Norethindrone and Depression: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been taking this birth control for about 6 weeks now. My doctor prescribed this to me because I was having horrible migraines with one I was taking before. I haven't had my period yet, but have been spotting randomly since I started the pills. I used to have regular periods, so I'm not sure if I'm going to get them at all anymore. Not having the intense cramping every month like I used to is nice, though. I haven't experienced any weight gain or hair loss. Side effects that I have noticed are emotional. I have been experiencing severe mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, and depression. I know that I'm not pregnant, but this birth control makes me feel as though I am. Not sure if I'll continue taking it, for side effects may not be worth it."

• Emm...
• April 30, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Absolutely horrendous, the worst birth control I've ever been on. It made me lose a lot of weight. Every birth control made me lose weight, but this one made me lose the most. I was only 8 st to begin with, so I couldn't afford to lose weight. It caused me to have depression over my weight loss, anxiety, sore chest, sore ribs, extremely hungry, moody, no periods, blurred vision, heart palpitations, and more. I am currently 1 week into not taking it and already feel better, my period has returned."

• jol...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 21, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I was previously on Ortho Tri Cyclen, which made me have weight gain, super bad mood swings, anxiety, and depression. I was then switched to Jolivette and have had no horrible side effects. I have noticed I haven’t really been able to lose the weight gained from my previous pill, but that’s the only downside. Other than that, I completely love this pill! I am back to the same old normal happy me. :)"

• kyl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "The pill is effective in the sense of I'm not pregnant, but I got a lot of adverse effects. I got switched to the Heather pill after my pharmacy didn't carry the generic version. After 2 months of use, I started to get some adverse effects. It started with random spotting every day, and I couldn't lose weight. They were irritating, but I continued use. It wasn't until I started getting headaches, becoming confused, and couldn't concentrate where it became a problem. I broke out in a rash for a few days, and I have been emotionless. I would say use at your own risk."

• Moa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2021

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Initially, it seemed like a great option for me, a 30s black woman with 2 children, taking the pill to prevent future pregnancy. I did rate it a 4 because it did prevent pregnancy, which was the main reason I took it. I have high blood pressure, so I can’t do the combo pill, but I took it for about a month and a half. The first thing I didn’t realize right away was the mood swings, irritability, and extreme depression - I’m talking about extreme depression, my thoughts were crazy, suicidal, fatigue, or not having energy to do anything. Then there was spotting for days at a time (started after week 1). Once my cycle started (week 6), I discontinued the pill 3 days into my cycle once I saw how much heavier it was. I’m now on day 7 of a med-heavy cycle (my cycle is typically 3-4 days long and light to medium flow). My hair is also thinner than usual. Do your research, ladies."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "The first few days on Sharobel birth control, I was constantly crying and depressed. This subsided a little bit when I switched to taking the pill before bed instead of in the morning. However, it has made my PMS symptoms worse, and it has increased my appetite substantially. I’ve gained about 8 pounds of bloat and pounds. I’m most likely getting off this pill. I don’t feel like myself on it."

• 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."

• 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."

• ack...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I had previously been on Ortho Micronor, the name brand for norethindrone, 0.35 mg, for 3 years. Then my insurance wouldn't cover it, so I had to go on Jolivette. After about a week of taking this pill, I started to experience heightened anxiety. It got so bad that I could no longer do simple day-to-day tasks, such as going to class or going to a restaurant. I was having panic attacks daily. It then got to the point where I was terrified to leave my house. I was also overcome with depression. This all happened within the first 2 weeks of taking this pill. It was too horrible to endure, so I stopped taking it. My mental health is still not 100% back to normal."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2018

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I honestly didn't even know all the issues I've been experiencing were due to Jolivette until I switched to Heather and was doing research to compare it to this one. I have had the worst side effects! I have literally gone completely crazy, had multiple psychotic episodes, I'm shocked my boyfriend is still with me too! I became super depressed, unmotivated, lazy, I was having night sweats so bad I would be soaked when I woke up. Insomnia like crazy. So glad I switched and definitely will never go back on Jolivette! It literally almost ruined my life."

• JLa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 3, 2021

For Birth Control "Have been taking the mini-pill for 10 months because I get migraines with aura. I was on the regular pill for about 7 years, then off the pill for 3 years. I had no issues until I started this one. I have been wanting to quit for some time since I started suffering again from severe depression and anxiety, and I bleed 20 days out of each month, minus one month that I did not get my period for almost 25 days (I thought it was heaven!). I also had severe cramping, something I had not had since my teens. My doctor said to keep taking it, and my body will adjust. However, it has been frustrating to the point that I am looking into an IUD since many friends have it and recommend getting one. The only positive is that the mini-pill does prevent pregnancy."

• Cla...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 18, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "After having my first son, I went on the mini pill because I was nursing him. I was on it for about two years, and the side effects were minimal. However, I'm on it again now while breastfeeding, and I've noticed a lot more side effects. The facial hair growth is ridiculous. I have to pluck my chin like once a week. I suspect it's also causing my moods to change. I feel manic depressive. I go from feeling great to feeling suicidal within the same two-hour period. Overall, it's doing what it's supposed to do. I haven't gotten pregnant. But maybe it's not worth it. Tracking my period and avoiding ovulation really isn't that hard."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I started this pill 7 weeks after having my daughter because I was breastfeeding. Did not notice a decrease in my supply. I have been taking it for 10 months. I've been suffering from postpartum depression and recently stopped taking the pill. I can tell a huge difference and it has been 2 weeks. Now that I think about it and read all these experiences, I see a lot of similarities. I’ve had horrible anxiety and depression, it’s been hard to lose weight! And I have experienced hair loss. I’m going to continue off the pill and figure out what next birth control I should use next."

• Min...
• November 19, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on Norethindrone for a month now. I was put on it because of uterine fibroids, where I would bleed so heavily at night I had to wear two very thick pads, and even then would wake up to have to change because I’ve gone through both pads. I was told that I wouldn’t gain weight, but have gained 10 lbs back that I worked so hard to get off the last few months. I have mood swings, depression, and bad acne. I am deciding whether to continue on this or get a hysterectomy, which will probably be my last option. I already have 6 grown kids and don’t plan to have any more. I would not recommend going on this unless you're really willing to deal with the side effects."

• Mel...
• November 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I started taking norethindrone (mini pill), and within two days, I felt emotionally awkward. This emotional roller coaster did not come on gently either; it came rolling in and took over my mind, my thoughts, my reactions. I became angry easily, and without a moment's notice, my emotions changed like the wind. There was sadness, crying, depression, emptiness, anger, and frustration. These emotional spells were only 20 minutes apart at the most! I was yelling at my children constantly until I realized it was the mini pill that was my problem. This is a horrible drug for me, and women should know the truth. After I stopped the pill, my emotional state became stable again. Wouldn't recommend this to anyone."

• Mel...
• November 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I started taking norethindrone (mini pill), and within two days, I felt emotionally awkward. This emotional roller coaster did not come on gently either; it came rolling in and took over my mind, my thoughts, my reactions. I became angry easily, and without a moment's notice, my emotions changed like the wind. There was sadness, crying, depression, emptiness, anger, and frustration. These emotional spells were only 20 minutes apart at the most! I was yelling at my children constantly until I realized it was the mini pill that was my problem. This is a horrible drug for me, and women should know the truth. After I stopped the pill, my emotional state became stable again. Wouldn't recommend this to anyone."

• Och...
• July 4, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I am twenty-two years old and I started taking the pill on the last day of my period (May 12th). I bled six to nine days later (May 18th - May 21st, can't remember exactly). I also bled nine days after that (May 30th), twenty-three days after that (June 22nd), and today is twelve days since then (July 4th). Every time it was heavy bleeding and has seemed like a period. There has been severe cramping as usual, and I feel awful, and it's worse because it's happening so much more than before! Each time I have bled has lasted two to seven days. This pill is frustrating because I cannot tell what is my period and what is the in-between bleeding! It seems to have worsened my depression, too."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I switched from Lyza to Nora-Be about 3 months ago and was told it was the same thing. Same hormone, dosage, and everything. But it does not feel the same, and I can't figure out why. When I was on Lyza, I felt even better than without birth control. But once I started the Nora-Be, I started feeling depressed within the first few days, and it just continued to get worse! I thought I would level out after some time, but no, it's still continuing to worsen. It is like PMSing 24/7 (including the cramps). An emotional rollercoaster ride that just won't stop, along with unexpected physical discomfort like joint pain, bloating, headaches, and it's even messing with my blood pressure! If you react sensitively to hormones, then this one may not be right for you. Although everyone's body reacts differently! I would recommend Lyza instead as a similar alternative for a more leveled experience (especially emotionally)."

• Jod...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 11, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My periods have been getting heavier since I turned 40. Well, this time I hemorrhaged, so they put me on norethindrone. 2 an hour to start the first day (I took 6) and then 3 a day afterward. By the 4th day, I was a depressed crying mess and thought I was going crazy. They warned me about the mood swings, but I never thought it would be anything like this. If you suffer from anxiety/depression, etc., please be careful. I had to stop the meds."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2017

For Endometriosis "I had the Skyla IUD for a year with no problems. I've actually recommended it to a lot of people. Unfortunately, after one year, my Skyla fell out of place and ended up somewhere it shouldn't have been. I almost needed surgery to get it removed. I've now been taking this pill for a few weeks, and I feel no different than how I felt with my Skyla. So far, I like this pill. I was put on this pill due to endometriosis, and I suffer from depression, so I need no estrogen."

• PCS...
• April 29, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I was on the minipill (POP) before with no complaints. This time was not a good experience. I had migraines several times a week for the duration of time I took this pill (4+ months). I cannot take the combo pill due to migraines, but POP never caused headaches before. I also had extremity pain-unusual for me. Labs came back normal, so I feel as if the pill caused or contributed to those pains. I never had a period at all. Other brands, I did have a light one, however, this may be an upside to someone else. I stopped taking this over 3 weeks ago and have not had any bleeding (not pregnant) or spotting. In the past, that came back within one week, so I’m not sure if that is normal or not, but it seems like others have a similar issue. I also felt extremely moody and even sad while taking this, which again is extremely abnormal for me. For me, this was a failure, and I would not take it again. Each person will have a different experience, so it’s good to read up and do research for yourself."

• bel...
• January 13, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been taking Lyza for almost a year now, and I've had the usual irregular spotting throughout the months! I used to be on Ortho Micronor, and I had the same experience. The only difference I've noticed is that the irregular bleeding went from one whole month of spotting to every other week! Has anyone else experienced this? Also, has anyone gotten depressed from this? I've been taking it for 11 months, and up until last month, it had no effect on my mood. But suddenly, I've been feeling pretty down, and I'm wondering if birth control could be a suspect..."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "LYZA BIRTH CONTROL. These are the worst birth control pills I have ever taken! I've only been taking them for a couple of weeks, and I feel like a crazy person. I've been crying (for no reason), been super depressed, my anxiety is terrible, along with daily headaches and breakouts. I realize everyone's body reacts differently to medication, but I've read nothing but negative reviews. I can surely attest to that. I wouldn't advise anyone to take these. Absolutely awful."

• k11...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 8, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had to stop taking the combination pill due to my migraines, so I was prescribed the mini pill. At first, it was great-I had one period a year while on this, less migraines, and I never got pregnant. Those are the only pros. Slowly, other symptoms started to creep in-more acne, anxiety (like questioning every little thing and debating if my fiancé and friends even like me!), episodes of depression, racing thoughts, low libido, dizzy spells, acid reflux became more intense over time...to name a few. The absolute worst side effect had to be the insomnia! When you have insomnia, it of course increases your anxiety and depression. I've been off of it for a month, and almost all of the cons have reversed except for the insomnia. Even my migraines stopped so far! I am hoping to correct the insomnia soon, but just beware!"