough bleeding for like a month, then bad headaches, and I felt like I was going insane with my moods and feelings. I asked my gyno to switch me to something not so hardcore, and she prescribed Jolivette. It's been great! No breakthrough bleeding, slight headache (once in a while), bigger boobs, and sometimes I break out. Other than that, I’m doing okay on this pill. I started taking it mid-June, and I’m on my second pack, so I hope it continues to be the same all year. You have to remember to take it at the same time every day, set an alarm because it will not work if you’re late."

• Meg...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 5, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Well, I didn't get pregnant, thankfully, off Errin birth control pill. I always took the same BC since I was 14, with no issues. Turned 35 and had to switch but have now stopped taking Errin due to negative side effects. My hair and face get really oily fast. I've stopped having my period, developed cystic acne, and developed eczema since taking this BC."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 4, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I suffer from heavy bleeding on my period, and this was the only birth control pill that was able to stop it. Yes, that was amazing, but the acne, weight gain, depression, and overall change in my pH balance weren’t worth it. I suffered from horrible acne that I’ve never had before, gained 20 pounds, lost my boyfriend, and many of my friends because my personality changed completely, and I had BV monthly. So if you’re desperately trying to stop your heavy cycle, then this is the pill for you, but if you can’t handle the side effects that come with this pill, I would NOT recommend."

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 18, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I was put on this med back in 2013 as a trial and error. (I have a kidney disease and high blood pressure) - I was also suffering from heavy periods/ovulation pain. So I went on it and then stopped because it caused my BP to raise after 3 months. I then tried again in 2016 because I was already on a beta blocker. I have bad breakouts, low sex drive, bloating, periods are spotty, and went from every 28 days to 22 days. I'm very moody and emotional."

• Anonymous
• October 18, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've just recently restarted this BC. I took it for years after being switched from Kariva, which gave me migraines 4x a week. With Norlyda, I hardly get any migraines. My periods are few and far between, if any. My skin breaks out here and there, but I feel like Norlyda helps a little. I'm underweight for my height and wish Norlyda would help me gain a little weight, but it hasn't. Overall, good experience on this BC."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2018

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I had to change from a combo pill to Camila because I get migraines and the combo pill increased the risk of stroke. My face broke out worse than it ever has before. I never had acne issues, just an occasional blemish. Now I have acne on top of acne. I stopped Camila three weeks ago, and my face has not cleared up at all. I am forty years old and feel like a disgusting, oily teenager. I’m so upset."

• Kim...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 24, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I’m fifty, and I took Errin birth control pill for six months and just quit it due to side effects. I lost a lot of hair, which was extremely noticeable. You can now see my scalp through my hair from five feet away. I used to have thick hair, so this really affected me. I also had painful cystic acne around my mouth. I never had acne my entire life. Always had great skin. Now I have scars on my face. Lastly, lengthy, heavy bleeding during my period. It would last ten days and consisted of large clots of blood that would leak out past a tampon. It’s just not worth it. Avoid at all costs."

• Tay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 30, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "This is honestly the worst birth control I've ever been on. I've been on several types and have never experienced acne like I did on Nora-Be. I stayed on it for 9 months, hoping it would get better, but it didn't. It caused me to have painful cystic acne all over my face, the worst was by my mouth and chin. I had such bad cramps during my period that I was in tears. I just changed birth controls, and these symptoms have gone away completely. I don't know why I had such a bad effect from it, but please keep in mind you don't have to suffer for months like I did."

• Tay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 30, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "This is honestly the worst birth control I've ever been on. I've been on several types and have never experienced acne like I did on Nora-Be. I stayed on it for 9 months, hoping it would get better, but it didn't. It caused me to have painful cystic acne all over my face, the worst was by my mouth and chin. I had such bad cramps during my period that I was in tears. I just changed birth controls, and these symptoms have gone away completely. I don't know why I had such a bad effect from it, but please keep in mind you don't have to suffer for months like I did."

• And...
• September 29, 2015

For Endometriosis "I was prescribed this medication a month ago after finding strange cysts. It was supposed to stop my period. I had finally gotten my period down to 4 or 5 days, once a month, after my second surgery last year. But now I'm bleeding pretty much every day. I need to wear a pantyliner at all times, which is no fun. I still have endo pain. I've gained 6 lbs in one month. I keep snapping at people. When I'm not easily irritated, I'm extremely depressed. I've also been quite forgetful, but I'm not sure if that has anything to do with this medication since I haven't seen anyone else write about it. I tend to have breakouts, so I don't think that has changed. I hope that I won't be on this much longer."

• Foo...
• June 25, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I'm at the end of my 2nd month. First month was on the .25 dose. Gained 4-5 pounds in the first 2 weeks! I'm very petite and have been the same weight for 20 years, so this was a huge drawback. My doctor changed me to the .35 dose, and still the same weight but now more pimples and bled for 2 weeks. Also, I think this pill makes me feel kind of blah and empty inside. Could be environmental factors, but I think I'll be switching soon!"

• T T...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been on it for a couple of months. My cycle came 2 weeks early and hasn't stopped. I've been bleeding consistently for about 3 weeks. I've had a few pimples, which is unusual for me. My appetite has stayed pretty consistent. I haven't had access to a scale for a month or more, so I'm not sure if I gained weight, but my clothes fit the same, and I work out regularly, so I don't think I have. If so, I don't notice. If my boyfriend was squeamish about blood, I would be hating life right now. I've used the NuvaRing a while back, I didn't have any bleeding/spotting issues, but it made me crazy. I would cry for hours for no reason. I have felt mentally okay so far on Lyza, but I'm not sure how long I can take the seemingly eternal cycle."

• Mon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2021

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I had been on Depo for over 3 years and loved it, but had to stop due to being on it for so long. I tried a combo pill, and my acne and cramps were horrible. So my doctor switched me to a progesterone-only pill. I've been on it for a couple of months, and it seems to be working well. My body seems to only like progesterone. No acne, no depression, and sex drive is good. Usually only have cramps for 1 day, periods are heavier than I would like, but way better than not being on anything to control them."