Norethindrone and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 4)

• con...
• June 29, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "This is my first month on the pill to help stop my periods. I was okay for the first two weeks of taking the pill, no problem whatsoever, apart from increases in cup size from a D to DD (also they feel fuller too, which can be very uncomfortable). I always take the medicine on time, until the third week, where I had to go on a trip, and I would end up taking the pill maybe like 20 minutes to half an hour later. And almost instantly after my 4-day trip, I started spotting, and a day later it switched to a full-blown period (cramps and heavy flow). It's been a week since all this began, and as of tonight it will be switching to week 2. I don't know if it's because I was a few minutes late or what, but this is very annoying."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 30, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "This has been one of the best birth controls for me. I don’t get any cramping, bloating, pain, weight gain, and my periods were very light and short (2-3 days). My skin was really clear. I don’t think it messed with my libido, but I do think it made me a lot drier during intercourse. I was on it for almost 2 years, stopped taking it because I was dealing with other health concerns, but thinking about starting back on it. The only inconvenience is taking it in the same time frame, but it’s the pill so..."

• Mar...
• March 17, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I'd been on the Nor-QD pill for many years without a problem. This year my insurance changed, and the pharmacy issued Sharobel in its place. I thought it'd be fine since it has the exact same amount of NORETHINDRONE. Wow, was I wrong! Luckily, I only got a three-month supply because I am quitting this pill. In two and a half months on this pill, I've had a period or bleeding every 5-7 days. It's not just bleeding; I get the whole deal: cramps, lower back pain, hunger cravings, crankiness, and bloating. My skin has broken out, I've been super irritable/moody, and I don't understand how the side effects can be so extreme for me when I previously was on Nor-QD for so long and experienced none of these things."

• NY ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 30, 2021

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Prescribed because fibroids and polyps (and probably pre-menopause) made the period flow unbearable. CONS: -If I don't take the pill at exactly the same time every day, I have 4 days of medium flow between cycles. Happened 3 times. Can't even be 20 minutes late or early. Felt like 3 periods in one month (every other week). -Cramps much worse than before. Still happen between cycles too. Often need Tylenol mid-sleep. -Clots huge unless I preemptively take Advil every few hours. -Breasts sensitive to the point of aching sometimes. -Period can be a week earlier or later than the previous one, so planning is impossible. PROS: -Actual period flow is slightly more manageable than before. -Spotting between cycles much less (sometimes not at all) unless I screw up my dose time. SUMMARY: If I take the pill on time with 100% accuracy, the period is slightly better. But my quality of life feels like it has declined due to the stress the side effects have added to it."

• Ban...
• June 27, 2019

Norethindrone 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."

• Lis...
• January 19, 2021

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I am 29 years old, and Errin gets an absolute no from me! After one week, I have had severe cramping for days without bleeding. Bloating so tight I can't move and very hard to get rid of. Headaches and hot flashes. Nausea spells throughout the day. The doctor recently told me I wasn’t a candidate for an estrogen pill and prescribed me this. However, I have never experienced any side effect worse than this pill: stay away!"

• Sky...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2019

Norethindrone for Endometriosis "It's okay, but not the best. Without birth control, my periods are extremely heavy, and I cramp so badly I can't move. I also have migraines. This has improved them a little bit, but compared to my on-the-clock bleeding, I am actually going to scream! I have been having my period for three weeks! Has never happened to me before!"

• ADG...
• July 23, 2015

Norethindrone 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."

• Avi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 3, 2021

For Birth Control "If I could go lower than 1 star, I would. I had to switch from the combination pill to the progesterone-only pill because of health reasons, and it's basically ruined my life. I started taking norethindrone in March of 2021, and by July, I had had my period 12 times; and I don't mean like light spotting, I'm talking heavy, painful, and lasting 5 days or more. My PMS symptoms are worse than they've ever been in my life (I'm almost 25), with extreme moodiness, awful cramps, gastrointestinal disturbances, extraordinarily tender breasts, and a MUCH heavier flow. I've also had about 4 yeast infections since starting, and I've developed moderate-severe acne on my chest. My only other option is a copper IUD, and based on the experiences of my family and friends, the potentially similar side effects, painful/invasive insertion and removal, I have zero interest in going with that. Because of this nightmare drug, along with several other personal reasons, I'm seeking a tubectomy."

• Avi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 3, 2021

For Birth Control "If I could go lower than 1 star, I would. I had to switch from the combination pill to the progesterone-only pill because of health reasons, and it's basically ruined my life. I started taking norethindrone in March of 2021, and by July, I had had my period 12 times; and I don't mean like light spotting, I'm talking heavy, painful, and lasting 5 days or more. My PMS symptoms are worse than they've ever been in my life (I'm almost 25), with extreme moodiness, awful cramps, gastrointestinal disturbances, extraordinarily tender breasts, and a MUCH heavier flow. I've also had about 4 yeast infections since starting, and I've developed moderate-severe acne on my chest. My only other option is a copper IUD, and based on the experiences of my family and friends, the potentially similar side effects, painful/invasive insertion and removal, I have zero interest in going with that. Because of this nightmare drug, along with several other personal reasons, I'm seeking a tubectomy."

• Sma...
• February 21, 2018

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I cannot use birth control with estrogen due to migraines. I have been on this pill for just over a year. At first, it was great. Mild or no periods at all. But about 8 months after I began taking it, I started having a period every 2 weeks. It is just as heavy and painful as it was pre-birth control. Not a fan of Heather anymore."

• McL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2022

Norethindrone for Birth Control "As someone who’s always suffered acne, heavy periods, etc., this is the first time my acne disappeared. I’ll get occasional bumps here and there (normal), but not like before. Also, my periods are lighter, and I don’t feel cramps. The only negative thing about it is I have to take it at the exact same time every day and occasional spotting, which is fine. I never really was a fan of birth control before until I got on Camila. This pill works wonders. I haven’t gained any weight either."

• aqu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 24, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Started Errin due to migraines from combination pills. Errin gave me cystic acne that does not respond to any treatment, which is very annoying, but I’m dealing with it because this is the only BC I can tolerate. Starting in May, I had a period at the beginning of the month and the end of the month, both 5 days long. (Pretty normal) No period the whole month of July or August, then 2 in September. One lasting 5 days and the other lasting 8. No period in October, and one in November. They consist of heavy clotting and very dark blood. The cramps are very uncomfortable. I also have constant breakthrough spotting, which is enough to fill liners. Very inconvenient, but this is what I’ll continue with."

• Big...
• June 13, 2022

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Took this birth control for 1 1/2 months, and it was the absolute worst experience I’ve ever had. I was prescribed this medicine due to a cyst that kept rupturing and causing me lots of pain. I’ve already had 1 ovary removed due to this, but the doctors didn’t want to remove this one. I bled the entire 1 1/2 months with cramps so bad that I took pain meds daily. I couldn’t even walk straight, the pain was so bad. Halfway through, I started producing blood clots the size of golf balls. They were so big I could feel them sliding out when I stood up. Finally, I was switched to SLYND and instantly stopped bleeding. I wouldn’t recommend this pill to anyone. It was the most miserable month of my life."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 23, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I was put on this because combo birth control made me super dizzy with migraines and throwing up. I was super nervous to take this pill because of the reviews. However, so far this is the only pill that has worked! I do have cramps randomly and I am bloated a lot. No migraines or dizziness! It does mess up your period though! Mine is never regular."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2013

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I asked my doctor to change my birth control because of migraines. He put me on Nora-Be, and after 3 weeks, I started with these side effects: cramping, bloating, breast sensitivity, trouble sleeping, itchy scalp, and constipation, and still had a few migraines. I was like that for 2 weeks and had the doctor put me back on the loretadine b.c. I used before for irregular periods. Would not recommend this medicine at all!!!!"

• Jes...
• November 10, 2017

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on the Lyza mini-pill for a year and a half now. If you are like me and are bleeding way more often than you're not, DO NOT listen to your doctor. I bleed for 3-5 weeks, and then I will get a week (maybe 2) if I'm lucky of no bleeding. I am constantly bloated and severely crampy. All I can do is lay with a heating pad to get some relief. And when I say bleeding... I mean HEAVY from start to finish. I use at least 3 super-sized tampons a day because I bleed through them. My doctor, however, says it's 'normal.' Idk what the hell their definition of normal is, but this is NOT it!"

• Mek...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 25, 2019

For Endometriosis "I have been on this pill for over a year. When I first started, my cycle stayed on for two weeks. My GYN increased my dose to three 5 mg tablets. This did the trick! I do NOT have a cycle at all. I do cramp severely about 5 to 7 days out of the month. I don't mind this because prior to the pill I had PAINFUL and HEAVY cycles. I literally had to wear a pad and tampon and still had leaks sometimes. I have lost 30 pounds with diet and exercise, so my 30-pound loss is in no relation to taking the pill. For those who are gaining, then diet and exercise may help that up. Norethindrone made my life a little better when it comes to the nightmare of the menstrual cycle."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Hated every moment of it!! Went to the doctor because of continuous abnormal bleeding from June 10 - August 8th, they prescribed me the norethindrone. I started it that day and have been bleeding nonstop for the past three weeks, with severe cramping and abdominal pain. Blood clots the size of my hand and lower back pain. There has been no break for me, and yesterday I had decided to stop the pill and feel remarkably better overnight."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "After a nightmare experience with an IUD, my doctor put me on ERRIN 0.35 strength birth control pills. I’ve been on it for two weeks now. It has improved my mood. I haven’t experienced any mood swings so far, I’ve had some spotting, but not heavy. I have been experiencing some headaches, cramping, nausea, loss of appetite, and exhaustion. I’m trying to hang in there because I do love the fact my mood has stabilized. The main thing I worry about is how tired I am. I feel very drained and bloated. I’m going to give it at least 3-6 months to prove to me, so I will be back with an update around then."

• clo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2020

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I wanted to use this pill, Heather, to try and minimize my period. All it did was make me feel extremely nauseated and couldn't poop ever, to where my stomach was cramping. It gave me the most awful acne I’ve ever had, and it took my period completely away, which wasn’t what I wanted. Being sexually active and not having a period is really awful for not knowing if you could be pregnant or not."

• Lor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2018

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I was on the Patch for 2 years and had almost no side effects, besides slight weight gain. I had no acne, cramping, mood swings, etc. My periods were super light and only lasted 3-4 days and were extremely regular. I had to switch though, because it didn't stick on very well. I can't take estrogen due to a certain kind of migraines, so my doctor prescribed Sharobel. I was fine the first week or two, no real side effects except that my boobs got huge. But ever since then, I have been bleeding heavily like every other week. I'm moody and breaking out, and the cramps are awful. I've been on it since January, and it has only gotten worse. Hoping that people are right and that my hormones level out and adjust to not having estrogen in another month or two..."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2020

For Endometriosis "I was prescribed Norlutate in December 2019 for stage 4 colorectal endometriosis. For the first couple of weeks, I experienced depression, crying, emotional instability, painful periods, and difficulty sleeping. My partner was able to convince me to give the medication time to work. I am very happy to say that by giving it time, the depression has subsided, I don't cry without reason, I am still moody but can feel it coming before I react to a situation unreasonably. I started meditating and stretching before bed, which helps me be in a better state for sleeping. As for my diagnosis, it's working - I no longer have bleeding rectally during menstruation, and the constipation is gone. I am no longer in constant pain - but manageable pain. It kind of sucks having a bit of acne at age 31, and a small amount of weight gain, but it's a small price to pay in order to have the quality of life back you desire."

• Rit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2018

Norethindrone for Birth Control "When it comes to birth control, it's different strokes for different folks. I'm over 35 y/o. I switched from combo pills to Camila 6 months ago because of the terrible side effects. Ever since I took Camila, I haven't had bad effects. No more high blood pressure, no migraines, no crazy mood swings, no skin rashes, no cramps, and the period is 3-4 days instead of 6-7 when I was on TriCyclen. The only side effect from Camila is the weight gain. I'm definitely keeping taking Camila."

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on this medicine since July 6th of 2016. Today's date is September 10th, 2016, and I'm still bleeding. The doctor took me off September 8th. I am cramping really bad, bleeding really bad too. My doctor said that it should stop by Monday, but this medicine did not help me. I think it was a waste of time to take this medicine. The one good thing about it, though, is that my sugar levels have went down since I've been off the medicine."