Norethindrone and Bloating: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2021

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I was trying to use this progesterone-only pill to regulate my hormone levels. I was told that I have PCOS and high estrogen levels, hypothyroidism, and hirsutism. I used it for 2 months. It helped slightly with my severe period pain, but I was still experiencing bloating and inflammation in my body when I was ovulating and before I started my period. It stopped my period headaches as well. The problem started when I was on my third month, and my period started like normal, but then a week later I started spotting with brown blood. Then, a week after that, I started bleeding again like I had a heavy period flow again. My doctor recommended that I stop taking it. Within 48 hours, my period stopped, but my bloating and pain remained for the rest of that week. It's been 38 days after my last period, and I have not had my period since then. I am used to taking birth control pills, so I am used to taking it on a regular basis. I never skipped days or tablets. Not sure what to say about this."

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

For Birth Control "I started taking this pill after being on Apri for 7 years. I had an aura migraine and had to go off of it, and my gyno recommended a progesterone-only pill. I started taking norethindrone and instantly started bleeding, which my doctor said was normal when you switch. After this went on for over a week, I called, and she said just keep taking it. I took it for the next 3 months with constant bleeding and bloating. I called at the 3-month mark and had another appointment, and when I went in, she talked me into staying on it for another 3 months. I had bad anxiety and calf cramps and gained 10 lbs in 5 months. I continued to bleed, which ruined so many underwear and my sex life and drive. I finally had enough and stopped taking this pill on month 5. When I stopped, I didn’t bleed for 3 weeks, then I started again. I went back to my gyno, and I now have limited options, so I decided to go off for a while to let my body go back to normal."

• Mur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been on Lyza for about three weeks now. I could no longer use estrogen because I started developing monstrous headaches and lost my sex drive while on NuvaRing. I was also bloated. So far, everything has been good. I do get nauseous after taking my pill, but I can live with that. It has not decreased my sex drive, thank goodness. So far, I like it. If I stop getting a period while on it, I will not continue, however."

• SEG...
• October 19, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I’ve been on this pill for about 2 months. I wanted to try a low hormonal pill to hope for no or less weight gain. Camila, by far, is the worst birth control I have been on. My period is light, but the duration is about 9-11 days. SMH! I’d rather bleed heavy for 3-4! The cramps are deadly. I’ve always had bad cramps, but this is different now. Oh, if you miss a pill by a few hours, you start to cramp and bleed. I haven’t experienced any major breakouts. My mood is pretty normal, except for when I’m cramping and bloating. NOW the weight gain is no joke. I’m sure it’s all water weight and bloat, but who wants that? I’ve gained 6 lbs in one month! My appetite has definitely increased for the worst. I’m a normal healthy eater, but all I want to do is snack."

• MJC...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 11, 2017

For Endometriosis "I really thought this was the perfect pill for me. I couldn't tolerate anything with estrogen because of migraines. Plus, I was getting really bad PMS and heavy periods. So last October, I started this pill. For months, it seemed pretty good. I only spotted a bit the first month, and my periods seemed better. I had unprotected sex a few times and did not get pregnant either. But exactly one year on since taking this pill, I gained 20 pounds-20!! This shocked me because most of my clothes still fit, and I only thought I gained a few pounds at most. So my body is basically carrying around a massive amount of water weight (!!), which has bad side effects too... I feel bloated and achy all the time, and sadly my PMS is still really bad! So I think I'm done!"

• GG3...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 26, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Can I give this pill a zero rating?! I started this pill back in July because I was having migraines with auras, and my doctor thought this would help. NO. This pill is awful. I had no migraines, but what I experienced was worse: acne breakouts all over my body, which I have never experienced before this pill, frequent spotting but no actual period, bloating and cramping all of the time, drastic weight gain, zero sex drive, foggy brain, and worst of all, it made me so moody. I'm an extremely bubbly person, and this pill made me mean and grumpy. I had zero tolerance and frequently snapped at people. I was tired all the time and depressed. I quit this pill a week ago, and I feel so much better already. I am my old self again."

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2017

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am glad I came across this page. I too have had a terrible experience with this pill. I started them to control my periods and abnormal bleeding, however, I have been bleeding for nearly 5 months with only a total of 16 days of no bleeding. They have been heavy and clotted. I was told that it would take three months for my periods to taper off, but it is just as bad now as it was 5 months ago. I have not experienced any weight gain, however, on the days when I was not bleeding, I was very bloated. I even went to a couple of doctors thinking that I may have a serious medical condition, but they found nothing. Now I know that I am not the only one who is having this problem. I have quit taking them and will be switching to a different brand."

• NoM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I am discontinuing this pill tonight! After starting this pill, I got cramps, and by the 3rd day, I had a full period with large blood clots. My baby is 2 months, and I noticed a lower milk supply and started fenugreek a week ago to try to build it back up. I have not had a period since I have been breastfeeding, which my doctor says is common. Then, all of a sudden, after starting this pill, I get one that is heavy, and I cramp terribly! Not only do I get cramps, but a strong pain shoots through my left abdominal area. No acne, but I am looking pregnant and feeling bloated! My mood swings are drastic, and I'm already emotional enough! I don't have the patience to wait this out, so I quit! I don't see it getting better anytime soon!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "After starting this birth control, I experienced mood swings of irritability and anger within taking the first pill. I also experienced severe bloating and bad acne. My milk supply dried up, which I was prescribed this pill to avoid decrease in milk supply. This is a horrible pill with horrible side effects."

• Mil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2022

For Birth Control "I am on my 4th month, and I am very unhappy. My mood is way down, often sad for no reason. I'm bloated and struggle to lose weight even in a calorie deficit and exercise, and I bleed all the time. 7 DAYS of bleeding followed by a 2 to 6 day break and then another 7 DAYS. I am so fed up. Right when the bleeding stops, I feel good again and hopeful, and then after a few days, the blood is back. I can't take it."

• Anonymous
• December 23, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "First day on the new pill and already experiencing horrible bloating, not to mention the massive amount of mood swings. I cried at least 3 times for no reason at all and snapped at my boyfriend, which I’ve never done, and we’ve been dating for almost 2 years. Not to mention the super depressive thoughts. I refuse to take it a day longer. Give me my old pack back, please!"

• Moo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 6, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had an ablation and tubal ligation in 1/2013 because of heavy periods. The first year and a half was amazing! Over the years, my period has been getting heavy again, and the cramps are worse than ever. In June 2017, I went to see my GYN because of the pain. He gave me a pelvic exam and said everything looked fine. He prescribed me 5 mg of Norethindrone twice daily and referred me to the radiologist. I have two small fibroids. The first 4 months were amazing, I didn’t have cramping, bloating, and no period! Between June and October, I lost 45 lbs and had tons of energy! By mid-November, things changed dramatically. I began having extremely painful cramps, night sweats, no energy, and no sex drive. We are now in March 2018, and everything is worse. Now, I’m having extreme mood swings, I’ve gained all of the weight I lost and then some. I’m so bloated all the time that I look like I’m 7 months pregnant. The plus side is I haven’t had a period since June, but I feel like I’m losing myself and my mind."

• Dra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2021

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been on Jencycla for 4 months now, and I am having a positive experience with it overall. My body had to adjust to it in the first month, but after that, it's been great. I have the Factor V Leiden mutation, which affects blood clotting, so I needed to take a non-estrogen pill. In the first month: 1. I became more prone to acne and had a major breakout. 2. My period was 3 days instead of 6. After that first month: 1. My acne cleared; I also started paying more attention to my skincare, so I have no idea if the acne cleared because my body adjusted to the pill or if it was the skincare routine or both. 2. My period is back to 6 days. 3. I now have little to no PMS/PMDD symptoms; this is wonderful. I used to get so depressed, irritable, moody, bloated, extreme hunger, and sore boobs before my period, but now at the most, I might just be more sensitive and a little sad. And still no sign of pregnancy! I would recommend this; please note everyone reacts differently."

• Mic...
• December 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on Lyza for 6 months. Experienced severe constipation and bloating before realizing this pill is the culprit. Been off the pill now for two weeks, and everything has returned to normal. Not worth the side effects."

• moe...
• May 13, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I was taking Glidess for about a year and needed a refill. Accidentally asked for Errin, which was my old birth control pill. I've been on it for two months and feel like I'm absolutely crazy! I'm crying all the time, feel bloated all the time, angry about things that don't matter, and depressed. I don't feel like myself. I don't feel like doing anything. I just switched back to Glidess and am on my fourth day. I still feel crazy, but hope in another week or so I snap back to normal."

• Anonymous
• May 7, 2021

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I am 22 years old, had been on a combo pill for 10 years because of dysmenorrhea/acne and have had good experiences for the most part. I have migraines with aura, so I had to switch to a progestin-only pill and was put on this one. Since starting this pill ~three months ago, I have had my period for eight out of the eleven weeks. And it has been heavy the whole entire time. The cramps I am experiencing are the same ones that put me on the pill in the first place when I was 12. Without changing diet, workouts, medications, stress level, my acne is worse than it has ever been; it is cystic, painful, my face is scarred and inflamed. I have ballooned with water weight and am so bloated because you guessed it, I am still on my period. My hormones are out of control. I have never experienced mood swings, but now I cry at everything and am so irritable. Also, the fact that this birth control is only ~60% effective in preventing pregnancy...??? Pull-out is 78%. I wish I could rate lower."

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2021

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I started taking Tulana 2 months ago. I absolutely hate it. I'm cramping all the damn time. Sleepy all the time, bleeding randomly, my boobs hurt like anything, and I'm bloated like a blowfish. I'm not taking not one more pill. The lack of options is saddening."

• Pun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Have been on this for a few days, 37 to go. My doctor prescribed it to prep my uterus for an ablation in May. So far, the bloating isn't as bad as I thought it might be, but the 'sad' feeling is bothersome and has zapped any and all energy I have."

• Anonymous
• January 13, 2022

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My doctor put me on this pill because I have chronic abnormal bleeding for the past 6 months. I have a few small uterine polyps that need to be removed. I wanted to take something to control the bleeding until I get my surgery. My doctor recommended this mini pill because it does not contain estrogen. This pill had the opposite effect on me, my bleeding got worse, passing large blood clots. I have severe cramps and need to take Advil constantly to control the pain, also, this pill has given me very bad bloating. I read that it contains lactose, and I’m lactose intolerant, and my doctor did not tell me that this pill contains lactose. I have taken birth control pills in the past and never had any reaction. I don’t recommend this specific Jencycla. I only took it for 2 weeks, and I’m going to stop taking it as I’m becoming anemic due to the severe bleeding I started to have while on the pill."

• Mom...
• June 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I just started the mini pill and am on my last week of the pack. I’ve had an increase in appetite, bloating, weight gain, sore breasts, constantly tired, cystic acne, and zero sex drive! I started spotting brown 2 days ago even though I’m not due for another week. Then I started cramping so bad I was doubled over in excruciating pain! I felt like I was literally in labor! Had nausea with the sweats, and then I started spotting heavier. I even took a pregnancy test to see if I was maybe miscarrying. Not pregnant. I’m dreading the thoughts of my actual period coming on. The pain lasted about a half hour. I took 4 ibuprofen and the pain subsided. It’s been 10 hours since that happened, and I feel strong cramping coming on again. I am NOT taking my dose today, or ever again. That being said, everyone is different, and we will all react differently to different medications. I was on Ortho and Ortho Tri years ago before having my daughter, and I NEVER had any side effects like this."

• Alb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2019

For Birth Control "I started taking this medication 2 years ago when I had my second child. I didn't have any side effects at the time except for lightheadedness and hair loss, but I have really thick hair, so it was refreshing to shed off some hair. However, about a year into it, I had awful cramps for one menstrual cycle; thereafter, I was having 2 menstrual cycles per month! I spoke about it with a gynecologist, and she told me it was the blood thinner I was also on, and I needed stronger birth control to control my cycles. That's when I had the lovely experience of dealing with the IUD. I only gave it about a month and had to fight to have it taken out. Since this April, I've been on and off the mini-pill. When my period would come up, I get bloated, and yesterday I thought I was having a stroke because the left side of my face felt heavy! I'm on this because I have a high risk of clotting, but with getting bloated because I'm retaining water makes me wonder if this is safe for me at all."

• lil...
• December 22, 2019

For Amenorrhea "I have been on this pill for about 6 days now. I have a heavy period with cramps to the point where I have had to go to the hospital. I am going on a vacation tomorrow, so I decided to take them. This is what I will say: you might have the SMALLEST amount of blood, but it is extremely not noticeable. You may bloat, but honestly, I did not bloat at all. They say that water retention will happen. I drink a liter of water a day, and I did not see that. I have PMD, and I have never felt this normal when my period is meant to be around the corner or starting. I did not get acne. Ask about the concerns with your doctor."

• Sur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2017

For Birth Control "Be wary of the comments you see here of people only giving the mini pill less than a month trial. I was prescribed the mini pill for birth control due to my history of migraines with aura. I am now 2.5 months in, and side effects are beginning to wear off. Between week two and week four, my skin broke out badly - it wore off after 2 weeks. My first period came on time and was a little lighter than normal, I have yet to have another period. Two to four weeks in, I suffered from bouts of vertigo and did fall a few times -> I got out of bed too fast, bobbing my head up and down to shave my legs in the shower, etc. Some abdominal pain, bloating, and increased hunger, but nothing too alarming. Give the pill some time and wait out the symptoms."

• Mal...
• September 19, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I switched from Vestura (generic Yaz) to Jolivette about a month and a half ago. I thought perhaps the Vestura was causing me to have a lower-than-usual libido. At first, I felt no different, which was to be expected as a switch can take time to kick in. Just after I started my second pack, I began to feel constantly and uncomfortably bloated. I read around and found that this severe bloating had affected many other users of Jolivette. It's unbearable and makes me feel like I'm always pregnant! I did take a couple of tests just to be sure I wasn't, and I'm not, just feeling super uncomfortable 24/7. I asked my pharmacy to switch me back to Vestura - the constant discomfort is not worth the possibility of a slightly increased libido."

• blu...
• November 18, 2015

For Endometriosis "After a PCOS diagnosis, Camila was recommended to me to treat high blood pressure and regulate my cycle. It has dropped my blood pressure considerably, but I either spot or have my cycle 80% of the time. I've gained roughly 20 lbs in 6 months and am bloated beyond period bloating. I only had 6 cycles a year before, so I was doing better without."